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TUAW takes a second look at The Padcaster
Way back in 2012, I reviewed a pre-production version of The Padcaster, an amazing pro tool that's used to equip an iPad with all sorts of accessories for professional-quality video or photography. You probably remember seeing a Padcaster in one of Apple's "What will your verse be?" advertisements, being used to shoot video of Iguazú Falls in Argentina. The person in that segment of the ad was Josh Apter, the brain behind the Padcaster and the president and founder of Manhattan Edit Workshop. The Padcaster is now in full production and available for the iPad Air (US$159), iPad mini ($99), and 2nd through 4th generation iPads ($149), so I decided to take another look at this versatile filmmaking and photography accessory. Design Highlights The Padcaster was obviously designed by a filmmaker who saw the potential of using the iPad for capturing video or stills. As such, it consists of a very solid aluminum frame with a flexible silicone insert that holds the iPad in place. The Padcaster we had for the original review was marked up with measurements and looked obviously like a prototype, with random holes drilled in places that seemed convenient. Not so with the final version, which is sleek, well-made and quite sturdy. Around the outside of the Padcaster for iPad are at least fifteen 1/4-inch threaded holes, along with nine smaller threaded holes. If you can't get all of your equipment loaded onto a Padcaster, then you may need to rethink your filming strategy. The Padcaster also comes with the Lenscaster, a precise threaded lens mount (58 mm) that is positioned over the camera on your iPad. For testing purposes, Josh thoughtfully provided a Vivitar .43X wide-angle lens to mount on the Lenscaster. A quick look at Amazon showed that 58mm threaded lenses from Vivitar are inexpensive -- the wide-angle lens runs $11.95, while a 2.2X telephoto lens is available for $11. Even a fisheye lens can be had for wild effects -- $40. So, now you have your camera (the iPad), an editing suite (iMovie or one of the other video apps like Vizzywig), and a way to make titles (IntroMate). Add a sturdy tripod or monopod (I used my trusty Manfrotto monopod with quick-release mount), some of those inexpensive lenses and some add-on filters, lights and a good directional microphone, and you're ready to go. What's more, rather than looking like a total fool waving your naked iPad around trying to take video, The Padcaster and accessories really make you look like a pro -- even if you're not. Appearances are everything, so having this piece of equipment with you might open doors that are closed to amateurs. Functionality Highlights One thing that can easily drive me nuts is having equipment that takes forever to set up. That's fortunately not the case with the Padcaster. I plopped an iPad into the frame, screwed on the Lenscaster and the wide-angle lens, added an external LED light and a Røde directional mic, and put the entire assembly onto the Manfrotto monopod in about five minutes. All of the threaded holes were flawless with no binding, and there are cutouts in all the right places on The Padcaster in case you need access to an iPad port. When you purchase a Padcaster, you are actually getting a full kit that includes the Padcaster, Lenscaster, 72mm-58mm step-down ring (the adapter for those screw mount lenses), two 1/4-20 screws, two 3/8-16 screws, one custom camera mount screw and one cold shoe adapter. That's a surprising amount of good stuff for such a reasonable price. If you already purchased a Padcaster for the 2nd- through 4th-generation iPad and want to use a new iPad Air with it, no problem -- there's a $24.95 Padcaster Air clip available that works not only to mount the iPad Air in the "old" Padcaster, but also works with an included handstrap for handheld use of the iPad Air. So who is The Padcaster for? Basically anyone who wants to make a quantum leap in their iPad photography or videography by adding lenses, filters, professional microphones and audio equipment, lights, and more. Professionals who are considering using an iPad for shooting need a Padcaster, no questions asked. Advanced amateurs may just find that adding all of those accessories to their iPad bumps up their work to professional level. Conclusion I was glad that I had a chance to look at The Padcaster again, so that I could see what a production version of the device looks like, how it fit the iPad, and how the entire accessory kit comes together. Josh Apter did the iPad videography community a huge favor by inventing this device, and I look forward to watching The Padcaster evolve. I personally plan on getting the iPad mini version for doing both TUAW work and personal videography. Rating: 4 stars out of 4 stars possible
iOgrapher: An inexpensive hand-held mount for iPad moviemaking
