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Lexar Professional SL600 portable SSD review
7:25 pm | April 9, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Lexar Professional SL600: 30-second review

Specs

Capacities available: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
Size: 112.6 x 59 x 10.6 mm
Weight: 64g
Enclosure material: Aluminum
Connector: USB 3.2 Gen2x2
Technology: 256-bit AES encryption with Lexar DataShield
Warranty (in years): 5
Rated R/W speeds (MB/s): Up to 2000MB/s
Software bundle: Lexar DataShield software

One of the major issues with the latest cameras is the significant amount of storage required for the files they produce, including both images and videos. Thankfully, products like the Lexar Professional SL600 portable HD are designed with speed, capacity, and durability in mind. 

The review sample, at 2TB, offers ample storage for most image and video shoots. With its USB Type-C connection, transfer speeds between the drive and the computer are sufficiently quick, allowing you to use this drive as both a mass storage and working drive if desired. 

The internal specifications highlight this as a great choice for imaging professionals, but there are also design considerations that attract users on the move. 

Firstly, like any of the best portable SSDs we've tested, the lightweight and compact design makes it easy to transport without adding excessive weight or bulk to a kit bag. Then there's the full metal case that adds durability. However, what really stands out is the carabiner loop that allows you to securely attach the drive to an internal backpack pocket, preventing it from getting lost. 

With such a great design and solid, high-quality build, it's a shame that Lexar didn't go a step further and produce this drive in a brighter, easier-to-locate colour or include a writable surface for easy labelling. 

In terms of performance, the drive delivers impressive results on both Mac and PC systems, even if it performs lower than Lexar advertises.

Lexar Professional SL600: Price & availability

Lexar Professional SL600 Portable HD

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Lexar Professional SL600 Portable HD is widely available at most photographic and video stores, such as B&H Photo and Adorama, as well as on Amazon.com.

  • Value: 4/5 

Lexar Professional SL600: Design & build

Lexar Professional SL600 Portable HD

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

This small portable SSD immediately stands out with its distinctive all-metal casing and integrated carabiner loop at the top - if you're looking for the best external hard drives for Mac, this one certainly has the pleasing focus on design aesthetic you'll find with Apple devices. The size and weight mean it easily slips into a pocket, making it convenient to transport along with the rest of your gear. The sleek black design is nice and understated, although something a bit brighter may be more practical in the field. However, this design allows you to loop it onto a bag hook, making it a bit more difficult to misplace compared to similar-sized portable SSDs.

The simple design is complemented by a USB Type-C connector, which facilitates both data transfer and bus power to the drive. Lexar has ensured that the drive draws minimal power while still providing decent performance, so along with the drive, the only other accessory you need is the connecting cable.

Once connected, the drive is recognized quickly and comes formatted in the universally recognized ExFAT format, which can then be reformatted to the file system of your choice. Included on the drive is the Lexar DataShield software, which takes a few seconds to install but then enables you to apply password protection to the drive, ensuring the contents remain secure in the event of loss or theft.

  • Design: (4/5) 

Lexar Professional SL600: Performance

Lexar Professional SL600 Portable HD

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Benchmarks

CrystalDiskMark: read: 1036.38MB/s Write: 952.34MB/s
AJA: read: 953MB/s Write: 857MB/s
ATTO: read: 984.62MB/s Write: 914MB/s
AS SSD: 956.14MB/s Write: 230MB/s

Out of the box, it only takes a few seconds to connect the USB Type-C cable and plug it into your intended computer or device. Once installed, the drive is instantly recognized by most systems and comes pre-formatted in the ExFAT file system. Before reformatting into a more suitable file format for Mac or PC, there's the DataShield software on the drive that can be installed and enables you to add file encryption to the drive. This software is available for both Mac and PC and is incredibly easy to install and understand; really, it's a one-time setup unless you need to change the password again in the future.

The drive features a USB Type-C connector with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, which means that under the right conditions, it has the potential to max out the transfer speed at 2,000MB/s. During testing with a MacBook Pro 16" M1 and Intel Nuc 9 Extreme Ghost Canyon, the real-world transfer speeds were closer to 1,000MB/s, which is still good but well below the speeds documented by Lexar on the packaging.

In use for file transfer, the drive's capacity of 2TB provided ample storage for image and video files, with 140GB of data taking around 3 minutes to transfer, which is quick. Used as a storage drive, the 2TB of space allows for plenty of flexibility. Likewise, used as a working drive, the aluminium case and build quality help keep things cool. When used to edit 4K video, the drive coped with an intensive workflow without issue; although it did generate some heat, it wasn't overly hot to the touch.

While the drive didn't quite live up to the quoted transfer speeds, it proved to be an exceptional drive for use in the field. The carabiner loop is a really nice touch that is both practical and adds to the drive's visual appeal.

  • Performance: 4/5

Should you buy the Lexar Professional SL600?

The portable drive's 2TB of storage is substantial, and with the USB Type-C connection, the Lexar SL600 manages to keep up with the speed required for video and imaging workflows. The transfer speed is excellent for downloading and storing image files, even if it could be better to live up to the quoted speeds.

Likewise, used as a working drive while out and about, the drive performs well, providing fast access to files required for video editing in 4K. If you're running any of the best video editing laptops. the best video editing PCs or the best video editing Macs, this is bound to be a useful addition to your set-up. 

What really stands out is the design of the drive, with the quirky carabiner hook nicely integrated into the solid and robust aluminium casing, giving the drive a great look. While the style is sleek, the dark grey matte finish can make it difficult to locate in a kit bag, even when tethered to an internal hook, and a bright fluorescent version would be handy. However, the flat surface of the drive does make it easy to label and attach Velcro, so the drive can be monitor-mounted if needed.

Considering the price and features, this drive is outstanding, even if it can't quite live up to the quoted transfer speeds.

Lexar Professional SL600 Portable HD

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

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We tested the best business laptops - and these will pair great with the Lexar Professional SL600 

OWC ThunderBay Flex 8 review
7:04 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

OWC ThunderBay Flex 8: 30-second review

Specs

Number of Bays: 8
Mechanisms Supported: 3.5-inch SATA drives, 2.5-inch SATA drives, 2.5-inch U.2 drives (top 4 bays only), NVMe M.2 drives (via U.2 adapter), 2.5 inch SAS drives (requires SAS card, not included), 3.5 inch SAS drives (requires SAS card, not included)
RAID Levels Supported: RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 4, RAID 5, JBOD RAID
Features: Software RAID Expansion Slots: 1 PCIe 3.0 x16 physical, x4 electrical, full-height, half-length, single-width Memory Card Slots: 1 CFexpress 2.0 Type B, 1 SD UHS-II Power Delivery: 2 Thunderbolt 3 Ports (15W, 85W) Device Ports: 1 Host Port - Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) up to 40 Gb/s, 1 Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) Port, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Port up to 10Gb/s, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A Ports up to 10Gb/s, 1 DisplayPort Port Display Support by Port: DisplayPort 1.4: Up to 8K @ 60Hz or 4K @ 120Hz, Thunderbolt 3: Up to 5K @ 60Hz or 4K @ 60Hz
Dimensions: Height: 34.9 cm (13.7 in), Length: 39.0 cm (15.4 in), Width: 14.9 cm (5.9 in)
Weight: 9.2 kg (20.26 lbs)

Working with the latest cameras, both stills and video is an expensive business. OK, the hardware is a known outlay, but then you have to consider the files these cameras produce and where to store them. While larger studios may be well-equipped with IT engineers who will sort out your server rack and storage, in a small photo or video studio, it's usually left to the individual.

