Blackmagic Forum

Posted: **Fri Aug 09, 2013 2:14 pm**

This is not directly related to the Blackmagic products, but I'm sure a lot of folks here are eagerly awaiting an affordable solution to the ''steadicam'', so here goes...

I've pre-ordered my BMPCC, *yes yes*, and I can already picture myself running through the streets with that little beast mounted on a stabilizer THAT WORKS AND DOESN'T REQUIRE YEARS OF TRAINING!

What's the word out on the upcoming defy gimbal G5 G2 series? I've looked at the footage they released and I have to admit it looks pretty good. But then it seems like all of their subjects are walking very slowly. Very slowly. As in, ''don't go too fast dude, this thing doesn't really work that well''.

Anyone knows anything about this product??

Posted: **Fri Aug 09, 2013 4:25 pm**

For the pocket camera it is perfect, but just know that it is very much NOT a 'one-man-show' piece of equipment. If you want anything besides infinite depth of field, you need a wireless follow focus (and somebody to do it of course).

Also, yes you are right it doesn't require years of training, however you will be holding around 10-15 lbs in front of you during every shot. That may not sound like a lot, but after your 4th take, or the 20th shot, you'll be hurting.

Not trying to discourage you, it is an amazing piece of equipment. I just dont think people may realize the con's to working with it, especially for indie filmmakers that often roll without a focus puller, or can't afford a wireless focus puller.

Posted: **Fri Aug 09, 2013 5:03 pm**

How much does a wireless focus puller go for?

Posted: **Fri Aug 09, 2013 5:37 pm**

Max Normandin wrote:How much does a wireless focus puller go for?

http://store.redrockmicro.com/Catalog/m ... cus-bundle

Posted: **Fri Aug 09, 2013 6:03 pm**

I'm definitely excited about the Defy gimbals. They are about $10k cheaper than the Movi and the function is almost identical. These devices (priced high now) are going to be the steadycams of the future. I took a walk with Vincent Laforet at NAB this year discussing some of this and he won't ever go back to a steadycam or operator.

I'm thinking this will make a remote focus puller a necessity, as well as off board monitoring for the person pulling focus. Or more depth of field?

Posted: **Fri Aug 09, 2013 10:29 pm**

David Chapman wrote:I'm definitely excited about the Defy gimbals. They are about $10k cheaper than the Movi and the function is almost identical. These devices (priced high now) are going to be the steadycams of the future. I took a walk with Vincent Laforet at NAB this year discussing some of this and he won't ever go back to a steadycam or operator.

I'm thinking this will make a remote focus puller a necessity, as well as off board monitoring for the person pulling focus. Or more depth of field?

One thing this doesnt have compared to the movi is wireless camera movement. It may not seem like a lot, but being able to have your camera operator dedicated to just positioning and having another cam-op control your frame is a HUGE improvement. Also the movi can hold 15 pounds, this can only hold 5.

I dont think its wise to sacrifice DOF for smoother motion. Gimbals allow independent filmmakers like us to get better footage, so I personally feel it defeats the purpose if you sacrifice your image quality in some other way (DOF). Unless shallow DOF isnt what you are looking for, but if you are going to invest in a gimbal like the G2, be sure you have extra crew and wireless follow focuses and monitors to use it properly. Its like buying a incredibly nice lens and then using *******/cheap scratched NDs over it. Defeats the purpose.

Posted: **Sat Aug 10, 2013 2:20 am**

Taylor Camarot wrote:One thing this doesnt have compared to the movi is wireless camera movement. It may not seem like a lot, but being able to have your camera operator dedicated to just positioning and having another cam-op control your frame is a HUGE improvement.

The Defy G2/G5, and BeSteady gimbal stabilisers can both be controlled remotely, though Defy states their remote will be "coming soon". BeSteady was just funded on Kickstarter and I've pledged for one (see http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bes ... stabiliser). Their follow mode seems pretty good for single-user control: . For remote controlling the gimbal, they will use standard RC equipment (e.g. Graupner MX-10 RC Transmitter, Graupner GR-12 HOTT Receiver), with an iPhone app that also controls the gimbal and changes between settings coming in October. They are also working on their own remote follow focus system. If the production estimates are right, I should be getting mine in September. I'll let you guys know what I think about it.

Max Normandin wrote:But then it seems like all of their subjects are walking very slowly. Very slowly. As in, ''don't go too fast dude, this thing doesn't really work that well''.

Check this video at 2:56min, there's a short running shot. I'm sure the BeSteady and Defy are similar in performance.

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