TUAW has previously reviewed the Padcaster (US$149 or $189 with lens), a tremendously useful tool for mounting an iPad in a sturdy aluminum frame that includes multiple tripod mounts as well as cold shoes for mounting lights and microphones. It's such an iPad moviemaking powerhouse that it recently appeared in one of Apple's "Verse" advertisements. At present, there's no Padcaster for the iPad mini with Retina display, although Padcaster boss Josh Apter currently has a Kickstarter project underway to fund manufacturing of one. For those who have the mini and might not want to spend the bucks for the high-quality professional Padcaster, there's the iOgrapher (US$65). The major difference between the Padcaster and iOgrapher is in the material used for the frame. The iOgrapher uses black polycarbonate to encase the tablet rather than aluminum. Instead of multiple threaded mounts and cold shoes around the exterior as on the Padcaster, the iOgrapher has three cold shoes for popping on those lights and mics. On the bottom is a single brass-lined threaded tripod mount. Another difference is that the iOgrapher is designed for easy hand-held videography. On either side of the landscape-oriented iPad mini is a handle that makes carrying and handholding the device a snap. The mini is light enough that you'll be able to use a single hand to grip the iOgrapher while using your free hand for controlling your video or photography app. Inserting the iPad mini into the iOgrapher is a literal snap, and while it holds the tablet securely, there's no problem removing it quickly for other uses. In practice, I found the iOgrapher nicely suited for tripod-mounting an iPad mini and attaching several accessories that I had on hand -- a shotgun mic and an LED light, both of which use standard hot/cold shoe mounts. That being said, I'm certain that it would not be as useful to a professional videographer or photographer as the Padcaster. The Padcaster is incredibly sturdy and can be tripod-mounted in a number of orientations thanks to the numerous tapped holes. If you somehow run out of space for an accessory, there's probably space to clamp it or even tape it on with gaffer's tape. Not so with the iOgrapher -- I wanted to use a Samson mic with a spring clip with my iPad mini. While it clips easily onto a naked mini, I couldn't find a spot on the iOgrapher that would hold it without it getting either in the way of my hand or moving unexpectedly. For the amateur iPad mini moviemaker, the iOgrapher is perfect. On the other hand, professionals should throw their support behind the Padcaster Mini Kickstarter. You may have to wait a while, but you'll have a much more versatile mount for your videography.
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.
Padcaster SLR lens mount for iPad now available: priced at $149 or $189 for Lenscaster combo
Those who were quite amused by the revelation of that Padcaster back at this year's NAB might want to start prepping their wallets, as the creator's announced it's now shipping the filmmaking iPad companion. Notably, during our first encounter with the Padcatser, we were told it'd be selling for "about $200" once it was released -- but, as it turns out, the SLR lens-mounting peripheral is being priced at a decent $149, while $40 more gets you the Padcaster / Lenscaster combo. That being said, it's also worth noting the company's dubbing this as a "special pricing" and for "a limited time only," with no word on when such promo will be running out. Either way, you can grab one now at the source link below, though it appears you'll have to wait between 2-4 weeks for it to show up at your lovely doorstep.
Padcaster and Lenscaster streamline iPad video production workflow
While iPhone photographers and videographers can add lights, lenses, and other accessories to their devices with special cases like the Phocus, those planning to use the iPad for video journalism, livestreaming, and filmmaking have been left out. That's about to change, with the imminent arrival of the Padcaster (US$149.00) and Padcaster/Lenscaster combo ($189.00) from The Padcaster, LLC. We first posted about the Padcaster when it debuted at NAB this past April. In order to provide a way of placing the iPad and accessories onto a tripod, Padcaster CEO Josh Apter and his design team realized that they'd need a large, rigid frame that still protects the iPad from shocks and bumps. They did that by creating an aluminum frame riddled with threaded holes for mounting accessories, then cradling the iPad in a flexible urethane insert. That frame and cradle makes up the Padcaster, which is used with the built-in iPad camera for basic filmmaking. %Gallery-161272% But what if you want to use other lenses, like those that come with traditional news and film video cameras? No problem -- that's where the Lenscaster piece comes in. It's a separate add-on that can be used with readily available adapters to connect your existing lenses to the iPad (no lenses are included). I had an opportunity to test a pre-production version of the Padcaster / Lenscaster combo, and I have to say that I'm impressed. I put the Padcaster atop a Manfrotto monopod/tripod that I have, screwing it into one of the many mounting