That's where the OWC ThunderBay Flex 8 comes into play, as a fully configurable all-in-one storage solution with both the capacity for fast access and archival storage, albeit also fast access. Essentially, the OWC ThunderBay Flex 8 is a RAID-ready enclosure with eight bays for storage media. This media can be configured in any way you like, with a mix of SSD and HDD drives; for example, our review sample shipped with four 2TB SSD drives configured as a Stripe RAID 0 and four 4TB HDDs in RAID 5.

This configuration works on two levels: the first is that the NVMe SSD part gives you fast access, and the HDD part gives you slightly slower access. Then both are configured in RAID so that rather than multiple drives, you just have two, one for fast access and the other to back everything up on. In an ideal scenario, you'd have two more solutions, one NAS with even greater storage kept elsewhere on site and, finally, a cloud storage solution such as Backblaze.

Once the drives are inserted and configured using the OWC SoftRAID 8.0 software, you're set to go. This software must be registered at the time of purchase, and after the initial three years, it can be purchased separately.

In use, the enclosure is incredibly quick, matching the speed of my internal MacBook Pro SSD with ease and enabling the fast, lag-free editing of 4K video in any of the best video editing software. In our tests, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Premiere Pro, all worked without a glitch. What's really impressive is that over a sustained period, the storage is always ready and data is easy and fast to access. It's also nice that the entire system is so simple; for the complexity of the storage solution that it offers, there really is very little to it.

If you're in the video business and need a solid storage solution for the best video editing PCs, the OWC ThunderBay Flex 8 offers both fast-access working storage and large-scale backup storage. An outstanding choice. 

OWC ThunderBay Flex 8: Price & availability

OWC ThunderBay Flex 8

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The OWC ThunderBay Flex 8 is widely available and can be purchased as an empty enclosure or configured with the drive configuration that suits your needs. Along with the enclosure, you also receive the superb SoftRAID software, which enables you to configure the drives exactly as needed and in the RAID configuration that best suits your work requirements. This software must be registered at the time of purchase, and after the initial three years, it can be purchased separately.

  • Score: 4/5

OWC ThunderBay Flex 8: Design & build

OWC ThunderBay Flex 8

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The OWC ThunderBay Flex 8's physical design resembles the compact MacPro 5,1 or the cheese-grater-style Macs that were once commonplace in most video and photo studios. Its robust design facilitates easy lifting and movement, enabling it to be placed on a trolley or packed into a Peli case for transport to shoot locations.

The enclosure, crafted entirely from metal and finished in matte black with a subtle OWC logo, exudes durability and professional quality. It's designed to withstand frequent transportation and use and acquire a characterful patina of scratches and bashes over time, emblematic of its reliability and robust construction.

Externally, the top-right secured access panel allows entry to all the drive bays, accommodating U.2 NVMe drives, M.2 NVMe drives with an adapter, or SATA/SAS drives, offering extensive flexibility. The front panel includes two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports and one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, all backwards compatible, alongside a CFExpress Type-B card slot compatible with OWC Atlas Ultra and Pro cards.

All these ports and connections make this a very powerful hub that will become core to your computing. One of the nice features of the design is that the Flex 8 can provide 85W of PD to a host computer, such as a MacBook Pro, helping to cut down on cables and additional chargers and packs. 

A single kettle-type power cord at the rear negates the need for an adapter. Additional features include a display port for connecting an extra monitor and two Thunderbolt 3 ports, which maximise performance when connected to a computer. To avoid performance issues, it's crucial to use a Thunderbolt cable, not a USB Type-C cable.

The front's perforations and a large rear fan facilitate airflow through the system. The fan noise is noticeable yet easily overshadowed by ambient sounds in a typical workspace setting.

  • Score: 4/5

OWC ThunderBay Flex 8: Features

The OWC ThunderBay Flex 8 is engineered for professionals who need storage offering both speed and capacity. It is designed to accommodate various drive types, allowing for a storage capacity of up to 172TB, ideal for large video files, extensive databases, or massive archives. With speeds reaching 2,750MB/s, the device caters to the demands of fast-paced environments such as video editing or content creation, where time is critical. The ability to mix and match drive types enables a balance between speed and capacity.

Advanced RAID support through SoftRAID 8.0 simplifies complex data management, providing robust options for data redundancy and optimised performance. The extensive connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, and USB-A ports, along with DisplayPort 1.4, transform the Flex 8 into a central hub for multiple devices, displays, and peripherals, supporting up to 8K resolution for detailed and expansive visual workspaces. This emphasises that the ThunderBay Flex 8 can act as a hub for all your creative needs, bringing all your accessories together in a neat and organised manner. The OWC Dock Ejector software further enhances this by enabling an easy and safe way to eject all devices from a machine, saving time and helping to ensure drive integrity.

Further enhancing the ThunderBay Flex 8 are the front SD 4.0 and CFexpress card readers, enabling quick media transfers and immediate access to files. The inclusion of a PCIe slot adds a layer of future-proofing, allowing for additional hardware upgrades or specialised cards to suit evolving professional needs. Some of those hardware upgrades that the PCIe slot enables are the ability to add a video capture card, additional PCIe storage, or additional I/O like USB if desired

As a docking station, the ThunderBay Flex 8 streamlines the workflow, offering an efficient and organised workspace by connecting and powering various devices. Its protective post-production solutions, especially for U.2 NVMe drives, ensure safe and reliable data transport, addressing the challenges faced in many production environments.

  • Features: 4.5

OWC ThunderBay Flex 8: Performance

OWC ThunderBay Flex 8

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Benchmarks

AJA System Test Lite:
HDD Read: 681MB/s, Write: 657MB/s
SSD Read: 2972MB/s, Write: 2797MB/s
CFExpress Read: 809MB/s, Write: 759MB/s
SD Card Read: 244MB/s, Write: 182MB/s

The OWC ThunderBay Flex 8, with its 8TB of SSD storage, has proven highly effective in handling 4K and even 8K video editing in Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve. AJA System Test Lite benchmarks revealed impressive read and write speeds of 2972MB/s and 2797MB/s, respectively, showcasing its capability to support high-resolution video workflows seamlessly when connected to a MacBook Pro M1 16". These speeds are crucial for working with large files typical of 4K and 8K footage, ensuring smooth playback and editing without lag, even with extended timelines.

