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REVIEW OF POLARPRO FILTERS QuartzLine FX BLUEMORPHIC, GOLDMORPHIC, MIST AND SIGNATURE VND 2/5 Peter McKinnon

Every videographer and photographer will know what we're talking about when we say we're going to look at four FX lens filters in this video.

If you're a beginner and don't know what these are, today we're going to make it all clear. Let's get the products right up front. We've got four PolarPro filters and three of them are from the QuartzLine collection, the fourth filter is from the Peter Mckinnon collection. Every lens is different, so you can choose filters with different sized threads to fit your lenses.

We're going to start with the entire QuartzLine collection and specifically the PolarPro Quartzline FX BLUEMORPHIC. When we look at the box, we are greeted by a nice design that is also sturdy and won't let anything happen to the filter. At the same time, we have written on it what kind of filter it is and what thread size it has. Out of the box, we see the Defender360 filter case, which provides complete protection from the weather, giving a pretty solid impression. Underneath the filter case we find instructions on how to handle the filter and a silk cloth for cleaning. The filter has a brass frame, which also indicates the type of filter and which lens it is for; as does the case. On the glass of this filter we can see the blue stripes that create the desired effect. The glass is also protected by 16 layers of anti-scratch and anti-grease coating and a hydrophobic coating. And what will you use this filter for? The QuartzLine FX BlueMorphic filter is a lens filter that can bring a professional anamorphic blue highlight to your scene. All without having to use special stylized film lenses. The filter features blue streaks on the glass that just mimic the anamorphic effects of streak lights. These effects allow you to create streaks on bright light sources or reflections in a scene. With this filter, you can easily achieve a professional look to your anamorphic images without expensive equipment.

We continue with the QuartzLine FX collection, but this time with GOLDMORHPIC. The box, case and contents are the same for all filters, except for the model or collection description. Out of the case, we have the same filter in our hands only with different stripes, and compared to the previous one with blue stripes, this one is with gold, so with this filter we achieve a golden anamorphic effect of the lights. These two filters can be useful, for example, for scenes in clubs or for shots where you want to achieve an interesting effect of lights.

QuartzLine FX MIST. In the box we find a filter case, instructions and a cleaning cloth. Out of the case we have the filter, but unlike the previous ones it doesn't have a rotating body. Therefore, when you mount it on the lens, you won't have anything to rotate it with because it's not needed. The PolarPro Mist Filter from the QuartzLine series is used to create a slight haze or blur effect on the image. This filter can help reduce light hardness and remove sharp edges, creating a soft and pleasing look to your images. It can be used for portraits, landscapes and other types of photos or videos where a certain aesthetic effect is sought. The PolarPro Mist Filter from the QuartzLine series features high quality optical glass and resistance to scratches and other external influences, allowing professional use in all types of production environments.

The last filter we'll introduce is the Peter Mckinnon variable ND with 2-5 stops of power. The box, case and contents remain the same, except in this collection and in Peter Mckinnon you get an extra card with a link to an app that tells you when and how is the best time to shoot. The PolarPro 77mm Signature Variable ND 2/5 - Edition II is a variable ND filter that is used to control the amount of light that hits your camera or camera sensor. This allows you to maintain proper exposure and depth of field even in high light situations such as beaches, snowscapes, skies or when shooting with a very open aperture. This filter is equipped with a mechanism that allows you to easily and infinitely control the amount of light that passes through the filter. As a result, it can be used for different scenes and situations with different light intensities. In addition, the PolarPro 77mm Signature VND 2/5 - Edition II filter provides excellent image quality with minimal distortion and lack of color correction. This filter is often used for landscapes, portraits, architecture and other types of photography or video where the amount of light needs to be controlled without changing the exposure parameters. In conclusion, perhaps the only thing we can evaluate is that we have tried more lens filters, but we have never seen one this well made in this price range.

You can buy the PolarPro Quartzline FX BlueMorphic HERE.

For the PolarPro Quartzline FX GoldMorphic, buy it HERE.

For the PolarPro Quartzline FX Mist Filter, buy it HERE.

For the PolarPro filter from the Peter Mckinnon collection and the Variable ND model with a range of 2-5 feet buy HERE.

Could you use an extra display for your phone, tablet or computer?

We've got one for you, and we have to say that it can handle a lot of music for how small it is.

Today we're taking a look at the Feelworld DH101 10.1-inch portable touchscreen.

What do we find in the package? When you unpack the box, you'll find plenty of protective materials to keep the display safe. The display is wrapped, with a manual underneath, USB-C to USB-C, USB-A to USB-C, and HDMI to mini-HDMI cables. You can use this touch and thin display for work, but also as a monitor for tablets and mobile phones. The portable display supports many laptop brands such as Apple, Huawei, Honor, Xiaomi, Asus, Dell, HP, as well as Microsoft. It can also connect to mobile phones and tablets from Huawei, Honor, Samsung, Razer, LG, Oppo, Asus, HTC and Smartisan. It also works on a plug and play basis, so it doesn't run on a charger, but takes power from the device it's connected to.

