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ICYMI: Photos of wild animals that are far superior to yours
try{document.getElementById("aol-cms-player-1").style.display="none";}catch(e){}Today on In Case You Missed It: The BEASTCAM is a camera rig to scan live animals for fast 3D models to share with educators. Meanwhile Cambridge Consultants is marketing the Ekano mobile surgical suitcase for surgeons to use in developing countries. The very important Whisk Wiper is available online and the rotary dialing smartphone is here. As always, please share any interesting tech or science videos you find by using the #ICYMI hashtag on Twitter for @mskerryd.
GoPro's 16-camera rig for Google Jump VR costs $15,000
Google launched Jump, a platform for VR video, back at its developer conference in May -- along with a slightly bonkers camera rig called Odyssey co-designed with GoPro. Today, prospective content creators can put their name down to get early access to the hardware (pictured after the break), which GoPro tells us is only available in limited quantity. Google already did something similar, but this time the scheme appears to be specifically aimed at professional partners. We also get to know a little bit more about the rig, including its cost: an eye-watering (at least for us amateurs) $15,000.
Fancy testing Google's GoPro VR camera rig?
Google and GoPro teamed up to produce Jump, a VR camera-rig that'll record 360-degree footage using 16 of the little action cameras. Just a few weeks later and the search engine is asking if anyone wants to test the hardware for themselves. Much in the same way it did for its head-mounted computer, the company wants applicants to describe the ideas that they have for the system. If you're a filmmaker, journalist, producer or, er, "other," then you can head into this Google Document and register your interest. As TechCrunch notes, the more "awesome" your answer, the better chance you'll get to the top of the list. We're told, incidentally, that you can make things significantly more awexxome by cApiTaliZing letters inside words and adding superfluous Xs every now and again. [Image Credit: Bloomberg/Getty]
Padcaster's tablet movie rig comes to the iPad mini
The larger iPad's high-res screen is a plus for shooting video, but wielding it can make one look like, dare we say, a dork. One way to overcome that stigma is by shooting with the original Padcaster (pictured above), a metal frame that lets you mount your tablet on a tripod and attach lenses and other accessories. The company has now launched a version for the iPad mini on Kickstarter, which you may prefer for its less bulky size, but equally capable 1080p camera and (optional) Retina screen. Like the last model, the Padcaster Mini consists of a frame with threaded holes for video accessories, a bracket for 72mm and 58mm lens adapters and a DSLR attachment if better video is needed. That'll let journalists and bloggers broadcast live straight from an iPad, or even use it as a makeshift teleprompter or support to watch TV in bed, for instance. It's now about halfway to its goal, so if you're looking to cast in style from your own mini, you can pledge at the source starting at $99.
Cinema rig takes the heat out of your NEX-5N, lets you slide in the accessories
The Sony NEX-5N, with it's goodly APS-C sized sensor and decent video quality, still has a couple of knocks against it as a video cam: its bitty size makes it hard to rig up and it doesn't dissipate heat well. Tinkerer Richard Gale has addressed those tics with his prototype NEX-5N cinema housing, by adding a heat sink and fan to stop the overheating problem and a possible anamorphic adapter and matte box to accommodate filters and gels. The provisional £1,500 price ($2,400) would get you the housing, NEX-5N with kit lens, 5" Sony LCD, and accessories, while the anamorphic kit with the matte box is still just a concept with no price tag. Neither idea will happen unless he gets enough orders, but wearing the boxy black outfit might finally give the petite mirrorless cam a shot of big-boy film cred. %Gallery-160155%
Insert Coin: ZIP-Shooter lets you dolly around or track straight (video)
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're tired of shaky-vision in your films but don't have Spielbergian budgets, the ZIP-Shooter might be your secret weapon. By manipulating the wheels, you can track your DSLR, iPhone or other video cam in a straight line or around a bend, and use it as a tabletop, low or even worm-vision underslung dolly. With a 20-pound max weight limit, it'll handle most DSLR and lens combos, and you could even squeak on a light Red Scarlet package, while still collapsing it into a camera bag after usage. ZIP-Shooter is underway with $1,203 so far and a goal of $25,000 -- to see if you'd like to pledge $350 to get one, truck past the break and check the video.
Lego RC tank captured in action by Lego RC camera rig
A Lego RC tank inspired by SNK's classic Metal Slug series is pretty impressive all by itself, but Lego builder Peer Kreuger apparently isn't satisfied by being simply impressive. He decided to take the tank, dubbed "Metal Grudge," to a skateboard ramp and film it in action with the aid of a remote-controlled Lego camera rig, which he also naturally built himself. Head on past the break to check out the results.
