Camera movement

High-speed robot camera movement

ahbleza — Sun, 19 May 2013 02:08:01 -0400

Imagine you could set up a camera to follow a glass as it falls to the ground, the liquid spilling out into the air. Well, now you can do it. A combination of a Phantom HD Gold high speed camera (up to 1,000 fps), and a robotic arm to move the camera gives amazing possibilities. Check it out.

http://www.themarmalade.com/spike

DIY FreeFly MOVi or ZenMuse - Brainstorming Session

DanDOF — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 13:11:01 -0400

I am interested in discussing possible DIY setups for an affordable ($500 or less) motor-based camera stabilization system. Most likely this will use a combination of gimbals, gyros, brushless motors and some controller. However, I think there is potential of at least discussing the combination of of rack pinion gear system instead of gimbals for stabilizing 3-axis movment (X, Y, Z).

TOPIC RULES:

Don't put people down for asking basic questions. I am new to this knowledge area too (with no experience using RC multicopters).
Encourage creative thinking. Perhaps stabilizing cameras handheld requires/deserves a different approach than tech used on multicopters.

I am reserving this post as a summary of "good/feasible" ideas.

Radian: Motion Timelapse Device

andrevanberlo — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:31:59 -0400

I came across the Radian on google searching for an automatic panning device and stumbled upon their kickstarter. Their project is fully funded now and they are shipping the devices as we speak. Looks good, it says it is not meant for video panning, not meant for, but might work? Couldn't find anything about Radian on this site so figured someone might wanna have a closer look at this so i posted it...

http://radian.alpinelaboratories.com/pages/radian

This comes from their website

Radian is a remarkably powerful, yet wonderfully simple smartphone-controlled device that lets you take stunning panning and tilting time-lapses with your dSLR camera or smartphone (in conjunction with another time-lapse app). With our free iOS/Android/web app, simply upload the desired time-lapse settings to Radian, unplug, and let Radian do the rest.

From time-lapses of sweeping landscapes to stormy clouds to busy street corners, the possibilities are limitless. In fact, the usefulness of time-lapses, especially panning ones, go beyond just creative endeavors. Its uses extend from architectural/construction site surveying, to documentation of projects, to even anthropological studies in urban environments. With panning, you can now capture the entire scene around you.

Radian is small, rugged, weather-resistant, and can handle anything you throw at it. It can rotate side-to-side. It can tilt up and down (with optional L-bracket). It can dynamically speed up and slow down. And if you have a Canon dSLR, you can change exposure to capture sunrise and sunset. You name it. With our app, the sky is the limit.

*Note: Radian is not meant for video panning

My motion control WIP

mk47 — Wed, 30 May 2012 21:56:34 -0400

Hello guys,

I've been working on a motion control prototype unit with a friend. Its coming along nicely, so i thought I would share some pictures with you guys.

It will be a 2 axis head on a linear slider with zoom and focus controls.

I have no plans to include 3D camera path export, due to the build level of the rig, but it should work for repeating the same move perfectly many times and for time lapses.

Gini Ultra Light Travel Jib

ahbleza — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:57:52 -0400

I lost my old jib (don't ask) and am looking for a replacement. I came across this one from Jini, but can't find any reviews about it. Has anyone had experience with Jini products?

http://ginirigs.com/ultra-travel-jib/

Varavon Lite Sliders

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 16:04:10 -0500

While they had been available for long all discussions had been spreaded among many topics, it is time to make some order.

Varavon Light Sliders.

Light, sturdy. Manufactured up to best standards. Well though design.

Available at:

http://www.personal-view.com/talks/categories/camera-movement

Howto: bearing adjustment video:

Edelkrone Slider

QuickHitRecord — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 11:11:17 -0500

A very interesting design:

These guys are always coming up with neat stuff.

The animation is great but I hope that they post a video of this thing in action. I'm curious to see how smooth it can actually be.

Quad and Hexa copters

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 13:26:25 -0400

I am personally very interested in using small m43 cameras on this things.
Can be used for documentaries then you need plans of big structures from above or
want to show details of real huge things.
But never actually tried this.

Example of usage:

550D and special module to follow target.

Varavon Cranes

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 23:58:29 -0500

Small cheap steadicam

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:55:51 -0400

Price: $54 shipped

http://dx.com/p/cs-100-handy-stabilizer-for-digital-cameras-cell-phones-black-204352

Kamerar SLD-230W slider dolly

inqb8tr — Thu, 09 May 2013 03:27:42 -0400

Looks cool doesn't it?