The ThunderBay Flex 8 serves as reliable storage in integration with editing software like Final Cut Pro X, facilitating real-time editing and color grading. The high-speed NVMe SSDs enable direct work with raw footage, including processor-intensive Log3 formats. Performance limitations stem from the MacBook rather than the transfer speed of the ThunderBay Flex 8. This allows for efficient handling of footage from various cameras in different formats, enabling faster overall workflow through multiple conversions and renders.

While the HDD speeds are slower than those of the SSDs, they still deliver a respectable 861MB/s. This is suitable for 4K video editing and ideal for backup storage due to the lower cost per capacity. The HDDs' RAID 5 configuration ensures data safety, allowing for easy replacement of a drive without data loss.

The ThunderBay Flex 8 also shines as a connectivity hub, integrating devices like 4K monitors, control consoles, and memory cards into a cohesive editing suite. However, the lack of an HDMI port (Although an adapter can, of course, be used) and a front-facing Thunderbolt port slightly limits connection options, which, while not a significant issue, is notable.

The unit's fan noise is present but not overly disruptive, and it can be mitigated by placing it under a desk. However, the acoustic design could be improved for quieter operation. An informational screen for monitoring system health and power draw would be beneficial, especially for on-location shoots where power management is crucial. During testing, the ThunderBay Flex 8 was connected to a Bluetti AC200 power station, and while the average power draw could be calculated, having real-time data would enhance usability.

The OWC ThunderBay Flex 8 stands out for its high-speed data handling and comprehensive storage solutions. It proves to be a valuable asset in professional video editing environments. The combination of working and backup storage in the same unit, coupled with the SoftRAID software for swift monitoring, makes it an impressive solution.

One of the most impressive points is the simplicity of the all-in-one approach. It's a RAID-configured system optimised for speed, making it an ideal platform for video editing. On the other hand, it's a mass storage device with huge capacity potential that's ideal for backing up all your video projects, again in RAID so everything is kept safe. The Flex 8 is also offered as a hardware RAID for users who require a hardware rather than software RAID solution.

If the working drive with fast data access and storage capacity wasn't enough, it also enables you to use it as the hub of your workstation so everything connects, centralising your resources and making life extremely easy. there are small ways that you could see this expand for greater flexibility with more users in a production workflow. Still, with shared drives and AirDrop, this system works impressively well, and when integrated into a larger backup solution, in reality, there really is little here to fault. 

  • Performance: 5/5

Should you buy the OWC ThunderBay Flex 8?

If you are a professional requiring high-speed, high-capacity storage for tasks like 4K or 8K video editing, the answer is a resounding yes. Its ability to mix and match drive types and configurations, coupled with robust RAID support and extensive connectivity, makes it an ideal choice for those needing a versatile, reliable storage solution. However, for users with less demanding storage needs or tighter budgets, it may be worth considering less expensive alternatives that still meet their performance requirements.

OWC ThunderBay Flex 8

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

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Microsoft is confident in Windows on ARM, will hold an AI PC reveal on May 20
6:19 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: | Comments: Off

Microsoft will reportedly hold an event in Seattle on May 20 to detail its vision for its "AI PCs". The event will be on the day before Microsoft's Build Developer Conference kicks off. CEO Satya Nadella will discuss the company's "AI vision across hardware and software", TheVerge reports. Citing sources familiar with Microsoft's plans, the report states that Microsoft is confident its new ARM-powered Windows laptops beat Apple's M3-powered MacBook Air in CPU performance and AI-accelerated tasks. Microsoft is reportedly banking heavily on Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon X Elite ARM-based...

OWC Thunderblade X8 review
5:23 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

OWC Thunderblade X8: 30-second review

Specs

Capacities available: 2TB to 32TB
Size: 29mm x 192mm x 124mm
Weight: 676g
Enclosure material: Aluminum
Connector: Thunderbolt 3
Technology: NVMe M.2 SSD
Warranty (in years): 3
Rated R/W speeds (MB/s): Up to 2800MB/s
Software bundle: SoftRAID

There are plenty of great storage solutions out there, many boasting incredible transfer speeds and features. However, the power and versatility that the OWC Thunderblade provides are far removed. Initially, the full metal heat sink-style casing and otherwise simplistic design may seem a little understated for a drive that costs as much as it does. But, available in capacities from 2TB up to 32TB, it offers options that might not suit every budget but will cater to those needing ultra-high performance and reliability.

Inside are eight M.2 SSDs that deliver the performance required by production teams working with the latest high-resolution video files. The drive can be tailored to the job's requirements, from logging to transfer to editing, and its solid build ensures it's tough enough to survive life on set or in the post.

Many factors make this drive stand out. Throughout the test, the ability to daisy chain the drive with any of the best external hard drives and storage media ensured a smooth workflow. With just two Thunderbolt ports and a power socket on the back, connection options are simple, and the drive is ready to be used with Mac systems. The OWC SoftRAID software on the drive enables you to configure it to the RAID type you want. This software must be registered at the time of purchase, and after the initial three years, it can be purchased separately.

Once you've selected your RAID option, in this review 0+1, you can begin using the drive. Here, the performance is outstanding. Using an 8K video shot on the Canon EOS R5 C, the drive delivers footage to a MacBook Pro M1 without issue. Transfer speeds are close to those quoted by OWC, and after four hours of editing and then rendering, both the machine and drive remain warm rather than hot to the touch.

We've tested many of the best portable SSDs, and as far as desktop storage solutions go, there are plenty of this size and speed, but rarely together in such a reliable package. For anyone working in video production, this drive might seem expensive, but it's going to save you both time and money.

OWC Thunderblade X8: Price & availability

OWC Thunderblade X8

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The OWC Thunderblade X8 is available directly through OWC and can be configured to meet your work's needs. Alternatively, off-the-shelf configurations can be purchased from photo and video specialists such as B&H Photo, Adorama, and Film Guys.

  • Score: 4.5/5

OWC Thunderblade X8: Design & build

OWC Thunderblade X8

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Thunderblade X8 is simple in design, with its heavyweight aluminium case protecting internal drives and electronics. Although this relatively small desktop hard drive requires AC power, it is designed for video and photography production. The drive comes with its ballistic hard-shell case, helping to keep it protected while being transported around the globe.

Connecting the drive for the first time is very simple. You use a Thunderbolt cable to connect the drive to the computer through Thunderbolt 3, although it is fully backwards compatible if needed. Furthermore, daisy-chaining further drives or devices, whether from OWC or others, is also perfectly possible.

Once the drive is connected, SoftRAID is included with a free three-year sign-up for software management, after which an extension can be purchased. This software enables you to set up the drive in the RAID configuration of your choice; for this review, that's RAID 0+1, which offers an ideal combination of speed and security for drives with more than four drives. In the case of this review unit, there are eight NVMe drives totalling 16TB; once the drive has been configured, this gives a capacity of 15.36TB and appears as a single drive on the desktop.

