After months of actual productions with Tilta’s Nucleus-M II, I can say it strikes this line from budget-friendly to genuinely succesful. Digital camera management and lens mapping are lastly right here, the motors are smaller and snappier, and the entire package runs on NPF batteries. A current firmware replace and a considerable value drop make it much more interesting. Let’s dive into my intensive Tilta Nucleus-M II evaluate!
I’ve used the unique Tilta Nucleus-M on many roles (our evaluate of the unique model right here). It was inexpensive and responsive, but fundamental. Digital camera management was restricted to run-stop, there was no lens mapping, and expandability was modest. The Nucleus-M II addresses these gaps whereas preserving the worth now even decrease than earlier than, which makes it a wonderful choice for small crews and owner-operators.
What comes within the field
I labored with and reviewed the Nucleus-M II Final Equipment, which now retails for $1,499 USD, diminished from its unique $1,999 USD (which was already an unbelievable value when you contemplate what you get for the cash in comparison with the competitors – however extra on that later). Contained in the case you get the FIZ hand unit, two redesigned motors, left and proper hand grips with a swappable zoom module, 7-pin interconnects, a D-Faucet energy cable, 15 mm and 19 mm rod mounts, 5 customary marking discs, the digital focus ring, a monitor bracket with baby-pin adapter, and a tough case. It’s a surprisingly full set for actual work. The case structure is compact, though it tends to tip when standing up throughout loading.
Tilta Nucleus-M II on a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Digital camera 4K. Picture credit score: CineD
Tilta has additionally simply launched a Hand Wheel Equipment for $899 USD, which incorporates the identical FIZ hand unit and a single motor. It supplies an entry-level path into the Nucleus-M II ecosystem and is anticipated to ship inside one to 2 weeks.
Energy and batteries
Tilta switched from 18650 cells to NPF batteries, which makes life on set simpler. NPFs are all over the place, they’re simple to supply, they usually final. In scorching climate above 30 °C I ran the hand unit for about eight hours on a single NPF-530. The grips additionally take NPFs, so the complete system now aligns with the batteries many displays and equipment already use.
Sony NPF-style batteries are a lot simpler to pay money for than the 18650 cells that have been used within the predecessor, the Tilta Nucleus M. Picture credit score: CineD
Motors and efficiency
The brand new motors are smaller and really feel faster. They embody a flywheel for smoother rotation, improved mounts for 15 mm and 19 mm rods, and entrance shows that double as a tally whenever you set off file. “Stealth mode” lets me kill motor LEDs from the hand unit when reflections are an issue. Backward compatibility is robust: I can combine Nucleus-M II motors with earlier Nucleus-M and Nano II motors on the identical construct.
The brand new motors of the Tilta Nucleus-M II. Picture credit score: CineD
The most recent firmware added a heavy-load mode for smoother movement underneath increased torque and stuck extreme present draw when utilizing 24-volt sources. I also can daisy-chain energy via the motors whereas controlling totally different motors on separate channels from totally different controllers, which is useful when a 1st AC handles focus and an operator rides the zoom on a grip.
Iris/ND management on the hand unit of the Tilta Nucleus-M II. Picture credit score: CineD
Digital camera management in apply
That is the place the Nucleus-M II seems like a brand new technology. On supported cameras I can regulate core settings resembling ISO, shutter, body price, white steadiness, and ND. Blackmagic our bodies pair rapidly by way of Bluetooth and the management response is quick. On Sony, cabled management is on the market, together with variable ND on the FX6. On high-end fashions like Alexa, Venice, or Burano I solely get run-stop, which is a limitation of the digital camera ecosystems moderately than the Nucleus-M II itself. The one function I nonetheless miss is playback management from the hand unit.
The hand wheel (which could possibly be a tad larger for my fingers) is detachable and might be placed on the opposite facet of the hand unit. Picture credit score: CineD
Lens mapping and the digital ring
Lens mapping adjustments the workflow. I can retailer a lens with focus and iris information and recollect it immediately, which accelerates prep and lens swaps. The digital focus ring mirrors that information, so I ended utilizing paper discs in most conditions. The auxiliary screens on the hand unit and the ring are readable indoors, however their brightness can’t be adjusted, which makes outside work in vibrant solar difficult.
