The Padcaster Rig For iPad

So, how do you feel about the camera in the new iPad? Its five megapixel sensor and new optics system is a huge improvement over the iPad 2's measly 0.7 megapixels. Personally, I wouldn't actively take pictures or record videos with my iPad, but I know that it could very well be a viable replacement for a digital camera for someone who uses their iPad often. Since the iPhone 3G, people have been creating video rigs and other accessories to enhance the iPhone's use as a video camera. Although it isn't completely unveiled, the Padcaster is here to do the same, but for your iPad. We won't really know what the Padcaster is until April 16, but as you can see from the video, it definitely features an SLR lens-mounting system, a tripod mount, and (probably) some type of housing for added stability. Towards the end of the video, you can see a list of the following equipment:

• Padcaster prototype #4
• Cinevate 35mm adapter
• Carl Zeiss 85mm f1.4
• Sennheiser MKH-60
• Manfrotto 561BHDV-1
• iMovie for iPad
• Final Cut Pro 7
• FCPX
• Filmic Pro
• iPad 3 (the new iPad)

I actually think the Padcaster would be a better option for on the go interviews than the iPhone 4S would be, given you wanted to use a special rig for both. Having lenses, microphones, and other peripherals attached to your iPhone could be cumbersome, whereas your iPad would have those accessories spaced out. Plus, video editing on the iPad is much more fun with the larger screen. What do you think of the Padcaster based on the video? We've got a few weeks to go until it's officially revealed, but as always, we'll keep you posted.

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