A nice feature of the SoftRAID software is that you can check the health of the drives that make up your RAID configuration. You can also adjust the configuration if needed, although you would, of course, need to clear the drives of content prior to changing the RAID configuration.

  • Build: 4.5/5

OWC Thunderblade X8: Performance

OWC Thunderblade X8

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Benchmarks

AJA: Read: 2979MB/s, Write: 2652MB/s
Blackmagic Disk Speed Test: Read: 2575MB/s Write: 2812MB/s

The Thunderblade X8 setup process is reassuringly quick: The drive is removed from the ballistic hard-shell case, plugged into an AC power outlet (in this case, a Bluetti AC60), and then connected to a MacBook. Throughout the test, the drive was powered by a power station and connected to a 16" M1 MacBook Pro with 64GB of RAM and a 1TB HD.

Initial tests involved using the drive as an on-site solution for logging footage from various cameras, including Canon R5 Cs and Sony A7 IVs, mainly shooting 4K log video. The speed of downloading from CFExpress Type-B and A cards was incredibly quick, with 140GB of files copying across to the drive in just over a minute—a significant time saver on set.

The footage was then organized and arranged, ready for an initial edit, with the footage being accessible like any normal drive, making the process of editing directly from the drive fast and glitch-free.

During rendering, the drive and computer worked robustly over several days without issues, maintaining an issue-free workflow, which is almost unheard of. Throughout the editing process, the lack of noise was noticeable by its absence, although the drive was notably warm to the touch.

Over a two-week duration, the drive was put through its paces, used on set, and during the coverage of the Photography and Video Show at the NEC, proving to be a valuable companion to any of the best video editing PCs or the best photo editing PCs for professional creatives. The drive's speed and reliability are hard to fault. It's worth noting that while the drive is relatively compact, it isn't designed as a throw-it-in-your-bag portable drive and should be seen as a professional storage or working drive solution that requires external power.

Durability is another strong point, which is crucial for equipment used on set. The drive's all-metal design is incredibly robust, and the solid-state drives inside offer additional protection against substantial knocks and bashes. OWC's experience with professionals is evident in their design choices, including the inclusion of the ballistic case, which further adds to the drive's protection in transit. From build to use, the performance of the OWC Thunderblade X8 has been outstanding.

  • Performance: 5/5

Should you buy the OWC Thunderblade X8?

When you work in video production, storage is key to several parts of the workflow, from the initial logging of footage—essentially the downloading and organizing of the video footage—through to editing; a decent storage solution is incredibly important. Away from the more obvious use as an external hard drive for Mac and Windows, video editors working remotely with cloud footage will often require a fast drive cache. There are often occasions where video files have to be transferred from one location to another, and the physical drive is still one of the fastest ways. For all these uses, the Thunderblade X8 absolutely hits the mark.

The build quality is superb, and this is matched by unbeatable performance that is beyond any other drive I have seen. For video production purposes, this really is a step above anything else on the market, and you will obviously pay a premium for it.

OWC Thunderblade X8

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

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Don't buy it if...

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Motorola confirms April 16 event for Edge 50 series announcement
5:23 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

Motorola will finally unveil its Edge 50 series in full on April 16. The company went live with a teaser on X for the unveil, tagged 'Intelligence Meets Art'. We see beauty in every detail. 04.16.2024 #hellomoto #edgefamily #smARTphone pic.twitter.com/AqBgQA8Iib— motorola (@Moto) April 9, 2024 The event will likely bring a trio of Edge 50 smartphones. The first member already debuted in India - the Edge 50 Pro - and was just confirmed to be coming to Europe on April 16. Here are its specs highlights - a 6.7-inch 144Hz OLED, triple camera (50MP 1x, 10MP 3x, 13MP ultrawide), Snapdragon 7...

InfiRay NV2 Car Night Vision system review
5:03 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: | Comments: Off

InfiRay NV2: 30-second review

Specs

Night vision range: 650 feet (approximately 200 meters)
Response time: 0.1 seconds for driver assistance system
Weather compatibility: Suitable for nighttime, foggy, and rainy or snowy conditions
Detector certification: IATF16949 Vehicle Regulation System
AI calculating capability: 4 TOPS
Resolution: 256×192 pixels
Field of View (FOV): H40°
Power supply: DC 12V (car-mounted cigarette lighter)
Waterproof grade: IP67 for thermal imager, IP54 for the host in the car
Dimensions: 95mm width, 111mm length, 51mm height (NV2 host); 36mm width, 27mm length, 31mm height (thermal imager)
Weight: <500g

The InfiRay NV2 Car Night Vision System is an aftermarket setup that essentially allows you to see in the dark while driving. Systems similar to this have been fitted on some manufacturers' cars in the past, such as the Mercedes S-Class, although this system is just the camera and not the built-in infrared lamps.

Upon arrival, the InfiRay NV2 Car Night Vision System requires installation into your vehicle, a process much like fitting car parking sensors or the best dash cams, albeit less invasive. The camera mounts just above the license plate, or you can attach it to the grill if there's room. The installation involves feeding wires through the engine bay and into the dash and cabin of the car or van. For some vehicles, this process is extremely easy; for others, more is needed. Haynes manuals offer a great selection of guides that cover most cars and vans and should show you how to remove panels correctly.

Once installed and switched on, the small dash-mounted unit provides a clear black-and-white view of the road. As soon as anyone moves in front of the camera, up to 200 meters away, the AI in the system recognizes them and sends alerts, the same for cars.

In the dark, this system really comes into its own, alerting you when someone steps out onto the road ahead, thus drawing your attention to them even if you don't see them.

If you drive at night and find it difficult to see some obstructions, or if you like the idea of having a night riding guide that can see the road even if you're dazzled by oncoming lights, the InfiRay NV2 Car Night Vision System is a great addition to your night driving toolkit.

InfiRay NV2: Price & availability

InfiRay NV2

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The InfiRay NV2 Car Night Vision System is widely available from automotive stores, as well as through Amazon (US) and directly from the InfiRay website.

  • Score: 4/5

InfiRay NV2: Design & build

InfiRay NV2

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The InfiRay NV2 Car Night Vision System requires some installation effort before use. The system comprises two main components: the display and computing unit, which sits on your dashboard to provide visual and audio alerts about potential road hazards, and the IR camera, mountable on your bumper or grill. These components are connected via a long wire, with power supplied through the 12v socket (cigarette lighter).

The initial installation duration varies, taking approximately 3-4 hours depending on your proficiency with car maintenance, but this can decrease to about an hour for the experienced. In this review, the system was installed in a Ford Transit Custom on a temporary basis, noting that permanent installation may involve drilling and screwing into the bodywork.

Completing the installation involves affixing the display unit to the dash, routing one cable to the 12v power supply (and potentially installing an additional socket for tidiness), and running the other cable for the camera through the dash into the engine bay. In the engine bay, I secured the wire away from moving parts with zip ties, routed it around the bay, and through the grill where the camera was mounted near the license plate.