The firmware improved map enhancing. If a saved focus mark is barely off, I can land on it, seize the purpose, nudge it with the wheel, and save the corrected map. The lens listing is healthier organized and Tilta expanded the built-in library, which makes preliminary setup sooner on widespread units of primes and zooms.
The digital ring on the hand unit is an actual innovation. Picture credit score: CineD
Hand unit, wheel, and ergonomics
The hand unit feels stable and is straightforward to service. Modules join over pins, not unfastened cables, and the wheel might be flipped for left-handed use. After reversing sides, a fast calibration retains it correct. The damping adjustment is helpful, though the wheel itself is on the small facet. With giant fingers, fingertip pulling turns into tiring throughout lengthy takes. I might like to see an optionally available bigger “professional” wheel. The plastic lanyard loop works, but I would like a steel insert for reliability.
Pricey Tilta, I would like a much bigger wheel please! Picture credit score: CineD
Handles and cut up management
The grips have grown barely to accommodate NPFs and the zoom module can swap sides. Operators appreciated the power to seize momentary management from the grip whereas I stayed on focus. The most recent firmware lets me set totally different zoom speeds for up and down on the rocker, and it provides a brand new knob calibration routine. If wanted, I may even change the knob to regulate zoom pace moderately than place.
Mounting and monitor bracket
Tilta features a monitor bracket and baby-pin adapter for fast handheld or C-stand setups. The thought is correct, and I’ve used it in vehicles and tight areas, however changes require a number of Torx sizes. Thumb screws would make on-the-fly adjustments sooner, particularly with a heavier 7-inch monitor and wi-fi equipment hooked up.
I might like to see a thumb screw right here, as a result of the idea of the monitor bracket is genius. Picture credit score: CineDThe included monitor bracket is compact and positively doesn’t add bulk. Picture credit score: CineD
Reliability and firmware enhancements
The brand new firmware replace brings many quality-of-life fixes (this simply got here out after we completed the evaluate video above). I can lock the touchscreen and nonetheless use {hardware} buttons, prolong sleep time from three to 10 minutes, disable the auxiliary screens, and keep away from the transient aux-screen glitches I noticed on an early unit. Normal stability is healthier, and the camera-control interface gained a devoted iris web page, which makes day-to-day operation cleaner.
Worth dropped additional – worth and who it’s for
With the worth drop to $1,499 USD, the Nucleus-M II Final Equipment delivers even stronger worth than earlier than. For Blackmagic and Sony owner-operators, small manufacturing groups, and ACs who want a reliable backup when a rental Hello-5 or cPRO is just not out there, this package presents a uncommon mixture of options and affordability. The brand new $899 Hand Wheel Equipment makes it simpler for smaller productions to step into the ecosystem with out compromise.
The built-in lens listing is healthier organized, and extra lens configurations can simply be added. Picture credit score: CineD
Limitations and want listing
I would really like adjustable brightness for the digital ring and auxiliary screens, a bigger optionally available focus wheel, sturdier lanyard {hardware}, and true playback management on supported cameras. The monitor bracket would profit from higher tool-less changes.
Tilta Nucleus-M II Overview – ultimate ideas
A ultimate thought on this evaluate: the Nucleus-M II is an enormous leap ahead. Digital camera management and lens mapping change how rapidly I can work, the motors really feel extra exact, and the change to NPF batteries matches actual units. With the current firmware replace and a decrease entry value, it has grow to be an much more refined and accessible system. Should you work primarily on Sony or Blackmagic our bodies and need full wi-fi management at a wise value, this package deserves a severe look.
Primarily based on this Tilta Nucleus-M II evaluate or your personal expertise, which enchancment ought to Tilta prioritize subsequent in your opinion? A bigger wheel or full playback management?
