by Graham SheldonApril 27^th, 2017

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This Argentina-based startup has created the Pandora: a shoulder rig that will power your camera for 12-14 hours, has a built-in light, pre-amps and even a built-in solar panel – yeah, a solar panel. You just have to see it to believe it. 

Pandora front light. Image Credit: Graham Sheldon

Tucked away in a corner of the South Hall of NAB 2017, you’ll find a one-stop shop for DSLR owners looking to reduce the amount of accessories attached to their camera and make their shooting day easier. Meet the Pandora DSLR Optimizer:

Pandora DSLR Optimizer

The Pandora DSLR Optimizer is essentially a baseplate with all sorts of power and audio inputs and outputs, as well as 1/4″ accessory mounting threads and even a solar panel for charging up the built-in battery. The Pandora’s power supply solution has enough juice to provide phantom power to the two XLR inputs, but also to increase you camera’s battery life significantly. It also features integrated displays to monitor audio and power levels.

There’s no doubt that the Pandora has an 80’s retro feel, but in a world filled with matte black camera gear, it’s nice to see something with a little flare to the design.

The Pro Shoulder Kit, priced at $1,000, includes 1 shoulder mount, 2 hand grips, 1 power adapter, 1 audio cable, 1 battery holder, and will fit and power most brands of DSLRs and mirrorless on the market, such as Panasonic, Sony, Canon. It also promises compatibility with a variety of Pandora accessories in the future, such as sliders and prompters. It may look a bit unorthodox, but that sounds like a pretty good deal.

Technical Highlights: 

• Power: 5 outputs, 2 USB ports, and 3 DC from 7.4v and 12v
• Solar Charger
• Built-in small frontal LED light
• Dual XLR Balanced Inputs
• Over 12-14 hours of shooting (camera dependent) without charging Pandora.
• Dual-Channel Preamps
• Phantom Power +48v for Left & Right Channels
• Audio bracketing on Camera
• Headphone Output for direct monitoring
• In-Line Attenuator – 20db
• Microphone

Sometimes a manufacturer tries to create a device that does everything. Sometimes that works, but most often the results are less than stellar. You just have to admire the sheer design audacity of Pablo, the inventor of the Pandora, though. There is something about the enthusiasm with which he talks about his work, an enthusiasm that was clearly well transmitted in his successful Indigogo campaign, which raised over $45,000.

XLR Inputs x2 on the Pandora. Image: Graham Sheldon

Bringing a product like this to market – especially a crowdfunded one – is difficult, and the fact that it is already shipping makes it something of a rarity in the fast-paced DSLR accessory world.

For more information, visit www.dslroptimizer.com

Could this be the retro DSLR shoulder rig solution you’re looking for? Let us know in the comments below!