Holdan's Gear of the Year 2024

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As we wrap up what’s been another challenging year for the creative sector, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible innovations and standout products from our brands that have still managed to shine through. Despite the challenges the market brings, the brands we proudly represent in the UK have continued to push the boundaries of what’s possible in their respective fields.

Chosen by the Holdan Technical Pre-Sales Team, these ‘Gear of the Year’ selections highlight the standout products from each brand in 2024 (and it's often very hard to pick just one). Looking ahead to 2025, we're filled with optimism for the new opportunities and groundbreaking innovations that will undoubtedly shape a brighter future for the industry.

Here's to a new year of progress, possibility, and even greater achievements! Sit back, take 5, and let's reflect on some of the best new products of this year.

Kriss Hampton-Joyce | Head of Technology

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• Atomos Shinobi II
• BirdDog X5 Ultra
• Blackmagic Design PYXIS 6K
• Datavideo PTR-15
• Densitron ProDeck
• Epiphan Video Pearl Nexus
• Kondor Blue 4x5 Matte Box System
• Lumens OIP-N60D
• MRMC SR-1
• Panasonic LUMIX DC-GH7E
• PGYTECH OneGo Solo V2
• Roland V-80HD
• Samyang Remaster Slim
• Sonnet Echo II DV Desktop
• Wise Advanced CFX4-A1024M2
• Honorable Mentions

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I've chosen the Atomos Shinobi II as my gear of the year thanks to it's feature-rich design and impressive pricepoint. Not only does it excel as a videographers best friend but it can be just as beneficial in the hands of a photographer. With multiple firsts for Atomos such as camera control, touch to focus and shutter release, this monitor is an ally when shooting photo or video. The design updates of the monitor show focus on ease of use, with it's slimline casing , rear HDMI port and USB-C power delivery, it truly feels like Atomos listened to users and then went a step further.

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BirdDog are continually raising the bar on their new releases and the X5 was a welcome addition to the new Birddog lineup. Not only does it bring 12G-SDI connectivity for under £2500, but it also features NDI|HX3 and USB-C (UVC) outputs to make this a highly flexible device that can fit into most workflows from studios through to boardrooms. It features a Sony 1/2.8” CMOS sensor that captures Ultra HD 4K video at 60fps. Its Birddogs first fully mechanical drive camera that ensures smooth and precise movements, making it ideal for live broadcasts and big productions. Its top dog out of the new BirdDog 2.0 line up for sure, but I look forward to seeing how they further expand the Birddog ecosystem in 2025.

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It’s been a huge year for Blackmagic, with so many exciting releases—from the SMPTE2110 converters to the new Resolve and ATEM control panels, not to mention an impressive range of new cameras. Among all these innovations, the URSA Cine 17K with its 65mm sensor stands out as a massive milestone for the brand. But if I’m picking one product to nominate for Gear of the Year, it has to be the PYXIS 6K. The Pocket Cinema Camera lineup has already been a game-changer, with its gorgeous sensor, fantastic color science, and robust codecs—all at a price point that’s tough to beat. While the ergonomics and I/O options were always the weak spots, the PYXIS fixes both without significantly increasing the camera’s size. It’s the perfect evolution of the Pocket series, and for me, it’s the standout Blackmagic release of the year.

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Datavideo has such a vast ecosystem of production solutions that it’s tough to pick just one standout. From new 4K decoders and block cameras to PTZs and teleprompters, they continue to offer fantastic functionality, reliability, and unbeatable value. As live productions and studios work with smaller crews, they still demand the highest production quality—naturally. One product that really stands out for me is the PTR-15 4K robotic Pan Tilt Head. This system makes it incredibly easy to mount the likes of a full-frame mirrorless camera, to get the benefits of what that larger sensor can bring, yet still have the flexibility of a PTZ. It’s also fantastic to see Datavideo teaming up with Blackmagic to seamlessly integrate control for this unit through ATEMs—something I believe no one else has done. This is a game-changer for productions looking to maximize flexibility without compromising on quality. Honrable mention here, the VoiceTRX100 voice tracking system made available just December this year is one to keep an eye on, this is a mighty impressive and powerful tool to add automation to your production, whilst also increasing production value - if we had a little longer to play with this unit this year, this could have taken the top spot.

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Densitron have released something the AV and broadcast world have been asking for for a whille now in its ProDeck range of products. With options of physical buttons, touch panels or even a mix of both - its the only small footprint independent desktop control surface with both a powerful onboard processor, and configurable high-definition buttons all powered by POE+. You can choose to run the full Densitron IDS suite making it infinently customoiseable, or it can even run Companion nativley so you no longer need a host machine to interface with all your favourite AV equipment. Love it.