holes around the exterior or the frame. The iPad slips securely into a hard-backed shell with a rubber lip that holds it in place. Around the sides of the Padcaster I attached a small Sima LED light and a mount for a microphone; you could load it up with much more equipment. Padcaster supplied me with a Lenscaster and several sample lenses as well so I could see how they work for shooting video on the iPad. The aluminum frame is quite rigid, and feels like it can hold up to any amount of weight from accessories dangling hither and yon. And seriously, there are a lot of threaded mounting holes on it -- fourteen 3/8-16 holes and ten 1/4-20 holes. The aluminum frame and interior "case" also have gaps for access to the iPad's headphone port, the power switch, speakers and Dock connector. The Padcaster folks note that you can remove the urethane iPad insert, which turns your Padcaster into a DSLR cage. Although I didn't try this for the purpose of the review, I can see where the additional utility provided by the design really adds to its value for professional videographers and photographers. Choice of your favorite filmmaking app is up to you. I used both the iMovie app and Ustream livestreaming app to shoot some video, and with the borrowed wide angle lens, the Padcaster / Lenscaster duo did a great job. Apter noted that Manhattan Edit Workshop will soon be offering online and in-person training on the use of the Padcaster for video production; we'll be sure to let you know when those classes begin. Conclusion Anyone who is interested in using an iPad for filmmaking or broadcasting -- either as an amateur or professionally -- should consider getting the Padcaster. It's a brilliantly conceived and well-built accessory that should be extremely popular with the video and filmmaking crowd. Pros Rigid aluminum frame allows attachment of an array of accessories and mounting on tripods, monopods, or shoulder mounts Flexible urethane insert cradles the iPad and protects it from shocks and bumps Optional Lenscaster accessory lens mount allows use of your own existing lenses for wide angle or telephoto videography and will not distort even when used with heavy lenses Reasonably priced, especially in light of traditional camera accessory pricing Thin enough to be easily packed into an equipment case for transport Cons None to speak of Who is it for? Professional or prosumer videographers and photographers who want to use their iPads for capturing video and photos or as a mobile broadcast station.
Daily Update for April 20, 2012
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
Padcaster iPad shooter frame debuts at NAB
The Padcaster, which we told you about in March, showed off this week in its public debut at the NAB show in Las Vegas. As expected, the rigid mounting frame for the iPad makes it easy to use Apple's tablet on a tripod or with other film accessories like lights, microphones or 35mm lenses. An interchangeable insert in the frame will permit the use of iPhones or other tablets as well. Proud Padcaster papa Josh Apter of NYC's Manhattan Edit Workshop shows off the device in a video on the Padcaster page, and also showcases a "padumentary" short film shot with the iPad and the Padcaster. While it may seem like a lot of effort for a tripod mounting solution (and a good bit of money; pre-ordered units will ship for $199), the ability to shoot and screen in high-def with a firm mount -- then to edit and upload from the same device -- may give some would-be iPad filmmakers a few new ideas. The gang at The Verge did a nice hands-on video with the Padcaster; check it out below.
New iPad 1080p camera put to the test with prototype Padcaster rig
Filmmakers Josh Apter and Peter Olsen like to tackle new technology as soon as they can get their hands on it -- but they don't really have a choice in the matter. As the proprietor of NYC's Manhattan Edit Workshop, Josh is obligated to get ahead of the curve so that his stable of trainers and edit experts can provide top-notch instruction to the eager community of digital editors in New York. Josh let us know about a new gadget they're working with: the Padcaster. He hasn't told us much more than the name and that it's coming next month, but from what we can tell it's a lens rig for iOS devices that lets filmmakers use traditional lenses to get the best results out of their iPhones and iPads. The proof's in the pudding: Pete and Josh made a demonstration mini-doc, "Sprung Spring," in NYC's Union Square using the new iPad and the Padcaster. When you see the focus shifts and the control over depth of field that they got out of their rig, I think you'll be impressed too. The "Sprung Spring" video is embedded below; be sure to watch it full-screen to see the HD impact of the iPad's new camera and the Padcaster lens rig. Credits: Music by Van Davis. Equipment list: 2012 iPad, Padcaster prototype #4, Cinevate 35mm adapter, Carl Zeiss 85mm f1.4 lens, Sennheiser MKH-60 microphone, Manfrotto 561BHDV-1 tripod. Software: iMovie for iPad, Final Cut Pro 7, FCP X, Filmic Pro.