How does it work? After you unpack the display and set it up using the integrated 90-degree bracket; select the cable that matches your device and plug it into the display's input one or two. The display should turn on and transmit the screen within 10 seconds. And what do we find on the display?

The display features an IPS panel with a 1280x800 pixel resolution, 900:1 contrast ratio, 160° viewing angles and 280 candela per m2 brightness, as well as a Mini-HDMI input and a pair of USB-C ports. There's also a 3.5mm headphone jack and USB-C Type 3 for connecting video sources, power, mouse or keyboard. There's an off/on button, control arrows and a menu button.

To simplify things, you can also customize the display, meaning you can set the colors, brightness, contrast, sharpness, placement, and size yourself or leave it to the machine. Your user experience is then enhanced by the integrated adjustable stand and built-in speakers. And it all weighs in at just 650g. The DH101 also supports touch control via USB-C cable on compatible phones, tablets and laptops.

For us, it's a great product that we can use in both our work and personal lives. The fact that the price ranges from 3 800 CZK adds a plus to this product. You can buy it HERE.

What is an SSD and what are its benefits

While SD cards are fine for storing smaller amounts of data, you usually need a more powerful calibre when shooting videos. And that's an SSD that can store large amounts of data quickly. What is it, what are its benefits and when is it worth choosing?

What is an SSD?

An SSD - solid-state drive - is a modern storage device that is the successor to magnetic hard disk drives (HDDs) that contain mechanical moving parts. However, SSD drives are nothing new, you would even find the first one back in 1976. But it's only in recent years that they've become so affordable that their use has spread massively among mainstream consumers; until then, only the military or space projects could reach them.

SSDs don't contain any moving parts, which makes them very resistant to mechanical influences and you don't have to worry about taking them out in the field. Instead, SSD cards have memory chips in them that make it easy and fast to write and erase data.

SSD benefits

That being said, SSDs don't have mechanical moving parts that could be damaged by being carried around, so they're very durable. Another indisputable advantage is the fast transfer, read and write speeds, typically 550 MB/s, so you can work with 4k video without any worries. SSDs also don't have a motor and are up to three times more energy efficient than platter drives.

When to choose SD and when to choose SSD?

When considering external storage for video recording, you need to consider the following:

- Speed: External SSDs generally offer faster read and write speeds compared to SD cards, resulting in smoother writes and faster downloads.

- Capacity: External SSDs generally have a larger capacity compared to SD cards, so you can store more video footage without having to constantly replace memory cards.

- Cost: The main disadvantage of SSDs is their high price. However, if you require reliable, high-speed storage, they are worth investing in.

- Power consumption: SSDs can require more power compared to SD cards, which can have a negative effect on battery life, especially for longer recording sessions.

- Compatibility: Last but not least, it's also important to make sure your recording device is compatible with your chosen external storage device.

In conclusion, the choice between an external SSD and an SD card mainly depends on your specific needs and video recording requirements.

What is an SD card and what are its types

Need to choose a memory card and don't know how to do it? Let's navigate through SD cards so that you make the right choice. Find out the difference between SDHC vs SDXC, as well as what write speed to choose to get the best results.

What is an SD card?

The acronym SD stands for Secure Digital and under this name you will find memory cards for phones, laptops, digital cameras and camcorders. With a memory card, you can expand the capacity of your device by up to hundreds of GB, as well as transfer data from one device to another.

SD card size distribution

You will commonly come across classic SD cards and the smaller microSD size, which is, however, perfectly full-size. The choice between a classic and a micro card depends on what slot your camera/camcorder has and what slot your computer has. So often a microSD and a reduction to a large SD are sold together.

Distribution of SD cards by capacity

While there used to be multiple types of memory cards on the market, today SD cards (and their smaller microSD variants) are virtually synonymous with memory for most devices. This is despite the fact that the original SD cards had a relatively small capacity and are virtually unused.

What types of SD cards are there?

- SD & microSD cards, which have a capacity of 8 MB to 2 GB, which is quite inadequate for today's needs.

- SDHC & microSDHC (SD High Capacity) cards, which have a capacity of 4 GB to 32 GB and are the successors to SD cards. You will find the minimum write speed markings already on them, which we will discuss later in the article.

- SDXC & microSDXC (SD eXtended Capacity) cards are the next generation of memory cards and have capacities of 64 GB to 2 TB.

So the fundamental difference between SDHC vs. SDXC and microSDHC vs. microSDXC is in their capacity as well as write speed.

Distribution of SD cards by speed

To choose the right card, it depends on what you'll be using it for. Shooting video in 4K resolution and above (or even RAW) is the most demanding and requires the fastest cards. Shooting is less demanding, although even there you shouldn't skimp on the card. It's always better to choose a slightly faster and larger card than you think you'll use.

