So the new Freefly systems Movi Pro Gimbal basically sits inside of a Fig Rig (as seen in top left photo). If you're looking to get similar functionality with your Came-TV Gimbals, they all come w/ Quick Release Adapters so that you can mount those gimbals to just about anything. Here's a basic PVC frame you can build for your small Optimus Gimbal or Mini-3 Gimbal that can offer similar function.
DIY Gimbal Fig Rig Stabilizer Frame
Using 1/2" PVC, the corners are made up of (2) 45 Degree elbows. Top handle is a T connector + (2) 90 Degree Elbows. The feet to keep it standing are (2) T connectors and some scrap PVC capped off. Basic bike grips used on sides and on top handle (bike grips work well on 1/2" PVC). No balance stand needed to set your gimbal down, and you still have a top handle and dual side handles. Decent for those smaller gimbal systems to allow you to hold and operate your camera as you would a Fig Rig stabilizer.
Once you start shooting with a camera that has quality like the BlackMagic Design URSA Mini 4.6K, you'll want to be able to use it as much as you can. But because of it's size and weight, it's not an easy camera to fly on a gimbal for more than a few minutes. So it's time to add a Gimbal Support System to the mix.
While there are many different types of vests available, I decided to try out the Tilta Armorman 2 Exoskeleton Vest. While I prep this gear for an upcoming project, I thought I would share how the Tilta Armorman 2 (version 2) works, how the arms can be enabled / disabled during use, and how versatile it is to move a large gimbal around like the CAME-TV Prodigy.
If you're wondering why I chose the Tilta Armorman2 system, it's not that I believe it's better than anything else on the market, but it does work differently. You'll find a few systems that hang gimbals over your head. This may or may not cause more stress to your neck, shoulders, and lower back as it pulls you over.
The design of the Armorman 2 on the other hand have ISO arms that sit low and wraps around the sides of your body. Waist pads sit over the Pelvic bones transferring the weight to your hips similar to a Steadicam Vest (Your vest should sit more on the hips and not hanging from your shoulders). This has been a good standard for Steadicam operators for decades offering better posture and again transferring most of the weight off the lower spine.
Again, I can't say if it's better than other support systems on the market, but it's the one I prefer to use at the moment. Remember this is Tilta's version 2 Armorman, which was completely redesigned and easy for one person to manage. You can get more information about the Tilta Armorman 2 Gimbal Support Exoskeleton (here).
For large camera setups, the new CAME-TV Prodigy Gimbal has more height, more width, and a deeper frame than a full size Ronin. I can easily fit the Ursa Mini 4.6K with a V-Mount battery mounted on the camera. You can find the new CAME-TV Prodigy (here).
Here's one new product from Zoom i've already went ahead and ordered. I've been looking at the Zoom F8 Multitrack Recorder for some time, but now that they have just announced this less expensive Zoom F4 Recorder with similar features as the F8, it's pretty much a done deal for me.
I also currently have all the various Modular Zoom Mic Capsules that I use with my Zoom H6, and the F4 allows me to continue to use them. What may not be clear is the Zoom H4 does have a 1/4" tripod mount underneath, and also comes with a Camera Mount Adapter. So you'll be able to use the Zoom F4 mounted under your camera (something I can't do with my H6). Available now (here).
Here's an LED video light that has quickly become one of my favorites and i'm sure many of you may find useful. Especially because of it's design that makes traveling with a set of lights easier than ever.
The Kamerar Brightcast Variable 15 is a Bi-Color LED light that is flexible, rugged, and carries an IP67 Dust and Waterproof panel. The thin folding panel is lightweight, compact, and can be battery powered - making them extremely convenient and fast to setup.
The Kamerar Brightcast Variable 15 carries a 97 CRI rating, offers strong output, and bi-color temperature adjustment. Power cables allow the panel to operate away from the frame so that you can use them in much more creative ways you would not be able to do with traditional 1x1 panels.
The Kamerar Brightcast Variable 15 panels can also be joined together (using an optional adapter) to make a larger light source. These panels work great for interview setups as key or fill, and can quickly be diffused for softer light using the D-Fuse Instant Pop Up Softboxes.
Over the last few weeks, i've had the opportunity to use these lights. I have to say they definitely offer a lot of features and quality for the price along with the convenience of portability with the flexible design. For more information, check out the product page for the Kamerar Brightcast Variable 15 (found here).
