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| The MIOPS High Speed Camera Trigger hot shoe mounted. |
I really like my Nero Trigger. A lot. When I discovered its creators were introducing a new unit, I thought to myself, how can they improve it?
The MIOPS answers that question pretty quickly. More than a lightning meter, it is a creative tool that turns your smartphone into a powerful sensor that triggers the MIOPS and unleashes your creativity.
Unboxing
The initial unboxing of the unit is exciting. As a designer, I am always impressed with the added value of a package design as it shows there is care and thought behind how the product is received. The MIOPS comes cradled in a well designed box loaded with product information. Inside the unit is solid. Once the rechargeable battery is installed, the unit feels substantial in the hand. Both the front control buttons and the side access ports are protected with orange silicone. All ports are on the left side of the unit and are accessed by peeling back a strip of silicone that protects from condensation and dust. And honestly, it just looks cool in dark gray and orange. Its form factor is well thought out at about the same size an old flip phone. This feature rich unit takes up so little space, there is no excuse to not have it as a constant resident of your camera bag.
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| The MIOPS display is easily readable, even in direct sunlight. |
The Unit
The MIOPS has the same great menu as the Nero Trigger, which I really like. Upon initial startup and Bluetooth connection, getting to your desired mode is only a few screen clicks. This is especially important while shooting weather or any other scenario where fast setup is essential. The Bluetooth connection is fast and reliable taking about a second to find and connect to the unit. The app searches and connects to the unit with on screen tap on an iOS device (the unit is also Android compatable). There is no fiddling with the Bluetooth settings on the phone, the app connects directly. The screen is bright and readable, even in sunlight. MIOPS can be mounted to a light stand or your camera via a hot shoe mount or to a tripod with sturdy brass ¼-20 threaded insert. This makes the unit extremely versatile. The MIOPS works with any camera or flash with a data port or remote trigger port and MIOPS.com makes it very easy to find the compatible cable for your camera system.
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| Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, Hot Shoe and Tripod 1/4-20 Mount |
The App
The mobile app is as equally well designed. All functions are easily accessed via a menu on the left of the screen fast to configure. The UI and UX are pleasant and the design is solid and readable. I have never had the app freeze or crash. White icons and text on a dark blue/gray or red backgrounds make for easily reading, even in bight sunlight. What's equally nice is that the app's design isn't harsh while working in the dark, ruining one's night vision. I find this especially important while capturing lightning. I would suspect it was designed with that purpose in mind. The APP's navigation is just as fast and intuitive as the menu on the unit. There is no learning curve, it's pretty easy to start capturing jaw dropping images right out of the box. It's nice to see a unit perform as promised the first time, every time.
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| A well designed MIOPS app with smart GUI and color choices make for ease of use even in bright sunlight or at nighttime without compromising your night vision. |
The other feature I really like is the rechargeable battery. One charge lasts quite a long time. I have used it for a few months on a weekly basis and have yet to recharge it. Charging is accomplished via standard USB cable and be connected to any computer or USB wall power brick. No additional battery charger is required.
Features I Liked
- Easy to use
- Fast setup
- Reliable
- Smartphone controlled
- Firmware upgradable
- Rock solid app, no crashing or freezing
- Easy to read color screen, even in direct sunlight
- Rechargeable battery
- Long battery life
- Small form factor
- Well designed app
- Portable between camera systems
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| All ports are protected from condensation and dust. |
Conclusion
I am really happy with the way MIOPS has coupled a great product with the ease and power of a smartphone allowing you to capture lighting and other high speed subjects in ways that were impossible before. I love the mobile app and how it allows me to monitor the progress of the trigger without actually touching the camera, which is important while using the rock solid time lapse and lightning modes. I am still finding new ways to use the MIOPS weekly. As a cycling photographer, the laser trigger feature is great for shooting downhill or other fast moving sports. The time lapse feature is a must have, and the sound trigger is great for shooting high speed studio images. But for people who get excited when there is a storm warning issued and want to capture of the raw beauty of weather, the MIOPS is essential. It's fast and reliable and with the range of the bluetooth connection, it provides additional safety while capturing lightning, which is huge. You can change settings and monitor progress from the safety of a car or structure. The unit is worth it for that alone. But the other features are just as powerful and will allow you to create in ways you never imagined.
Get more information on MIOPS at www.miops.com
Sample Images
Get more information on MIOPS at www.miops.com
Sample Images
Flickr Photostream at: www.flickr.com/photos/johnbulmer
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