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Camera maker Insta360 has introduced a new gimbal for photographers and videographers who primarily shoot with an iPhone. The Flow 2 Pro follows its six-month-old predecessor, the Flow Pro.
On the handle is a pushable rotary wheel (“smart wheel”) with a small joystick within thumb reach. Like its predecessor, the Flow 2 Pro’s arm can be taken out if you want to take selfies. The gimbal provides three-axis stabilization. It can rotate 360° on its axis to track a subject. If you rotate the gimbal so that the iPhone holder points downwards, you should be able to mimic panning like a video crane.
To make it easier to take self-portraits with the iPhone’s main camera, there is now a mirror on the gimbal housing. It can be folded for transportation. The smartphone clamp remains magnetically attached to the arm and can be removed. There is a small tripod built into the handle, which according to the manufacturer is supposed to be sturdier than its predecessor. The gimbal draws power from an integrated 1100 mAh battery; The predecessor still had a 2900 mAh model. A single charge should still be enough for up to ten hours of operation. It is charged via USB-C. The iPhone can be at least partially recharged using the Power Bank function. The Flow 2 Pro weighs 357 grams, with the clamp mount adding an additional 25 grams.
Tracking with Dockit
While many smartphone gimbals often require a compatible additional app to recognize people and automatically follow them, the Flow 2 Pro, like its predecessor, uses Apple’s API Dockerkit. The software interface allows compatible mounts to directly access the iPhone camera to control tracking. The gimbal connects via Bluetooth and pairs via NFC.
AirPods: Forcibly activating audio mode is annoying – but there’s a way outFlow 2 Pro works in all apps that have Dockkit integrated. In addition to the iOS camera app, it also includes social media apps like Instagram and TikTok, as well as the Blackmagic Camera recording program. In video conferencing apps like Apple’s FaceTime, the gimbal also tracks the user.
Multi-person tracking and automatic zooming
The manufacturer’s app is also suitable for Insta360 recording and can record in Apple ProRes and HDR in Dolby Vision. This gives the gimbal some additional functions. The Flow 2 Pro uses an AI-assisted tracking algorithm called Deep Track 4.0 with the manufacturer’s app.
While its predecessor tracked one person or animal, the Flo 2 Pro is designed to keep track of multiple people simultaneously. Using the “Active Zoom Tracking” function, iPhone digitally zooms in to keep distant subjects in focus.
Video artists can use the Pro Framing Grid function to display a nine-part grid. If you tap on one of the fields, the app should analyze the option using AI and automatically adjust the position to maintain an ideal aspect ratio.
According to the manufacturer, there is also a teleprompter mode for the Flow 2 Pro. Here the spoken text is displayed on the iPhone display, which can be practical for VLogs and streams. If you place the Flow 2 Pro on a tripod, it can be controlled remotely via another iPhone or Apple Watch using the manufacturer’s app. You can start and stop recording as well as pan or zoom to change the image section. The app also has gesture controls.
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Prices, availability and accessories
Flow 2 Pro coming January 16th on manufacturer Or available from retailers like Amazon. Insta360 offers additional accessories for the gimbal. This includes a backpack holder, an iPhone holder with a cooling function, and a magnetic holder that you attach to the back of the iPhone. The latter can also be used as a simple iPhone stand. Standard version of Flow 2 Pro white Or grey Cost €169.99, the scope of delivery includes a charging cable, a clamp holder and a bag. a so-called Creator Bundle for 199.99 euros It also comes with another cable, magnetic holder, and a light.
(Hajj)
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