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The Pearl Nexus builds on the success of the top-selling Pearl Mini, offering the same I/O connectivity and control integration in a more compact 1U rackmount device. While it lacks a touchscreen, this makes it perfect for discreet installation in a rack room for remote control. Its 1U design ensures tidy cabling, allowing you to use a lacing bar behind it, eliminating the need to integrate it into a lectern and manage cables on top. The Pearl Nexus includes all the features you expect from the Epiphan range of streaming and recording devices, plus a built-in 1TB SSD for essential on-premises recording.

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I’m always excited to see fresh takes on classic filmmaking tools, and the Kondor Blue Matte Box is a perfect example of that. This system really gets my vote—it’s clear that a lot of time, thought, and effort went into its design. The team behind it clearly has hands-on shooting experience, and that’s reflected in their brand philosophy: made by filmmakers, for filmmakers. The build quality is exceptional, with thoughtful details like the ability to mount Lidar units, captive fasteners, spirit levels, and beautifully machined filter trays, just to name a few. The entire system is also incredibly well-priced, offering scalable kits that can be tailored to different budgets and easily expanded as needed.

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The Lumens OIP-N60D is a versatile AV over IP and NDI HX 4K decoder that stands out for its impressive range of features. It supports RTSP, NDI HX3, and NDI HX2, and will output these via HDMI or USB-C (UVC). This decoder delivers high video quality with ultra-low latency, making it ideal for applications where timing is critical. Another nice feature is that it offers USB extension over IP, which is a valuable feature for extending peripheral connections. The device also excels in instant source switching, allowing for seamless transitions between different video sources. This makes it a reliable choice for professional AV setups that require quick and efficient source management and can be controlled by various external control systems including its dedicated Crestron module.

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MRMC offers some impressive robotic systems that significantly enhance overall production value. One standout product this year is their new Small Robotic Head - the SR-1. Compared to their larger Bullhead systems, this single-sided head is designed for smaller camera systems, and as camera bodies become more compact, this provides a great solution for achieving precise motion in live and recorded productions. It also integrates seamlessly with MRMC’s Polymotion Chat tracking software, allowing for camera tracking to keep you on target during camera movements. This enables operators to focus on the movements while the software handles zoom and focus, making life easier for camera operators and elevating the quality of their output.

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I’ve always been a fan of the LUMIX GH series—the feature-packed, compact design has always suited my shooting style, especially when I need to travel light. In a world dominated by full-frame, the question is: How do you improve upon these MFT systems, and are they still relevant in 2024? The release of the GH7, which is my nomination for LUMIX this year, proves that they believe in the system’s ongoing potential—and I’m right there with them. This update isn’t about reinventing the wheel; it’s about perfecting what was already great. The GH7 keeps that same super-compact form factor and stunning LUMIX color science, but now adds Phase Detect AF, more robust codecs and recording options like ProRes RAW, ARRI Log C3, and USB-C storage. The real game-changer, though, is the addition of 32-bit float audio with the new XLR adapter, making it the first hybrid mirrorless camera to offer this feature. This makes the GH7 a powerful and lightweight solution for run-and-gun setups, especially for those needing to work with live mics.

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The PGYTECH OneGo Solo V2 Camera Bags easily earned a spot on my gear of the year list, thanks to their perfect balance of style and function. Whether you’re rocking the 4 litre for just your camera and lens, the 6 litre for a little more gear, or the 10 litre for those bigger trips, each bag delivers. With customisable compartments, weather-resistant materials, and a sleek, modern design, these bags keep your gear organised and to hand. Perfect for last-minute shoots or longer trips, the OneGo Solo V2 is a no-brainer for anyone who wants a high-quality bag that's compact yet well equipped.

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I really like the direction Roland is taking with their production switchers. Their approach sets them apart from other players in this price range, offering something truly unique. The Roland V-80HD (which gets my vote) is the perfect example, providing an incredible amount of flexibility for users. With mixed and flexible I/O, built-in scaling, 4K inputs that can be downscaled to HD (a rare feature on a HD mixer), IP in and out, a built-in touchscreen for live preview and easy settings access, native PTZ control with tally, and 10 routable output buses, it’s packed with features. All of this comes in at just over £3K, making it a serious bang for your buck. It’s an ideal solution if you need to accommodate a variety of production types, all while keeping portability in mind.