Like many, I was using Manfrotto Video Monopods such as the 561BHDV, but later started working with the Sirui P-204S for the option of the sturdy 'locking base'. But recently Manfrotto has started offering the new XPRO Fluid Panning Base that includes a Vertical Locking feature.
The XPRO Video Monopods come in a few different flavors depending if you want Aluminum, Carbon Fiber, 4-Section, or a 5-Section and kits are available with or without a Video Head. These systems are fairly new and many websites haven't fully listed all the available options. The kit i've chosen is the MVMXPRO500US which is already available for purchase (found here).
The new Cinevate Duzi 4 uses a First Ever innovative flywheel design placed directly under the main carriage adding smooth inertial dampening without the use of cog belts and additional bulk. Here's a look at Cinevate CEO Dennis Wood running through some of the new features and now the new flywheel works to smooth out your video shots.
Here's a product overview on the new Boltzen 55w and 30w LED Fresnel Video lights. What they come with, a run through some of the features, and few samples with Flood, Spot, and without the fresnel lens. Anyone working with hard spots like the Lowel Pro Lights, should really find these lights a joy.
The Boltzen 55w and 30w LED Fresnels are compact yet put out a good amount of power and the Fresnel lens has strong output even at a distance. The lights can be battery powered and stay cool to the touch (unlike pro lights), and you don't have to worry about fragile halogen bulbs burning out or breaking. You can use the lights without the fresnel lens for wider throw.
CAME-TV Boltzen LED Fresnel Light
Keep in mind there are two things not seen in this video. First I didn't show the D-Tap cable which allows you to power these lights off of your V-Mount or Gold Mount batteries. They recently just added this D-tap Power cable as part of the standard kit, so anyone ordering one may have it in their case. Second is the Wifi control. There is a port on the back to which you will attach a wifi dongle. Then you can control it through a remote (or possibly iPhone app). This (optional) part was also not available yet during the making of this video.
CAME-TV Boltzen LED Fresnel Light
If you're on a budget or super concerned about fan noise, the 30w is a great option. But personally I think the 55w is the way to go. The fan is barely audible from a short distance away. They 30w and 55w both share the same size. At this moment I think CAME-TV may be offering the smallest 55w LED Fresnel under $300 (cheaper when buying sets). I find these could be a perfect little compact hard light to keep in your kit.
So I made a comparison video (below), but before you begin watching I want to clarify a few things. This test is nowhere near scientific when it comes to measuring CRI or Color accuracy, but it should be somewhat helpful when it comes to measuring the amount of light at a distance. Another thing I want to clear up is that this is not by any means a fair comparison as the CAME-TV 55w Boltzen LED Fresnel Light (found here) is measured with a Fresnel Lens while the Aputure COB120T (found here) was working bare.
By performing this test in this manner, hopefully it shows that a smaller light with less power can still be capable of outputting a decent amount of light at a distance over a more powerful light. Especially within the last few years, with cameras (i.e. Sony A7s, A7sII) that have better low light sensitivity, we can shoot with less powerful lighting kits. Ok, let's get to the video.
I would not say one light should be considered as a replacement over the other. There are major differences in size, weight, power, function, and price - two different types of lights. I would say having both the Aputure COB120T and CAME-TV Boltzen 55w Fresnels as part of your lighting kits can be beneficial!
Over the next few weeks, I'll be gathering more footage of these lights in actual use and putting up a more official review. But because I know brightness tests like these are what most people need to decide if the new 55w Boltzen LED Fresnels is something to consider, I wanted to at least get this basic test out there.
I've reviewed the iFootage Shark Slider combined with the S1A1 Motion Control in the past (video review seen here). This time we're adding on the X2 Head that allows for Pan and Tilt of the camera. With this, you have a fully motorized advanced 3-Axis Motion Control System that allows for accurate movements and positioning for Time Lapse and also incredibly silent for real time video use. Here's a quick video on how to use this system for that popular Parallax Tracking effect often used on B-cam setups during interviews.
The X2 Motion Pan/Tilt Head can also be used without the Shark Slider. So if you want a simple 2-Axis Motion Control Timelapse system, just throw it directly onto a tripod. Or use it at the end of a jib as a wireless motorized PT Head.
I personally have only dabbled in some of what this entire system offers, and it is capable of far more advanced functions that what I have shown. It's not the cheapest motion control system avialable, but it's incredibly accurate if you need to repeat shots, highly programmable, and best of all incredibly silent (important for those interviews). You can find more information about iFootage Motion Control Equipment over at CamotionLLC.com (found here).
Tilta Armorman 2 Gimbal Support Vest Exoskeleton
