The sidetone function of the Solidcom M1 helps the director to ensure that the mic is picking up their voice but is useful in adjusting the volume too. For the project manager, three talk groups can be set up within a single system, meaning that they can communicate with the audio engineer, for example, within seconds, which is key to keeping to a tight schedule.

The transmitter also contains an option to alter the encoding bias, it has 3 settings HD, Balance and Speed. Each setting doesn’t seem to make a great deal of difference to picture quality when monitoring on a typical hand held off camera monitor, they all look quite good.

While the Rode Wireless Go was a revolution, the Hollyland Lark 150 is a revelation. There's lots to love about this ultra-small, smart-pairing microphone system, but for us the biggest fawn factor is the inclusion of physical dials. Also worthy of love is the fact that the Lark 150 records a Safety Track at -6db, to prevent accidental clipping if you get your levels wrong or forget to check them – this will save your bacon one day! 

As for signal strength in both the internal and external antennas, the specifications don’t state a different distance limit however not having antennas does help if you are using the camera on a gimbal or other rigs that require a small tight camera package. I would think with antennas they’re going to give a more solid signal, but options are always good. 300 feet is really far and beyond my needs, so a solid signal without dropouts are more important in most cases and with added mobile and tablet feature this will be a very inexpensive solution for on set wireless video monitoring.

The MARS 300 PRO is now compatible with the Hollyland HollyView App. Like the MARS X and MARS 400S, you can connect your receiver to a monitor, but also connect up to three phones/tablets to it. This feature is convenient and cost-effective on large sets if you don’t have multiple director’s monitors. Indeed, your client can just download the HollyView App – compatible with iOS and Android devices – and see what you’re shooting.

The MARS 300 Pro repeats the formula present in the MARS 300: there are two HDMI outputs on the receiver while the transmitter comes with an HDMI input and an HDMI loopout that is essential for people who like to build cinematic rigs with mirrorless or other small-budget cameras and need an on-camera external monitor.

The cost of the Cosmo C1 makes this video transmission system incredibly affordable, and when it comes to use, there’s nothing to it, just plugin, and you’re ready to go.I’ve been testing the Cosmo C1 for a couple of months, and it has become invaluable. I’ve been connecting the system to my 2nd camera, and then I’m able to keep to eye on what’s being filmed from a distance.