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The Samyang Remaster Slim lens system is perfect for anyone looking for a super portable and flexible setup. With three focal lengths—21mm, 28mm, and 32mm—this incredibly unique lightweight lens (just 66.5g) can stretch to 6 different focal lengths when used in APS-C mode, on a full-frame mirrorless Sony. It’s great for street, travel, or everyday shots, offering sharp images and minimal distortion. Despite its compact design, it doesn’t sacrifice on quality or auto-focus speed, making it an awesome option for anyone who wants a small but versatile lens for their camera bag or at this size, pocket.

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This year from Sonnet, the Echo II DV Desktop is the standout in their lineup for me. Offering a clever solution for anyone looking to expand their system with PCIe cards, but without the slots and physical space. It connects seamlessly to your computer via Thunderbolt 3 or 4 and can support two full-length, full height PCIe cards each at full bandwidth - making it perfect for high-demand video and audio work. It ensures you get all the bandwidth you need without sacrificing portability or performance. Plus, with dual Noctua fans and a 400W power supply, it's built to handle everything quietly and efficiently. Alongside the Echo II DV Desktop release, Sonnet offers other expansion options like the module version of the desktop unit, the Rackmount Echo II DV and the xMac Studio/Echo II DV all designed for intense workflows. For a simple way to boost your I/O without overcomplicating your setup, the Echo II DV is hard to beat.

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Wise Advanced truly raised the bar with their new CFexpress 4.0 Type A MK-II cards, released earlier this year in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB capacities. What sets this generation apart is its use of PCIe Gen 4, which doubles the bandwidth to an impressive 2GB/s. These cards also meet the VPG400 video performance guarantee, ensuring they can handle every resolution, codec, and frame rate, that any of the Sony’s Alpha series cameras support. With few other cards on the market offering this kind of capacity and performance in the CFexpress Type A format, Wise Advanced leads the pack—delivering the fastest speeds and the best value, especially if you need the VPG400 guarantee. For Sony shooters, this is the go-to media solution.

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While not every product can claim the top spot, there are still plenty of exceptional releases from this year that deserve some recognition. Below, we’ve highlighted a few standout products that earned an honourable mention. Many of these make up our daily kit and are the real workhorses of our creative workflow.

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• Canon RC-SK5
• Cartoni Lifto 25
• Cokin NX-Series Golden Hour Kit
• HOYA Mist Diffuser Black
• Logickeyboard Adobe Filmmaker TITAN
• Panasonic
• PTZOptics ZCAM 4K
• SLIK Rover Tripod Series
• SNS EVO Suite Updates
• Steiner Navigator Autobright 7x50
• YoloLiv YoloDeck

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The RC-SK5 controller, produced by world-renowned panel experts SKAARHOJ exclusively for Canon, combines Canon’s XC Protocol with a professional quality joystick, zoom rocker, dials, and presets to give your multi-camera production the versatility you need to deliver today's high end productions. There is also an additional license available to open it up to control other 3rd party products by utualizing the wider Skaarhoj control eco system. I've always had a soft spot for Skaarhoj controllers, and now there is a Canon specific version that works straight out of the box with both their PTZ cameras and other XC controlled cameras like the XF605 camcorder and C70/C80 cine cameras, it ticks alot of boxes for me.

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PTZ cameras and high production value are no longer mutually exclusive, thanks in part to the growing range of robotic solutions that add dynamic movement to shots. This year, Cartoni introduced the Lifto 25, a motorized elevation system designed to bring vertical motion to your PTZ camera. What really sets the Lifto 25 apart is its portability and price point. It’s a compact system that can be easily packed down—and, dare I say, even slipped into a tripod bag. Plus, it’s far more affordable than any other reputable options on the market, making professional-level vertical movement more accessible than ever. On top of that, it’s incredibly easy to integrate and control, with support for third-party consoles from brands like Panasonic, Canon, or Skaarhoj, as well as their own control console, or software you can even use a game controller with.

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The Cokin NX-Series Golden Hour Kit is a go-to for anyone who loves capturing landscapes or golden-hour magic. The 6-stop ND filter is perfect for creating smooth, dreamy effects with moving water and skies, while the 3-stop Soft Grad ND balances bright horizons for perfectly exposed shots. Plus, the holder’s wide compatibility and easy setup make it a breeze to use. If you’re after stunning golden-hour photos without the hassle, this kit is a reliable, no-fuss addition to your gear.

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HOYA is a name we've come to know as a go to option for high quality filters of all types and they continue to expand their range till this day, with the HOYA Mist Diffuser Black filters. With its diffusion effect, it creates a soft glow around highlights while subtly reducing contrast, making it a must-have for portraits, nighttime photography, and video work. The No. 0.5 version offers a delicate touch, while No. 1 delivers a more pronounced effect, giving you flexibility to match your creative vision. The slim aluminium frame design ensures compatibility with wide-angle lenses, removing the risk of vignetting, proving that Hoya has combined technical precision with artistic flair, perfectly, as always.

