The MR11 just isn’t your atypical video rig for smartphones, because it comes with a built-in energy financial institution for wirelessly charging your telephone and a built-in LED panel. Add the equipment and also you’ve a VK2 Zeniko Vlogkit.
It’s offered as a vlogging equipment however even should you’re not into vlogging and filmmaking is what pursuits you most, this can be an answer for stabilizing your footage. No, it’s not a stabilizer, however the truth that you’ll be able to maintain our smartphone in a extra ergonomic and steady method helps to get higher outcomes. The MR11, which is the bottom of the equipment – and you should purchase the elements individually – seems to be like many different rectangular constructions designed to carry smartphones, however it’s completely different, and that explains the worth of $79.00 requested for the accent.
Zeniko has a few merchandise constructed across the MR11, however on this evaluate we take a look at the highest of the road, the VK2 Zeniko Vlogkit or Zeniko VK2 in order for you the quick model of the title. The equipment used for the completely different kits are… completely different, however the base is the MR11 cage, which works fairly effectively and as some options you’ll recognize.
The MR11 smartphone video rig permits 180°clockwise rotation of the telephone clip, providing chosen horizontal and vertical screens to satisfy completely different framing wants, comes with a built-in LED panel and is constructed with wi-fi charging expertise, making it extremely handy to carry the telephone whereas charging wirelessly. The included USB port additionally offers wired charging if wanted.
A grip with wi-fi charging
Despite being manufactured from plastic, the rig feels strong and comfy to make use of. The construction options 6 1/4″ screw ports (three on the underside, two on high and one on the left facet deal with), one ARRI positioning gap and two coldshoe slots (on high). The variety of ports makes it extraordinarily handy for exterior tools corresponding to lights, microphones or tripods.
Suitable for smartphones starting from 57 to 95mm in width, the rig’s clip rotates for each portrait and panorama capturing. The controls for each the wi-fi charging and the LED panel on the entrance are on the backside of the clip, that means that should you’re capturing vertically the smartphone physique will cowl this space, one thing to recollect should you’re utilizing the built-in gentle and charging.
The MR11 incorporates a removable mini controller in the appropriate grip, ergonomically positioned to press together with your thumb. Once paired with the smartphone, via Bluetooth, it really works as a set off so you’ll be able to hold holding the rig whereas capturing. Easy to take away from the deal with, it turns right into a distant shutter and recording management with a variety as much as 30 meters, providing nice flexibility in content material creation at your fingertips. Once carried out, you simply return it to its magnetic casing.
The Zeniko MR11 Smartphone Video Rig is the bottom of the whole VK2 Zeniko Vlogkit, which incorporates the VS5 R Magnetic RGB LED Video Light, a stereo microphone, OC-D1, and a tripod, MT01, all the things wanted for a one-person filmmaking crew. That’s the equipment we obtained from Zeniko to check.
VS5 R, an exterior video gentle
The smartphone video rig feels good within the hand and the good distant connection is a welcome addition, not just for what it does however for the best way it’s maintain in place when not in use. The rig is steady sufficient for use over a desk by itself, however the equipment features a small tripod with extendable legs that assist to raise the rig and permits for some adjustment. The head permits some tilt however because it doesn’t rotate it’s not essentially the most versatile resolution. Still, it really works for a lot of conditions and the extendable legs are a welcome addition. And it’s steady sufficient for a tripod this dimension!
The equipment consists of an exterior gentle, which comes with a coldshoe mount for mounting it on the rig, so a vlogger can shoot seamlessly with each entrance and rear smartphone cameras, making certain uninterrupted filming. It’s an possibility vloggers have to have however just isn’t important for creating different kind of content material, because the rig has its personal LED panel.
The exterior gentle, VS5 R Magnetic RGB LED Video Light, is helpful to position elsewhere so as to add gentle to a scene. With a number of choices by way of lighting, as is widespread amongst these compact gentle panels, the VS5 R is so attention-grabbing that we determined to write down a evaluate in regards to the gentle itself, coming quickly. The indisputable fact that you need to use a smartphone app to manage it… in actual fact to manage a number of Zeniko lights, might attraction to these utilizing a number of lights.
Built-in LED gentle and energy financial institution
If you want further lighting to your set, the VS5 R does the job. But the built-in panel within the MR11 could also be all you want, more often than not. The built-in LED gentle options, based on Zeniko, “Ra>=96 and TLCI>=99 of high color rendering” and gives 5-level shade temperatures from 2800K to 6500K, and 5-level brightness adjustment, making it an all-encompassing software for photographers and videographers.
The built-in gentle is powered by the facility financial institution contained in the rig, one thing that that you must take into account should you additionally need to cost your smartphone. The rig works to recharge any smartphone that has wi-fi charging, but when yours doesn’t, you’ll be able to at all times use the USB connection on the base of the left deal with to attach your telephone. The USB can also be used to cost the facility financial institution contained in the rig.
The downside is that the facility financial institution or battery included has a capability of 3200mAh – that’s half of what the ShiftCam ProGrip has – sufficient for one further cost of a contemporary smartphone however not sufficient for hold each the built-in LED panel and the smartphone working should you want further power. So, perhaps it is smart that the equipment consists of the VS5 R Magnetic RGB LED Video Light!