You'll find several indications on SD cards that give an indication of their speed. Let's break them down one by one.

Class

For clarity, memory cards are divided into speed classes (Class). The class number lets you know the minimum guaranteed write speed. In terms of transfer speed, this is equal to or higher than the write speed on SD cards. For taking high-resolution photos, you should always get a card with a higher write speed to avoid delays.

UHS

The speed class doesn't stop there, you'll also find the UHS (Ultra High Speed) designation on the cards, which indicates that the card is suitable for cameras and camcorders with a USH bus. These cards are also compatible with cameras and camcorders without UHS, just not at their full speed.

What are the differences between them?

- SD without UHS can handle a maximum speed of 25 MB/s.

- UHS-I has a theoretical maximum speed of up to 104 MB/s.

- UHS-II supports a theoretical maximum speed of up to 312 MB/s.

- UHS-III supports a theoretical maximum speed of up to 624 MB/s.

Video Class

When purchasing an SD card for camcorders, then also look at the video class (Video Speed Class), which is indicated from the lowest V6 to the highest V90.

To get a clearer picture, check out the table where you'll find all the information lined up side by side.

HOLLYLAND MARS 4K REVIEW

Are you filming with a drone, camera arms on your car, or just want to watch the camera feed remotely without the need for cables? Then the HollyLand Mars 4K is for you.

Today we're taking a look at a new wireless transmitter from HollyLand called Mars 4K.

This range has a long history, but what's different? You've probably noticed that we have a design that takes another step forward, but still feels similar to its predecessors.

The receiver and transmitter have an almost identical design, but the transmitter has a red 4K emblem on it and the receiver has a blue 4K emblem on it. Let's take a look at what's in the box! After unpacking, the first thing we see is of course the manual; then the receiver and transmitter, the Cold Shoe, i.e. the sled, the spare antenna and the USB A to USB C adapter. We also have a power adapter with a reduction to a European socket.

TheHollyLand Mars 4K has a very solid construction with an all-metal shell and typical HollyLand style design. The Mars 4K has new antennas that other Hollyland devices don't have yet. Compared to previous antennas, they are shorter and stronger. The transmitter has an HDMI input, an SDI input and a cable power input on it. On the receiver we have one HDMI output, an SDI output and also an input for power over cable. We only get one charger in the box, and it's for the receiver, since you're supposed to keep the transmitter on batteries. Fortunately, the Mars 4K can also be powered by NP-F or USB-C batteries. On the other side, we have a color LCD display for easy parameter settings, a button to move around the display, an on/off button, and a USB-C charging port. Mars 4K has three modes namely: balance mode, speed mode and HD mode. At first, when you see the display, it looks like black and white, but when you press the button to control the display, you go to the color menu with the fact that the display is in high resolution and therefore, it doesn't matter that it is a little smaller than the Mars 400s, which is the previous model. From the bottom we have a thread to screw on a cold shoe, a sled that comes in the package, which can also be attached to the front with another accessory so you can mount the transmitter horizontally.

Using the Mars 4K is really easy. Just connect both devices to power either via battery or charger, and then connect either an HDMI or SDI cable to both the receiver and transmitter. Then turn both devices on. The receiver and transmitter should automatically pair. The time to turn on, pair and begin video transmission is around 35 seconds.

The HollyLand Mars 4K has a smart channel search function, so it will automatically help you select the channel that is most appropriate. Of course, channel selection can also be manually up to you, and what's great about these products is that when you change the channel on one device, the other will adjust itself within seconds. HollyLand lists a maximum transmission distance of 150 meters, which is 30 meters more than the previous model. However, this distance can vary indoors with obstacles or walls. The Mars 4K is compatible with the HollyView app as well as the new Mars M1 monitor. This app is very simple, clear and you can use it as a monitor.

This device can also connect to one hardware receiver and up to two smart devices simultaneously. Or it also goes to four smart devices at the same time. The HollyLand Mars 4K has an ultra low latency of 60 milliseconds. The SDI input has different video resolutions ranging from 720p to 4K and the frame rate here can be up to 60 frames per second. For 4K we can reach up to 30 frames per second. It's no wonder they are called Mars 4K because this is the first video transmitter from HollyLand that can handle 4K. HDMI is capable of transmitting at 4K and 25 or 30 frames per second. SDI only in fullhd, but taken at 50 or 60 frames per second. There's an exception though, and that is that if you have an HDMI input with 4K and an SDI output on the receiver, you'll unfortunately get 1080p out of it, because you simply and easily won't get 4K out of this device via an SDI cable.

For us, the HollyLand Mars 4K is a great video transmitter that is suitable for small production and offers some great improvements over earlier lines. The biggest improvement is definitely 4K, which is not yet present in the other lines and in this day and age where almost everything is in 4K this is already a necessity for all similar products. I'm sure you're wondering about the price too.

You can get this set starting from 18 900 CZK HERE.