Once installed, operating the InfiRay NV2 Car Night Vision System is straightforward: simply flip the screen up to turn it on and remove it from standby mode, then adjust the volume as needed.

  • Build: 4/5

InfiRay NV2: Features

The InfiRay NV2 Car Night Vision System distinguishes itself with impressive features, notably its AI-assisted driver assistance, which reacts in 0.1 seconds. We've seen some interesting AI tools recently, and this one is certainly an eye-catcher. It provides visual and audio alerts for objects like cars, animals, or people and functions well in adverse weather conditions such as fog, rain, and snow. It offers clear visibility up to 200 meters.

Designed to endure various environmental conditions, the NV2's camera is dustproof and rainproof, mounted on the car's exterior front. Its infrared thermal image sensing unit captures clear images in total darkness, utilizing IR light, which bypasses common visual impairments like glare, reflections, and haze that affect human vision.

The NV2 boasts intelligent features such as collision warning, target detection and classification, lane line detection, and distance and speed calculations to improve driving safety. Its high-strength protective lens cover and automatic defrosting function, which can be controlled via the dashboard display, ensure consistent visual quality under different conditions.

Technically, the NV2 supports ease of use with interfaces like GMSL for video, FAKRA for physical connection, and I²C for communication, ensuring compatibility with various vehicle systems. It operates on a DC 12V power supply, with a low power consumption of ≤ 6W or ≤ 9W with defrosting activated, minimizing its impact on the vehicle's power system.

  • Features 5/5

InfiRay NV2: Performance

InfiRay NV2

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Starting with the NV2 is straightforward. When the small screen is flipped up, it powers on and exits standby mode. Upon booting, it displays a black-and-white live image of the street ahead, doubling as a parking camera.

An additional feature is the MicroSD/TF card slot on the back of the unit, allowing for the recording of camera visuals. These recordings are a sequence of images rather than video, providing a useful post-journey review tool.

In daylight, the NV2 enhances road awareness, highlighting vehicles in front with colours changing from green to red as you approach. It provides visual alerts and audio warnings for moving traffic ahead. The system also detects and alerts to the presence of people and animals, with onscreen overlays and beeps, revealing how easily such details can be missed while driving.

The audio aid proves invaluable, especially during twilight or in areas like the New Forest, where various animals and pedestrians suddenly appear. The system's ability to detect obstacles at a distance is impressive, spotting animals and other potential hazards well before they become visible to the naked eye.

At night, the NV2's capabilities shine. It detects animals with overlays and heat signatures, accompanied by beeps to highlight their presence. The system effectively sees through high beams, fog, and haze, offering an enhanced view of the road ahead, although it should not be relied upon solely for navigation in such conditions.

In urban environments, the audio alerts are particularly useful for identifying potential risks, allowing for quick reference to the screen while maintaining focus on the road.

Overall, while installation can be somewhat complex, the NV2 significantly improves visibility and situational awareness, making it a valuable driving aid both day and night.

  • Performance: 5/5

Should you buy the InfiRay NV2?

Firstly, it's important to note that the installation of the NV2 should not be a deterrent. A proficient fitter can install the system in 1-2 hours, although this can depend on the vehicle. For example, fitting it to a Nissan Leaf might be better suited for a professional rather than a DIY approach.

Secondly, the NV2 should be regarded as an aid, not a replacement for normal driving visibility compromised by light, fog, haze, or other factors.

In practice, the NV2's most significant contribution to driving safety is its audio beep, which alerts the driver to potential hazards detected by the AI camera. This feature allows for a quick check of the monitor to identify the hazard, with coloured overlays drawing immediate attention to the obstruction or the beep, heightening awareness of potential danger.

The NV2 performs excellently for both night and day driving. Its compact size ensures that it doesn't clutter the dashboard, and the screen's flip-up, flip-down design adds to its neatness. While the system doesn't offer many settings or adjustments, it doesn't need to—it effectively fulfils its intended purpose.

The NV2 is an excellent choice for those who are uncomfortable driving at night or who would appreciate an aid that alerts them to potential hazards. Its utility, particularly the subtle audio alerts, can significantly enhance driver awareness and focus.

InfiRay NV2

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

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Kanguru Defender 3000 review
4:35 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: | Comments: Off

Kanguru Defender 3000: 30-second review

Specs

Capacity: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1x1
Software: Command Centre
Memory type: Solid State flash
Encryption features: FIPS 197 Certified, 256-bit AES Hardware Encryption XTS Mode, Overall Module FIPS 140-2 Certified, Level 3

The Kanguru Defender 3000, despite appearing to the uninformed like any other USB key due to its small, lightweight, and ultra-portable design, is far from average. Without the text and logo on its side, there would be nothing outwardly to suggest its advanced capabilities.

But this isn't your standard flash drive. In reality, it is a fully secure drive, FIPS 140-2 Certified, Level 3, with brute-force protection and FIPS 197 Certified AES 256-bit hardware encryption (XTS-Mode). It can be set up and controlled remotely using the Kanguru Remote Management Console, making it an ideal choice for business. It also features USBtoCloud, USB 3.0 technology (USB 3.2 Gen 1x1) for fast transfer speeds, onboard antivirus, a browser, and a clever Self-Service Password Management system.

Given all these features, the Kanguru Defender 3000 is expensive compared to other secure digital drives. Still, only some other drives are used or trusted by so many top-level companies and agencies

Kanguru Defender 3000

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The setup and use are straightforward with the newly designed Management Console, providing an easy-to-use and administer interface for the drive. It's worth highlighting that there are two interfaces; the Command Console on the drive that is used by the user to manage their drive, and KRMC (Kanguru Remote Management Console) which is a different console used separately by an IT Administrator or Security Officer to manage and provision all of the drives in an organization.

The user console enables individual users to set passwords and access parameters in case the drive is lost or stolen, ensuring the contents remain secure. For corporations, the KRMC (Kanguru Remote Management Console) can be used to adminster multiple drives from one location, so they can set access, protection, limit logins, and secure drives either in groups or individually.

While use of the drive, once set up, is simple, the level of security and device management it offers goes well beyond any typical password-protected drive. If you have data, whether financial, passwords, or other sensitive information, that you need to ensure is absolutely safe, then the Kanguru Defender 3000 is one of the best secure drives available.

Kanguru Defender 3000: Price & availability

The Kanguru Defender 3000 is widely available from online stores, including Amazon.com. Prices range from $79.95 to $399.95, and it can also be purchased directly from the Kanguru website.

  • Score: 4/5

Kanguru Defender 3000: Design & build

Kanguru Defender 3000

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Kanguru Defender 3000 embodies the characteristics of a high-quality USB drive, with its all-metal alloy casing safeguarding the internal electronics. Additionally, the USB Type-A connector is protected by a cap with a rubber seal to prevent water ingress. The drive is rated as waterproof as long as the cap is firmly in place to offer enhanced protection against water and dust.