Nice review (it is called sd-1 here, but looks like it is the same product) :

FreeFly MOVi - very expensive handheld stabilized system

Rambo — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 04:11:07 -0400

I think I've finally found my stabilizer rig, a digital 3-axis gyro-stabilized handheld camera gimbal, this is AWESOME.

http://blog.vincentlaforet.com/2013/04/04/movi-a-revolutionary-handheld-stabilized-system-takes-flight/ http://freeflysystems.com/products/moviM10.php

Varavon Timeroid

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:03:38 -0400

Will be on our deals quite soon.

LAING steadicams, arms and vests

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 07:22:12 -0500

I am moving all to separate topic to have focused discussion.

LAING options

Quite good opinions about them. Good quality.

First, more light set, for cameras up to 7.5kg.

One for 7-15kg range comes in case:

STEADICAM SOLUTION FOR GH2

GOODEMPIRE — Fri, 06 May 2011 00:35:00 -0400

I wonder if anyone tried using steadicams with micro43? It should or should not make sense given our lightweight bodies. I bought a Glidecam pro 200 after Manfrotto's 585 modo didn't work completely (you can have your camera balanced when you are standing still only). So what are the options? I heard somebody was using Glidecam HD1000 with better results. It does have better controls for setting up the weights. It is important because one can't spend 2 hours balancing the system before going out to shoot. So if anybody is able to share his experience on this matter — please do that. Btw theoretically speaking which camera is easier to stabilize: heavier or lighter? My GH2 with 20mm pancake weighs almost nothing, but I can't say it helped.

Portable telescopic jibs, cranes

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 23:09:40 -0500

Discovery Cam Portable Jib, Alu

Video demo: http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNDU4OTYwOTY4.html

Specifications:

Arm length - 205cm
Packaged length - 75cm
Minimum radius - 47cm
Maximum radius - 120cm
Max operational height - 290cm
Min operational height - 20cm
Counterweight ratio - 1:2
Max load - 3.5kg
Net weight of jib - 1.7kg
Tripod and head must be designed for 5-8kg load

Available at our deals:

http://www.personal-view.com/talks/discussion/5505/special-deals-jibs-dollies-sliders#Item_6

Small stabilizer

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 23:40:43 -0500

This is copy of Skier design. Not cheap.

Interesting how it behaves.

Wondlan Carbon Stabilizer and mini one

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:05:01 -0500

We have it on the deals from time to time, check the sticky topics or PM me.

Hope to get reviews from our members soon also.

But here is review from other guys:

----------------

Few samples:

----------------------

Available at our deals.

Interesting stuff: New stabilizer

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:02:26 -0400

Material: Aluminum + composite plastic
Max height: 40cm (with tripod)
Max load bearing: 3kg

Price: $194.00 (with free shipping)

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/handheld-support-rig-stabilizer-for-dslr-camera-camcorder-124416

VariZoom Stealthy

sqware — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 05:07:23 -0400

Anybody took a look at the VariZoom stuff they had at NAB 2013? They debuted a new all-in-one rig/stabilizer/monopod called the Stealthy.

http://www.varizoom.com/product-p/stealthy.htm

I am most interested in it for its stabilizer capabilities, as well as for its versatility, but am wondering how well it will fly. Has anyone tried the VariZoom Flowpod before? It is an earlier monopod/stabilizer of theirs and am guessing the stabilizing ability would be similar to both products. In any case, the feature set of the Stealthy looks unlike anything I've seen out there.

What is this Omnirig Mr Bloom is playing with?

Felix — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:17:00 -0400

Does anyone from NAB know anything about this Omnirig that Mr Bloom is playing with https://vine.co/v/bttdVrT00Fp looks like a super budget Movi gimbal stabilizer thingy...

Making of handheld camera stabilisation system using a GH2

Felix — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 16:01:29 -0400

Just happened on this video of a Handheld camera stabilisation system on vimeo using a GH2 from Flite.pl

Early prototype based on 2-axis gimbal.
Electronics: Aleksey Moskalenko
Hardware: Flite.pl and FunFlyCam.com
All videos are raw directly from GH2&GP3.
Pitch and roll axis controlled with radio by second operator usign remote live view. Pan axis will be added soon.
Stay tuned for 3-axial final version!

