Tiffen Axis is a new electronically assisted camera stabilizer and the first by Steadicam to offer Volt technology for roll, tilt, and pan axes for increased direct control of framing and enhanced stability. The company claims to have faster set-up times, too. When used with the supplied arm and vest, the Axis supports up to 20 lb loads (9kg). But maybe the greatest surprise here is the more manageable price for such a product (sub $9,000). Tiffen is an American manufacturer that has been serving our filmmaking industry for over 80 years. Maybe their best-known products are glass filters. Steadicam, invented in the early 1970s by American cinematographer Garrett Brown, was a revolutionary product that allowed smooth handheld action shots. In the year 2000, Tiffen acquired the Steadicam brand. Over the years, many attempts have been made by different companies to produce similar products, at times at a cheaper price point. The dream of flying a camera and achieving a smooth action look “like in the movies” captured the imagination of many. “Flying a camera” – the alternatives In 2013, Freefly launched its Mōvi line of brushless gimbals and introduced the M10, a 3-axis handheld electronic camera stabilizer. Although built with a different concept in mind, suddenly, the idea of “flying a camera” became more affordable. It took several more years, but then a herd of gimbals made by a large amount of manufacturers flooded the market. Those, alongside Steadicam and “steadicam-like” products, continue to coexist today, aiming to cater to...
Published By: CineD - Monday, 19 August, 2024