The full metal construction makes this drive heavier than its cheap plastic counterparts, at 38g. It measures 72.19mm L x 19.47mm W x 8.92mm H, making it convenient to slip into the bag or jacket's side pocket without adding significant weight or bulk.

A notable design feature is the small lanyard eyelet at the base, facilitating easy attachment to a bag. The drive uses a USB Type-A connector, ensuring maximum compatibility with Windows and PC machines. While USB Type-C is becoming more common, Type-A remains the prevalent choice for corporate Use.

The drive is built to withstand harsh conditions. Its operating temperature range is 0°C to +70°C and its storage temperature range is -25°C to +85°C, making it suitable for most environments. It can also function in humidity levels between 20% and 90%, provided the machine it is connected to can handle such extremes.

Internally, the drive offers options ranging from 16GB to 512GB of Solid-State flash memory. Our review sample is the smallest, at 16GB. Notably, the drive's interior, hidden from view, is designed to ensure maximum data protection. It features built-in brute-force protection, with a water-resistant epoxy compound encasing the cryptographic controller, preventing physical tampering. Any attempt to remove the epoxy will destroy the flash chip, rendering the drive irrecoverable.

Despite its exterior resemblance to a standard USB key, the Kanguru Defender 3000's design is far more sophisticated, intended to uphold the integrity and security of the stored data.

  • Score: 4.5/5

Kanguru Defender 3000: Features

Kanguru Defender 3000

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The features of the Kanguru Defender 3000 secure flash drive centre on data security, ensuring compliance with various regulatory standards. It holds a FIPS 140-2 Level 3 Certification, signifying its ability to secure sensitive information, making it a valuable asset for transporting data in sectors like government, healthcare, and finance.

The drive offers robust physical brute-force protection with its rugged alloy and tamper-proof engineering both inside and out. Enhanced by a water-resistant epoxy compound, it effectively shields the cryptographic controller, neutralizing physical threats.

At its heart, the Defender 3000 employs FIPS 197 certified AES 256-bit hardware encryption in XTS mode, providing advanced data security while minimizing performance impact during transfers.

Setup and management are streamlined with a graphical user interface via the Command Console. This offers a user-friendly way to manage drive settings and status, monitor storage, and handle antivirus and remote management subscriptions, alongside other onboard applications.

USBtoCloud compatibility adds an extra security layer through encrypted cloud backups, ensuring data remains secure and recoverable even if the physical drive is lost or stolen.

Defender 3000's defence against cyber threats is enhanced by RSA-2048's secure, digitally-signed firmware, which protects against malware tampering and secures network integrity.

Its SuperSpeed USB 3.0 technology allows for quick data transfers, which is essential for accessing large files rapidly, while USB 2.0 compatibility increases the drive's versatility.

BitDefender's onboard antivirus protection provides real-time scanning, and depending on the drive's setup, subscriptions are available for additional security.

For organizations needing centralized data security control, the Kanguru Remote Management Console (KRMC) offers a platform to manage multiple Defender 3000 drives as well as other Kanguru defender drives, enforce security policies, manage configurations, and respond to security incidents. It also allows administrators to send secure messages to the drive, which appear when the user connects the drive to a computer with network connection.

The drive includes self-service password management, simplifying password recovery for users.

Finally, the Defender 3000 complies with regulatory standards, including TAA compliance, ensuring it meets the legal and ethical requirements of government and regulated industries.

  • Performance: 4.5/5

Kanguru Defender 3000: Performance

Kanguru Defender 3000

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Benchmarks

CrystalDiskMark: Read: 157.26MB/s Write: 121.56MB/s
AJA: Read: 115MB/s Write: 148MB/s
ATTO: Read: 116.63MB/s Write: 149.42MB/s
AS SSD: Read: 114.95MB/s Write: 148.33MB/s

If you're accustomed to plugging in a USB drive, setting basic password protection, and then using it for file storage, the Kanguru Defender 3000 will initially seem like a different world.

Upon the first insertion, the drive launches a setup console that guides you through the setup process, including email and personal association, passwords, and other protection and encryption settings. This relatively quick process secures the drive and its data.

For individuals, this offers peace of mind with various security options, like the number of password attempts before locking, offline usage, and renewals for self-service password management ($6.95 per year) or antivirus subscriptions ($7.95 per year)—both very affordable. Remote login via the KRMC web interface allows access to all drive settings and options, a feature that proves invaluable for larger organizations.

For companies handling sensitive data, these drives ensure hardware-level security. If a drive is lost or stolen, the data remains inaccessible. Changes at the access level, rather than the data itself, can be managed through the KRMC interface for individual or multiple drives.

Administrators can manage numerous drives in the field, adjusting access settings as needed. For example, they can limit offline access to three uses, updating these settings through the console, which then applies when the drive connects to a server. Settings can also be adjusted to allow freer access.

The drive allows setting a homepage for the onboard secure Firefox browser, providing not just security but also monitoring and access adaptability for corporate Use.

For anyone needing secure data storage, this drive is essential. For individuals concerned about securing passwords and digital data, it offers a reliable solution.

After setup, the drive functions differently from standard USB drives. It prompts for a password through a hardware-based interface, similar to a CD or DVD, before accessing the drive's storage. Users can easily switch to the console to adjust settings or administer online, both interfaces being user-friendly and accessible.

  • Performance: 5/5

Should you buy the Kanguru Defender 3000?

If security is paramount and you handle sensitive data in sectors like government, healthcare, or finance, the Kanguru Defender 3000 is an excellent investment. Its top-tier security features, including FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certification and AES 256-bit encryption, provide peace of mind. The ability to manage remotely and secure cloud backups adds to its appeal. However, consider the cost and complexity before purchasing; if your data security needs are minimal or budget is a concern, then Kanguru do offer more cost-effective solutions available such as the Kanguru Defender Elite300, Defender Elite30, and Defender Bio-Elite30..

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Fairphone’s TWS Fairbuds promise premium sound quality and easy repairability
4:29 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

Wireless earbuds have made great strides in the past few years but battery degradation is still their Achilles heel and will render them disposable after a certain time. Fairphone is out to change that with its new Fairbuds wireless earbuds. Fairphone’s second foray into the in-ear TWS earbud market will offer the signature modular design with a focus on easy repairability. Fairphone will offer replacement parts for the earbud battery and silicon ring covering the battery compartment charging case battery as well as the charging case core and shell. Users can easily replace key parts...

Integral SlimXpress Pro Portable SSD 2TB review
4:20 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: | Comments: Off

Integral SlimXpress Pro: 30-second review

Specs

Capacities available: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
Size: 74mm (L) x 34mm (W) x 7mm
Weight: 28g
Enclosure material: Aluminum
Connector: USB 3.2 Gen2x2
Technology: SSD
Warranty (in years): 4
Rated R/W speeds (MB/s): Up to 2000MB/s
Software bundle: None

The Integral SlimXpress Pro Portable SSD 2TB is an incredibly compact portable SSD, offering a substantial storage capacity. Our review sample is 2TB, but it also comes in smaller 500GB and 1TB versions, as well as a larger 4TB version. This drive represents a growing trend of relatively affordable, high-performance drives with ample storage designed to meet the demands of modern life. The drive is simple in design, with BUS power allowing connection to a computer or other device via a single USB Type-C cable.