Looks like the parts are based from the resource http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1815204

There a lady wearing EVF glasses controlling the camera tracking.... Love it.... Movi move over....

Anyone use this slider?

f1lm3r — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:30:26 -0400

Saw it on ebay. Looks friction-based, curious if anyone has used it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Filmcity-SL-5-Camera-Slider-With-Camera-Mount-Platform-For-Canon-Panasonic-Nikon-/370793763267?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item565507d1c3

New Sliders, light and long

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 07:35:01 -0400

Good quality.

Available in length from 80cm up to 150mm.

Made for light cameras (up to 3-4kg), like HDSLRs.

All screws in proper color :-)

Will be available on our deals today.

Rhino Slider

QuickHitRecord — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 18:06:27 -0400

Description:

The Rhino Slider equips you to film 48" of cinematic glory. The system is based on 6 rollers filled with 12 sealed ball bearings mounted to a hard-anodized aluminum carriage. There is so little friction you can use gravity to move your shots. Locking all-terrain legs come standard with non-marking custom molded rubber feet that will grip to anything.

Features*:

• 2 mounting screws are included: Standard 3/8-16 for your ball or fluid head and a 1/4-20 for mounting your iPhone or GoPro

• Dual locking friction brakes (not shown) keep the carriage in place when you're moving from shot to shot or traveling

• The entire system dissassembles with only 4 tool-less fasteners

• 3/8-16 & 1/4-20 threads on both ends of the slider for mounting to tripods

• 3/8-16 thread on both ends for vertical mounting

• Replaceable feet let you use suction cups to mount to a car or window

Specs:

• 48" Stainless Steel Tubular rails

• 6061-T6 Hard Anodized (Type III) Aluminum

• Weight: ~5lbs

• Stainless Steel hardware

• $400

*This is for the base model. There are also carbon fiber "Pro" versions available for a higher price.

Varavon Motorroid, best motor solution for sliders

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 02:42:35 -0500

strong motor
works with any Varavon sliders (Lite, S, etc)
variable speed from fast to very slow
safety clip that allow unit to stop as it detect it
tension is very easy to adjust
works with 90 degree and 3kg weight using belt
45 degree and same 3kg weight using wire

Glide Gear Stabilizer Review

matt_gh2 — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 02:25:49 -0400

Just got the Glide Gear Stabilizer and thought I would do a quick review. It's modeled off the Steadicam Merlin design. The build quality is very good. Bottom line - it works, and for $73 on amazon, it's pretty cheap. I did some test shots walking up and down stairs, as well as around the house, moving forward at times, panning at times...and it's smooth. It definitely removes all the microshakes you might get when trying to walk. I watched their 3 minute YouTube video which gives instructions on balancing, and spent 5-10 minutes working on balancing my GH2 with lens, lens adapter, and small rubber hood, and it was fairly easy to achieve nice balance. By the 3rd test shot, I had gotten the hang of it. A bit heavy after awhile, but nothing too bad, and I suppose that's normal for stabilizers that require you to operate it with one hand. At $73 it's a good deal, and with a reasonable amount of practice, I believe you could achieve some very smooth moving shots.

DIY motor and motor pwm speed controller how ?

feha — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:45:43 -0400

I want to build a speed controlled motor for slider or/and product turn table ...

I need to find information on about what motor can work 0.1 to 10 rpm (or more) with at least 7.2V (Sony npf battery) and to be strong in order to rotate or move at least 5-10 weight ... This should be with PWM controllable speed motor ... Found some speed controllers on eBay but don't know what motor to choose. Any suggestion is welcome ...

Balancing stabilizer

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 21:43:24 -0400

Really small and portable motorized slider

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 07:37:23 -0500

Tiny Friend

High quality, very light and very portable motorized slider.

Total length - 480mm
Sliding distance - 41 cm
Sliding platform hold up to 5 kg
Powered by 4x AA batteries
Suitable for smartphones and HDSLRs
Adjustable speed, stop, forward and backward motion
Weight - 1 kg
Speed - from 40 seconds to max 6 minutes from one side to the other (oriented to timelipses mostly)

Mini friend

Total length - 890mm
Sliding distance - 82 cm
Sliding platform hold up to 3 kg
Powered by 4x AA batteries
Suitable for smartphones and HDSLRs
Adjustable speed, stop, forward and backward motion
Weight - 2 kg
Speed - from 80 seconds to max 12 minutes from one side to the other (oriented to timelipses mostly)