This year’s CES was chock full of futuristic electric vehicles, experimental robotics, and immersive virtual reality devices. But, what about tech for the humble content creators of today? You know, the people on the internet that create everything that users watch, listen to, and all-around consume?
Don’t get me wrong, there were plenty of companies there that make products for filmmakers, YouTubers, and podcasters. Leaders in the space like Canon and Nikon were all present showing off the latest models of cameras. Popular names in the audio and live streaming space like Audio-Technica and HyperX had some new gear to show off too. And there were plenty of smaller companies presenting its microphone, camera, and lighting accessories too.
Credit: Matt Binder / Mashable
There was a slew of upgrades or new models of countless products. But, I was on the hunt for something new for creators. And I found it in the SeeMo, an HDMI adapter by the China-based video company Accsoon.
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So, what does SeeMo do? Using this device, creators can mount an iPad or iPhone atop their camera and use their Apple device as a monitor when they shoot video. If you regularly use a DSLR or mirrorless camera, you know just how small and lacking those tiny little flip-out LCD screens are. This is where SeeMo comes in. If you already have an iPad or iPhone, why not save some money on buying a new monitor? Just connect your iPad or iPhone to SeeMo, mount it on your camera, and plug your camera into SeeMo via HDMI.
Credit: Mikayla Whitmore
At CES, I got to interact with a short demo with SeeMo and I have to say it was incredible to watch high-quality video images from a high-end DSLR camera come through the mounted iPad Mini in real time. I can’t imagine shooting video using a flip-out LCD screen ever again. In fact, I felt like SeeMo gave the iPad Mini a new purpose. I always felt the smaller iPad was stuck between those who wanted a large touch-screen tablet and then those who should just get a big iPhone. But after viewing all these Apple devices utilizing the SeeMo, the iPad Mini was the perfect size – not too big, not too small – for a mounted camera monitor.
The external monitor feature is very cool, but on its own, I can see how some people may not have been sold. After all, creators can buy small external monitors that mount on your camera. Turning your iPad into one seemed more like a convenience for some than a must-have, broadly speaking.
However, the Accsoon team pulled out the other major feature during the demo. SeeMo users didn’t even need to record on their camera’s SD card. The video from their camera could also be recorded directly to their Apple device.
Credit: Mikayla Whitmore
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To showcase the utility of such a feature, the Accsoon team shot some video with a DSLR camera straight to the Apple device. Then, in a matter of seconds, Accsoon airdropped the video to my iPhone. It was not hard to immediately see how this could change film shoot workflows. Just imagine being able to show clients what you just shot seconds after shooting it. Or how quickly you could get the footage up on social media of an event you’re filming.
If the SeeMo feature turning your iPad into an external monitor is akin to upgrading your camera’s LCD screen, then this feels like transforming your iPhone into a professional-grade video camera. Your camera’s storage space just became maxed out at whatever size storage your Apple device has too. And, for the cherry on top, you can even livestream your camera video using your iPad or iPhone with SeeMo straight to YouTube, Twitch, and other platforms.
Unlike a lot of the futuristic tech being shown off at CES, SeeMo by Accsoon is available now for $179.