This simplicity extends to the drive's operation, with no features beyond the storage capacity to add complexity. Consequently, it boasts compatibility with nearly any device that needs extra storage and has the appropriate connector. In our tests, the SlimXpress Pro Portable SSD was used with an Intel NUC 9, MacBook Pro, and Blackmagic 6K video camera, all of which recognized the drive without issues.

We've tested hundreds of the best portable SSDs in our time, and while the performance was good, it did not fully reach the potential indicated in promotional materials, with transfer speeds in all tests less than half the advertised rate. Although simplicity and compactness are advantages, managing content on a drive of this size can be somewhat daunting, particularly without built-in security or software collaboration features. Nevertheless, this drive is an excellent choice if you need to transport general files or require additional storage for your gaming console or TV.

Integral SlimXpress Pro: Price & availability

SlimXpress Pro

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The SlimXpress Pro Portable SSD is widely available at most electronics stores and outlets. Considering its capacity, size, weight, and speed, the drive is priced in the mid-range for an SSD, with a slight premium due to its compact size.

  • Score: 3/5

Integral SlimXpress Pro: Design & build

SlimXpress Pro

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Portable storage has always been relatively small, especially since the introduction of the 2.5" HDD. However, the advent of SSDs has dramatically changed the size and shape of external hard drives, with external drives not only decreasing significantly in size and weight but also increasing in speed, durability, and now capacity.

Before delving into the size options of this drive, it's worth highlighting its compact size, which measures 74mm x 34mm x 7mm. This size will comfortably fit into a pocket, not just a jacket pocket but even a small shirt pocket. Not only is the size incredibly compact, but it is also paired with a weight of just 28g, excluding the USB Type-C cable, making it impressively light.

On the exterior, there is little to see, but the silver metal casing feels durable, and the rounded edges provide a good tactile feel.

The design is simple yet extremely functional, with the flat sides making it easy to attach Velcro and adhere to the back of a laptop for neat increased storage, or to the back of a TV or console. Its small size and weight make it easy to position and discreet.

Along with the simple aesthetic, there's just a single USB Type-C port on one end that connects to the cable to make the connection with your computer. A small white light indicates that the drive is connected and ready to go. Having this light viewable from both sides would be beneficial, especially if the drive is attached to something or you need to plug it in quickly; it's convenient to have an easy line of sight to the status light to confirm that everything is connected correctly.

One of the best features of the design is the raised detail by the USB port. This allows you to feel which way up the drive is and where the port is located. In normal situations, this might not matter, but there are occasions, such as when linked to the back of a mounted TV or working with video or camera equipment, when you can't always see what's happening. Therefore, being able to feel your way around the device is extremely helpful.

Aside from the design aesthetics, which are simple and functional, there's little else to the build and handling except that Integral has ensured this drive is as straightforward as a plug-and-play storage device can be. 

  • Score: 4.5/5

Integral SlimXpress Pro: Features

SlimXpress Pro

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Integral SlimXpress Pro Portable SSD has capacities ranging from 500GB to 4TB, making it one of the external SSD drives with the largest capacity ranges available. The latest SSD technology makes this capacity possible, with Integral quoting transfer rates of up to 2000 MB/s for both read and write speeds. To deliver these speeds, the SSD utilizes USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 technology, which also contributes to the drive's small and lightweight profile.

Simplicity is a key feature of the SlimXpress Pro, offering straightforward plug-and-play functionality without the need for setup, software, or any other complications. This ensures the drive's extensive compatibility, allowing it to be used out of the box with Windows and Mac computers, Linux systems, Android devices, Smart TVs, and game consoles. While not a native Thunderbolt drive, it is compatible with Thunderbolt 3.

Design-wise, the SlimXpress Pro is compact, featuring a slim metal case that is durable and ultra-portable. Measuring 74mm x 34mm x 7mm and weighing 28g, it is one of the smallest and lightest storage solutions available, particularly considering the range of storage capacities offered.

In addition to its performance and capacity, the drive comes with a 4-year warranty or coverage until it reaches a maximum of 3000 terabytes written, whichever occurs first.

  • Score 3.5/5

Integral SlimXpress Pro: Performance

SlimXpress Pro

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Benchmarks

CrystalDiskMark: read: 1030.32MB/s Write: 953.79MB/s
AJA: read: 946MB/s Write: 864MB/s
ATTO: read: 982.33MB/s Write: 912.59MB/s
AS SSD: 913.39MB/s Write: 843.33MB/s

Every portable SSD has a unique selling point (USP), and the SlimXpress Pro's USP is its sheer simplicity. The large capacity and transfer speeds are impressive, but the drive still needs to be completed.

However, it's important to note that this is strictly a storage drive, lacking extra features like security software; it's essentially a digital cupboard. Plugging it into almost any device instantly recognizes the standard ExFat file system, allowing immediate use of the storage capacity for files on computers, cameras, TVs, and more. While some small intricacies of connections may require consideration, overall use is straightforward.

When used on a MacBook Pro, the drive was instantly recognized and could be reformatted to APFS via Disk Utility, serving as a working drive for Final Cut Pro, Apple's best video editing software. The drive consistently met the demands of the application and workflow, proving sufficient for editing 4K video without proxy media. And overall, a fine companion with any of the best video editing laptops for mobile editors. The drive did warm up during use but maintained consistent performance throughout the day's editing. File transfers were quick, with 140GB moving in about 4 minutes.

Benchmark tests yielded read speeds of 1030.32MB/s and write speeds of 953.79MB/s in CrystalDiskMark, with other tests showing similar results. While these speeds are around 50% of the quoted values from Integral, they are still impressive and more than adequate for most daily tasks.

In real-world applications, such as with a PS5, the SlimXpress Pro's high transfer speeds and large capacity facilitated the easy storage of numerous games and data once it was configured as external storage.

The drive also worked well with a Blackmagic 6K camera, directly storing large 6K raw files, and with an iPhone 15 Pro for storing Apple ProRes files. Additionally, its small size and light weight made it convenient to connect to and position with a Smart TV, where its 2TB capacity served well for storing recordings and a media library.

In conclusion, the SlimXpress Pro delivered an impressive performance across various devices. Although it didn't fully match the quoted transfer rates, its performance was more than sufficient for most use cases.

  • Performance: 3.5/5

Should you buy the SlimXpress Pro?

SlimXpress Pro

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

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DJI RS4 review: a great gimbal for vertical shooting
4:00 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Camera Accessories Cameras Computers Gadgets | Comments: Off

DJI RS 4: two-minute review

The RS 4 is the latest in line of handheld gimbals to demonstrate why DJI is the biggest name in this market. Gimbals can be a nuisance to use, taking too long to set up and being given to outbursts of freakish behavior in polite company, which is why many videographers try to avoid using them whenever possible.

