5 Trends Filmmakers and Video Pros Should Follow

We take a look back at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show and present you with 5 products and trends every filmmaker should be aware of.

[Above image from CES]

The 2015 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) just wrapped up, and it was a whirlwind of excitement. CES is Vegas’ largest convention of the year, showcasing the latest gadgets and technology from around the world. This year, wearables, virtual reality, 4K, and drones stole the show. We’ve sifted through the chaos to bring you the top 5 things that every filmmaker should be paying attention to.

1. Drones, Drones and MORE Drones

The CES floor was buzzing with video drones for both consumers and professionals. DJI unveiled their new 4K Inspire 1, a popular choice among professional filmmakers and video producers. Check out this video from Linus Tech Tips for a short review of the Inspire 1:

Other newcomers to the video drone market are AirDog and the HEXO+, both ‘smart-flying’ Go-Pro mounted drones that automatically follow the operator without the need for a remote control. Although GoPro didn’t announce a drone at CES, we’re keeping an eye out for any announcements at the 2015 NAB Show in April.

2. DJI Inspire 1 Mount a 4K Handheld Camera

DJI has taken their drone technology and packed it into a small handheld unit, making it one of the most interesting showings at CES for filmmakers. This handheld system records in 4K and produces a smooth image. While it may not have the dynamic range of a true A camera, it’s perfect for 2nd Unit work or B-roll. Here is a great introduction to the Inspire 1 Mount by Tested:

3. Move Over 3D, Virtual Reality is Going to be the Next Hollywood ‘Gimmick’

Virtual reality (VR) is on the verge of going mainstream, and while it’s already popular in the video game community, the film community is starting to take notice. The challenge with VR lies in the fact that our eyes naturally focus on different objects as we move around an environment, causing some users to experience VR Sickness. However, Oculus and Sony are working on solving this issue, which could lead to a new wave of immersive cinema. 20th Century Fox Innovation Lab showcased a 3-minute VR demo set in the world of the Golden Globe-nominated film, Wild, allowing viewers to experience a fully 360-degree environment with actress Reese Witherspoon. Check out the full article here.

Project Morpheus image from Sony

4. Platforms and Streaming Move into the Future

Google is pushing developers towards Android TV, which will compete with Apple TV and Roku. Some manufacturers have announced their support for Android TV in future Smart TVs. Samsung is adding Sony’s newest game streaming service, ‘Playstation Now’, and Sony’s new TV streaming service, ‘Playstation Vue’, to all new Smart TVs in 2015. This shift towards web-based and streaming distribution channels is providing more outlets for media creators, challenging traditional media outlets. LG also showcased its new 8K OLED TV at CES, signaling the need for filmmakers to stay up to speed on 4K and higher resolutions:

5. Wireless Energy Router

Energous Corporation introduced their new product, the WattUP, which uses radio waves to wirelessly charge devices. While not directly related to film/video production, imagine the convenience of wirelessly charging the batteries for your DSLR or production equipment. We’re excited to see how this technology evolves in the future.