OC-D1, a microphone with rotatable mics
The microphone included within the equipment is an attention-grabbing proposition for each vloggers and different content material creators. Equipped with two 180° horizontally rotatable mics, the OC-D1 permits you to regulate sound pickup angles and channel mode in numerous situations. Zeniko says that “whether for outdoor scenes one-on-one interviews, multi-person streams or stereo effect recording, it offers unparalleled flexibility to meet your specific needs.”
Zeniko says that “with the low-cut filter activated, the OC-D1 effectively diminishes low-end bass noise, preserving the purity and crystal-clear quality of your audio. Additionally, the microphone is equipped with a -10dB/0dB/+10dB gain switch. The OC-D1 offers “remarkable versatility in audio recording” and a shock-absorbing mini air bag that successfully reduces disturbing noise from motion, presenting a gradual, crisp audio high quality throughout recording.
Built with a high-capacity lithium battery, the OC-D1 gives an prolonged work time of 15h, good for content material creators to take pleasure in indoor or out of doors recording classes. Even in low-battery conditions, a common USB-C port ensures you get recharged shortly. The microphone comes with a pair of furry windscreens and two 3.5mm cables -TRS-TRS and TRS-TRRS – to attach with a digicam or telephone. You’ll have to get an adapter in case your telephone makes use of a USB-C connection.
While we couldn’t join the microphone to a Galaxy S22 Ultra, as a USB-C adapter is required, we tried it with a Redmi Note 10 Pro that – nonetheless – has a 3.5mm jack, and the outcomes verify the flexibility of the rotatable mics, which permits seize of sound from two distinct instructions, preferrred for interviews, for instance. But the 180° horizontal rotation of the mics opens a collection of different situations by way of sound seize that isn’t doable with a single microphone.
Final notes
The VK2 Zeniko Vlogkit is a viable accent should you’re after an answer that may increase together with your wants however need to begin with a base that provides you the necessities for a one-person staff. While testing it we took some notes that may curiosity others. Here they’re:
Attaching the telephone to the clip
While we did handle to carry the telephone used – a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra – in place with its (fairly massive) protecting case, we discovered it may be difficult to get the telephone in the appropriate place for wi-fi charging, as to take action the on/off button goes nearly utterly below the grip. The controls for wi-fi charging and for the LED panel are on the backside and could also be coated with some fashions of smartphones, however the grip does slide up and down, supplying you with sufficient area to achieve the controls. If doable, it’s advisable to take away the case, because it seems to supply a extra steady grip.
Smartphone fashions just like the Redmi Note 10 Pro additionally used for this check, and which is barely smaller than the S22 Ultra, are simpler to make use of, and depart more room, additionally because of the design of the digicam island. But in addition they pose some issues – primarily with cable connections -, as we clarify below the “Connections” part. It’s nothing that can’t be solved, however customers ought to pay attention to the very fact and be ready to search out the appropriate resolution for every case.
Filming
Despite the dimensions of the MR11 construction, chances are you’ll discover that smartphones as large because the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra don’t depart a lot area left to your hand on the left deal with, as soon as in place. You might need to verify that your fingers will not be showing within the captured video, particularly when utilizing the extremely and wide-angle focal lengths.
When rotating the telephone to seize video in portrait mode you might also want to regulate the telephone’s place, particularly when utilizing the broader focal lengths within the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. This does depend upon the design of the digicam island in several fashions, however it’s one thing that you must verify, particularly when beginning utilizing the rig. Again, the truth that the entire grip slides helps with the adjustment. But bear in mind to verify that your framing is clear… of fingers! Another factor to recollect is that when that you must regulate the place of the smartphone, the wi-fi charging stops working.
The Redmi Note 10 Pro additionally wants the changes talked about for the S22 Ultra, particularly when transferring from panorama to portrait and utilizing the ultra-wide-angle lens. After you’ve used it that method… you’ll have to reposition the telephone to have the ability to transfer to panorama mode once more.
Connections
When utilizing an exterior microphone, just like the OC-D1 that’s a part of the equipment, that you must consider cables and how you can place them. With the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, because the connection is revamped the USB-C, which sits on the appropriate facet, it’s a straightforward activity, though you would possibly need to search for an angled adapter that occupies much less area.
When utilizing the three.5mm jack, in case your connection is on the left facet – as within the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro – chances are you’ll discover it tough to attach the cable that comes with the equipment. Again, all of it depends upon the mannequin of your telephone, however chances are you’ll want to search out an angled adapter that matches there. Rotating the telephone to the portrait place permits to attach the cable, however to maneuver it horizontally the on/off button of the telephone goes below the grip, creating an issue to activate the telephone…
Conclusion
As of now, regardless of a number of the issues discovered – which can effectively occur with different equipment of this sort -, the VK2 Zeniko Vlogkit is as thrilling resolution by way of stabilizing video seize and pictures with a smartphone. For a really helpful retail value of $169 the Zeniko Vlogkit 2 is an effective funding to start out making films. Or vlogging.