DJI, however, has recognised and acknowledged this common perception, and has continuously worked to iron out the many niggles the plague gimbal users, and the RS 4 is its next step is the process of making the operator-gimbal encounter stress-free. DJI had gone quite a long way on that journey with the Ronin RS 3, but this new model brings a host of changes that make life a quite a bit better.

DJI RS 4 gimbal with Focus Pro system and Panasonic mirrorless camera on a off-white background

(Image credit: Future | Damien Demolder)

One thing that all videographers will appreciate immediately is the Teflon coating on the arms of the gimbal. Along with the micro-adjustment knob on the camera mounting that was introduced in the RS 3, this makes balancing and rebalancing the gimbal much easier. The Teflon surfaces enable users to make tiny shifts of the axis mounting points with less effort, instead of having to put lots of pressure on the arms to overcome inertia, only to find the shift has gone too far. Thanks to the large locking clasps on the arms, what might seem a minor change actually makes a big difference, and I had the gimbal balanced with my camera very quickly. I also was quite happy to add extras to the camera after balancing, as I knew it wouldn’t be a huge drama to rebalance the system. 

On the subject of balancing, the RS 4 has a longer tilt-axis arm than its predecessor, which makes it possible to add more accessories to the camera without running out of arm to balance it all. The arm is 8.5mm longer than the arm on the RS 3, which is enough to allow the user to add microphones on top of the camera and/or a pile of filters on the front of the lens. In total the Ronin RS 4 can carry up to 6.6lbs / 3kg, which is the same as the capacity of the RS 3, but the new arm means that weight doesn’t necessarily have to be placed right around the center of gravity of the camera.

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DJI RS 4 gimbal in vertical and horizontal setups on a off-white background

(Image credit: Future | Damien Demolder)
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Closeup of DJI RS 4 gimbal balance system on a off-white background

(Image credit: Future | Damien Demolder)
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DJI RS 4 gimbal on a off-white background

(Image credit: Future | Damien Demolder)
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Closeup of DJI RS 4 gimbal balance on a off-white background

(Image credit: Future | Damien Demolder)

The other big difference in this model compared to the previous one is the way you can shoot vertical video. With the RS 3, you needed to set Portrait mode in the PTF settings, but with the RS 4 you just unclip the camera mounting plate and stick it on the other way. The camera mount has two connection points – a regular one on the end and one underneath – and a quick-release button. You simply unlock the plate, release it, and reattach it using the connection point underneath so that the camera is held in the vertical position. It’s very quick to do, the camera doesn’t need rebalancing, and you have the full range of follow modes available, as well as the movements you can create via the joystick. It feels like a much more satisfactory solution. 

Another important upgrade is the introduction of a 4th-generation stabilization algorithm that not only improves stabilization in horizontal orientation when things are bumpy, such as when you’re running, but which is also better optimized for vertical shooting.

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Close up of DJI RS 4 gimbal mount on a off-white background

(Image credit: Future | Damien Demolder)
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DJI RS 4 gimbal controls closeup on a off-white background

(Image credit: Future | Damien Demolder)
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DJI RS 4 gimbal with Focus Pro system connected to cine lens on a off-white background

(Image credit: Future | Damien Demolder)
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Closeup DJI RS 4 gimbal Focus Pro system on a off-white background

(Image credit: Future | Damien Demolder)
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DJI RS 4 gimbal on a off-white background

(Image credit: Future | Damien Demolder)
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DJI RS 4 gimbal camera mount on a off-white background

(Image credit: Future | Damien Demolder)
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DJI RS 4 gimbal on a off-white background

(Image credit: Future | Damien Demolder)

If you go for the RS 4 combo kit you’ll get the lens control motor in the box. The Focus Pro Motor can be used to turn zoom rings as well as focus rings on your lens, and can be controlled either via the joystick for zooming or the front dial for focusing. This new version of the motor is 30% faster than the previous model, but still offers users the chance to adjust its speed, torque and direction via the menu. 

As before, the gimbal’s control buttons and dials can be used to control certain elements of compatible cameras, so you can stop/start recording, take a photo, and adjust some exposure settings. Depending on the model of camera, these things can be achieved wirelessly via Bluetooth or via a USB connection to the body of the gimbal. 

The DJI Ronin RS 4 is not entirely without its complexities, but so long as you dedicate the time and effort to familiarize yourself with its workings it will reward you will good faithful service. In the past I’ve often felt I was working harder than the gimbal I was using, but in the case of the Ronin RS 4 that balance is switched – the gimbal is definitely putting in a good shift and working hard to make the life of the operator a lot easier. 

Of course footage is smooth when walking with the head in the standard position, but anyone can do that. What counts here is that you can throw the camera around, take it high and drop it low, and the motors can cope – even when you’ve added a load of extras to the lens or the hotshoe. 

Fast walking and running scenes are also very well compensated for, but it is the Ronin’s ability to make all the same right moves in vertical mode, with a 10-second adjustment, that marks it out for me.

DJI RS 4 price and availability

The DJI RS 4 is available now standalone for a pricy $549 / £469 and includes the gimbal, battery grip, USB-C cable, lens-fastening support, extended grip (plastic), quick-release plate, multi-camera control cable and screw kit. The Combo kit costs $719 / £619 and adds Focus Pro Motor, Focus Pro Motor Rod Mount kit, Focus Gear Strip, additional Multi-camera control cable, briefcase handle and carrying case. 

If you have a weightier camera and lens combo then you'll need the RS 4 Pro instead, which is available for $869 / £749 (standalone, with a metal extended grip rather than plastic) or $1,099 / £949 in the Combo kit. 

In addition, the DJI Focus Pro system can add superb manual focus assist tools including a LiDAR powered autofocus system for manual focus lenses. The All-In-One Combo costs $1,849 / £1,449 although items such as the Focus Pro LiDAR / Focus Pro Motor can be purchased separately. More details on the DJI website.

Should I buy the DJI RS 4?

DJI RS 4 gimbal on a off-white background no camera attached

(Image credit: Future | Damien Demolder)

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How I tested the DJI RS 4

I used this gimbal with the Panasonic Lumix S5 ll and the Lumix GH6, and fitted both cameras with a variety of big and small lenses, including some heavier manual-focus anamorphic lenses, to see how it performed in a range of situations. And I found that it performed very well – it’s easy to adjust when you’re changing lenses and cameras, and when adding extras on top.

I’ve used a lot of gimbals, and find that I often want to revert to my shoulder-mount rig because it’s less hassle to operate, but this model has me convinced that the right gimbal can offer similar stability and ease of use.

I’ve been working as a photography journalist for 28 years. I experienced the advent of handheld stabilization devices as they were conceived, and I’ve followed them closely as they’ve evolved, and become smaller, stronger and very much better. 

First reviewed April 2024

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