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Logickeyboard has always excelled in crafting tools that make the editing process smoother, and the Adobe Filmmaker Titan Wireless Backlit Keyboard is no exception. Tailored for Mac users, the Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects version is a go to. With over 220 intuitive and colour-coded shortcuts, your work is streamlined no matter the complexity. And it's versatile, featuring adjustable backlit keys and dual connectivity options, both Bluetooth and USB. Not only that, it can easily connect to an iPad or iPhone, or to two Macs – one corded and another wirelessly. It's safe to say, it's more than up to the job.

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Rather than highlighting a specific product, it's worth recognising Panasonic's impressive focus on the cohesion of their camera lineup this year. Previously branded under LUMIX, the box cameras (BGH1 and BS1H) have now joined the Panasonic Connect family, rebranded as the AW-UB10 and AW-UB50. These large-sensor cameras offer solid I/O and network connectivity, including PoE support, making them a versatile choice for various setups. They also now feature remote control integration through Panasonic's hardware controllers, with the RP-150 integration coming soon. A major highlight is the native NDI support announced for all their 4K PTZ cameras, with a free firmware upgrade rolling out, and NDI becoming a default feature on new models. This means Panasonic's range now includes fixed-lens camcorders, large-sensor box cameras, PTZs, and Broadcast Studio cameras—all seamlessly integrating with NDI as standard. Panasonic’s commitment to simplifying IP adoption has never been clearer.

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PTZ Optics has updated their highly popular ZCAM with the newly designed ZCAM 4K. I saw the unit at IBC this year, and it will be available in two versions: one with a 12x optical zoom and another with a 20x optical zoom. Both models will feature full 4K60 resolution and offer a mix of SDI, HDMI, and UVC outputs. I appreciate the cold shoe attachment on top, which allows you to mount small fill lights and draw power from the back, just like the previous versions. These cameras will be HIVE linked, enabling one-click integration with their new HIVE remote production platform. I can see these being widely deployed in eSports and corporate settings, and I’m eager to see how the integration with HIVE performs in real-world scenarios.

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The SLIK Rover series is all about keeping things light and easy, whether you go for the aluminium or carbon fiber version. The aluminium model is solid and durable, supporting up to 11 lbs without weighing you down too much. If you're all about travel, the carbon fiber version is even lighter at just 3.3 lbs, but still packs the same punch in terms of stability. Both versions have twist-lock legs, an Arca-type mount, and even convert into monopods for extra flexibility. Whatever you choose, the Slik Rover makes it easy to take your shots on the go.

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I’m a huge fan of SNS and their hardware storage ecosystem, as it provides extensive on-premises and off-premises storage for the most demanding video and audio workflows. Unfortunately, there has been no new hardware from SNS this year, but they have released plenty of software upgrades across their suite of workflow tools. These updates to the EVO suite include the ability to add timecode markers with comments in EVO’s built-in MAM, allowing you to create searchable subclips with in/out markers with ease. You can now automatically back up media to Box.com, OneDrive, and other locations, and one for the NDI users - Slingshot can now transcode media to the SpeedHQ (Full NDI) codec. This new feature pairs well with updates to the SNS NDI plugin that now allows for playout of h.264 and SpeedHQ directly from the plugin interface. These innovations aim to streamline media production workflows and boost productivity for media professionals, which is one of the many reasons they have a spot on our gear of the year.

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The Steiner Navigator Autobright 7x50 binoculars are built for adventure, with automatic brightness adjustment to keep things clear in any light. Whether you go for the standard or the compass version, the built-in compass is a handy addition for navigation. They're tough, waterproof, and designed to perform in rugged conditions. With 7x magnification and 50mm lenses, you'll get a wide, bright view for spotting distant details. Perfect for boating, hiking, or just exploring​.

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I honestly think the YoloBox units are seriously underrated. The functionality packed into these all-in-one systems at such a competitive price point is almost unbelievable. With features like ISO recording, animated graphics, NDI support, live streaming with bonding, PTZ control, remote presenters, VT and action replay, auto-switching, and more—all available on the Ultra unit—it's truly impressive. That said, my nomination isn’t for the Yolobox itself, but rather for their YoloDeck accessory. What sets this brand apart is its engagement with customers and its ability to listen. For certain users and applications, relying solely on a touchscreen isn’t ideal. The YoloDeck solves that by connecting directly to the Yolobox and instantly providing a fully customizable hardware interface for control. It’s a smart, practical addition that enhances the overall experience.

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