Hollyland Mars 400S Pro Review: A must-have gadget to make flawless videos

June 08, 2023, 11:04 AM
by Md. Mehedi Hasan

UNB News
Publish- June 08, 2023, 11:04 AM
Md. Mehedi Hasan
Update- June 08, 2023, 11:24 AM

Hollyland Mars 400S Pro

In the world of videography, seamless communication among camera operators and directors is paramount. The Hollyland MARS 400S Pro emerges as a game-changer in this realm. This video monitoring device is specifically designed to cater to the needs of small film crews and videography teams. With minimal latency, the MARS 400S Pro allows directors and staff to remotely monitor the camera operator's footage, providing a hassle-free and efficient workflow. This article delves into the features and capabilities of this remarkable video transmission device.

What is Hollyland MARS 400S Pro?

It is a specially designed wireless video transmission tool. The Mars 400s PRO features a fresh and enhanced design. This innovative system boasts a lower center of gravity, resulting in a more compact setup.

Notably, the transmitter and receiver are equipped with an integrated cold shoe, ensuring a stable and convenient installation. Additionally, the system includes an OLED screen that intelligently conserves battery power by automatically entering low power mode and reducing brightness when idle for more than 5 seconds.

Key Features of Hollyland Mars 400S Pro

Input/Output

Transmission: The MARS 400S Pro comes equipped with 5G SDI ports on both the transmitter and receiver, in addition to a full-size HDMI port. While many smaller consumer cameras do not utilize SDI, it is a common feature among monitors and recorders. Both the SDI and HDMI ports allow simultaneous video signal output, enabling a maximum of four devices to monitor a single camera, along with an additional four devices viewing on smartphones.

Hollyland emphasizes the range of their Mars 400s PRO system. They claim a distance of 400ft (122m) when the transmitter and receiver face each other in an unobstructed setting. For optimal performance, they recommend positioning the devices 1.7m above the ground.

To cater to the growing popularity of streaming, Hollyland allows the receiver to be connected to a computer through a USB-C to Ethernet dongle (not included). This enables direct recording of the stream into software like OBS or VLC.

- Firmware: Firmware updates can be easily performed through the USB-C port located on both the transmitter and receiver. A straightforward procedure allows for updates in the field if necessary.

- Battery Power: There are multiple ways to power the devices as well. You have the choice to employ Sony NPF batteries, USB-C, or the included DC power adapter. When using NPF batteries, the device will indicate the remaining battery voltage. Conversely, if you power the device using USB-C or the DC power adapter, it will display a power icon indicating the power status instead of the battery voltage.

- External Power: DC power is supplied through a high-quality socket with a threaded design, ensuring a secure connection with the power plug.

- Antennas: RF signals are transmitted via two 2 x RP-SMA Male connectors, allowing for easy connection to longer range antennas. The package includes a spare antenna for convenience.

- Mount: Each unit features a female 1/4-20 tripod thread on the base, enabling vertical or horizontal mounting options.

Video Resolution

The maximum supported resolution is 1080p at 60fps. The MARS 400S Pro automatically detects the incoming signal's resolution, eliminating the need for manual configuration. While it would be great to have 4K monitoring capabilities, the MARS 400S Pro offers satisfactory resolution for its price point, especially when considering prevalent usage scenarios.

Latency

The MARS 400S Pro offers low latency, with presets available for adjusting the latency settings. While the latency may be noticeable in certain situations, it remains within an acceptable range for most applications. HollyWood claims the MARS 400S Pro’s latency to be less than 0.1s. Professional-grade devices provide even lower latency, but they come at a significantly higher price.

Video Quality

The video quality delivered by the MARS 400S Pro is superb. The receiver outputs video that is virtually indistinguishable from the source, especially in scenes with minimal motion. While there are distinctions between professional and consumer-grade devices in terms of compression methods, the MARS 400S Pro offers sufficient performance for its price point.

Cooling

The MARS 400S Pro is equipped with running fans to dissipate heat generated during the encoding process. There are three cooling modes available: auto, low and off. In the auto mode the fan speed adjusts automatically depending on the external temperature.

Smartphone Monitoring

The MARS 400S Pro allows for simultaneous connection of one transmitter to up to four smartphones for video monitoring using the Hollyview app. The app's interface is user-friendly, providing access to a range of tools and features. While smartphone monitoring may have occasional video glitches, it remains entirely usable and adds significant value to the product.

Other Uses

In addition to its primary function as a wireless video transmitter, the MARS 400S Pro can serve as a viable option for recording, video sending, or even as a CCTV solution. Its versatility opens up exciting possibilities for creative applications.

Pros and Cons of MARS 400S Pro

Pros

-Lightweight and compact design
-Low latency transmission with line-of-sight range up to 400'
-Multiple power options
-Bright OLED display
-Up to 1080p60 SDI or HDMI video transmission capacity
-Multiple monitoring options
-Sturdy all-metal body construction

Cons

-HDMI cables not included
-Slight latency delay
-Comparably limited range
-Additional accessories may be required for mounting and antenna options.
-The case for transportation needs to be purchased separately.

Price of Hollyland MARS 400S Pro

The Hollyland MARS 400S Pro is priced at INR 37,000 or BDT 48,203. The conversion rate here is INR 1 = BDT 1.30. However, the official price of MARS 400S Pro may vary in Bangladesh due to tax and other issues.

Verdict

The Hollyland MARS 400S Pro is a robust and versatile wireless video transmission system, offering impressive features like low latency, multiple monitoring options, and a sturdy all-metal body. However, it does have minor drawbacks like a slight latency delay, limited range, and the need for additional accessories.

Despite these, its benefits outweigh the cons, making it a valuable tool for small film crews and videography teams. It may not be the best fit for those seeking zero-latency or long-range transmission. But for those looking for a reliable, high-quality, and cost-effective solution for on-set monitoring, the MARS 400S Pro is a worthy investment.