Insert Coin: 50-Dollar Follow Focus

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Zach Honig

In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.

If you've watched HD video footage captured by a DSLR, you've probably wondered why, despite the fact that you own the exact same model, your clips lack the fluid feel of a professional production. One culprit may be the lack of a steady support system to maintain balance as you shoot, like the rather complex Steadicam. That's just part of the equation, however. What you're also missing is the precision handling of an external follow focus. As its simplistic name implies, the 50-Dollar Follow Focus is a cheap and effective solution.

Made of CNC-machined aircraft-grade aluminum, the 50-Dollar Follow Focus includes two belts and two pulleys to accommodate a variety of lenses, and with the exception of your DSLR and a pair of support rails, everything you need to get started ships in the box. Author Wiley Davis teamed up with The Robot, his in-house CNC mill, to develop some early prototypes, before bringing the project to Kickstarter and launching a campaign to raise $10,000 in order to buy supplies in bulk and invest in a more efficient production system. The result looks very slick, and while it adds some bulk to your DSLR rig, the size tradeoff seems to be worthwhile. Ready to buy your own? Hit up the Kickstarter link below to make your pledge, and keep an eye on that mailbox -- these are expected to ship in March. You'll find a video demo just past the break.

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Insert Coin: 50-Dollar Follow Focus originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CES 2012: Automotive round-up

Posted on January 14, 2012 by Billy Steele

It's always a nice break from ultrabooks, smartphones and massive OLED TVs to catch a glimpse of the new auto tech that will be rolling out in the months to come. This year's focus at CES was infotainment and software add-ons for a handful of manufacturers and models. Sure, the plug-in Fusion was a highlight, but for the most part, the emphasis on on-board screens and content delivery while you're blazin' down Route 66. Read on for some highlights from the week that was.

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CES 2012: Automotive round-up originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 08:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iLuv ArtStation Pro for Samsung Galaxy Tabs hands-on (video)

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Billy Steele

The options for Samsung Galaxy Tab speaker docks are a bit limited, especially if you're looking to make use of its proprietary dock port instead of a Bluetooth connection. Earlier this year, iLuv outted its iMM514 for Sammy slates, enabling you to jam some Kelly Clarkson and charge the device at the same time. For $149.99, we weren't expecting to be blown away but we're hoping it'll be a serviceable kit for at least a few Android tablets. We spent a few minutes with the iMM514 and we walked away with some observations.

Right off, there are noticeable differences between the ArtStation Pro and some of the high-end speaker docks that we've handled recently. Lacking a top-side LED, there is no visual indication as to whether or not the peripheral is powered on, which was a bit perplexing. Once docked, you'll have the option of portrait or landscape orientations coupled with the ability to make minor tilt adjustments. Controls were pretty standard for playback and responded quickly to our finger commands. As far as sound quality goes, the iMM514 was about what you'd expect from a sub-$200 dock -- it's serviceable and we didn't notice a ton of distortion at maximum volume. Granted, we were smack dab in the middle of CES so our keen hearing could've been slightly thrown off. Oddly, the dock can also be paired with a Bluetooth keyboard if you're into that, however it was nowhere to be found during our demo. Looking for a quick tour? Hit the video after the break. It'll make you stronger, we promise.

Gallery: iLuv iMM514 ArtStation Pro hands-on

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iLuv ArtStation Pro for Samsung Galaxy Tabs hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Dodge Dart digital dash display hands-on (video)

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Billy Steele

Sure, we've seen digital instrument panels before, but the one outfitted for the upcoming Dodge Dart re-birth caught our eye. Instead of a regular ol' speedometer in the center of the driver side dash, you'll encounter a 7-inch instrument cluster that you'll be able to customize based on your specific auto info needs. This of course will be the second screen on the dash, as the vehicle will also feature Chrysler's 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system in the center. Just how useful is the new feature? We took it for a test drive of sorts, and hopped out with a few thoughts.

First, the amount of information that can be delivered to the driver's screen was pretty comprehensive. You'll be able to check gas mileage / fuel economy, odometer details, tire pressure, burned out lights, follow the navigation system and sort out your music choices. The color and image quality were both great, something that gets overlooked from time to time with on-board vehicle screens. While some simple animations take place on the screen for things like driving directions, the folks at Dodge affirm that the monitor won't pose a distraction while you're on the road. For a look at the new display in action and a quick refresher on the Uconnect system, hit the gallery below or the video on the backside of the break.

Gallery: 2013 Dodge Dart digital display hands-on

Continue reading 2013 Dodge Dart digital dash display hands-on (video)

2013 Dodge Dart digital dash display hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Henge Docks for the MacBook Air hands-on (video)

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Billy Steele

We were a little giddy when Henge Docks announced their desktop resting spot for the MacBook Pro, and perhaps even more so when they unveiled the MacBook Air model earlier this week. We paid the company a visit on the CES floor to catch a peek at products first-hand. Sure, the white, plastic exterior may a bit off-putting for some but we didn't mind it -- especially for a dock that you can snag for around $50. While the device is pretty straightforward, the rubber padding that hugs the docked laptop provided more security that we'd initially thought. One thing you'll want to keep in mind though: the peripheral does make the USB port on the machine's docked end usable on its backside, but the Thunderbolt socket is reduced to display-only functionality. The outfit assured us that it's working on a solution that maximizes that Intel potential and we're anxious to see that become a reality. An express tour awaits the curious, right after the break.

Gallery: Henge MacBook Air