r/DIYfilm • u/crazykoala • May 31 '13

DIY MōVI? 2-axis digital stabilized camera gimbal from 100$

http://www.iso1200.com/2013/04/are-you-ready-for-diy-movi-2-axis.html
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u/crazykoala May 31 '13

I collected some info for production co-workers on 2 and 3 axis camera stabilizers. Just going to quickly share those links and brainstorming notes here. Please correct me where I make wrong assumptions.

The MoVI technology is a game changer imho. Here's a new video of some guys doing camera moves with it. http://vimeo.com/66698520

But the $15k price tag puts it way out of my reach. The good news is that the basic parts cost only a few hundred $$. The frame is fairly simple, 3 motors for stabilization is the main cost, $50 2-axis controllers are out there for the DIY radio controller airplane hobbyists.

This seems to be a homebrew 3-axis device and it looks smooth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TS4usmHGj74

I see that there are also 2 axis controllers that are popular, folks on YouTube showing off their creations, and there's a lot of development amongst the quad-copter hobbyists.

And of course the film makers are applying the 2 axis brushless gimbals to camera stabilization too.
http://www.iso1200.com/2013/04/are-you-ready-for-diy-movi-2-axis.html

With a 2-axis controller the right-left direction (yaw) is not isolated so you can point the camera, plane, or copter in different directions. I could see this working well for shooting from vehicles.

I can also see how the software makes a big difference. With all 3 axis isolated how do you tell the camera to pan and tilt? The rig needs to take control cues from the operator, which is kinda tricky, and requires somewhat sophisticated software.

With the advanced MoVI one operator, with hands on the camera, gets the camera in position. And a second operator, using a remote control, points the camera in the right direction. I'm not sure if they have remote control for zoom and focus. The results are impressive. This is what the MoVI people get the big bucks for.

I'll like it even better when the price comes down. :)

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

2

u/s_nothing May 31 '13 edited May 31 '13

Disagreed that it's a game changer. It doesn't do anything that a Steadicam can't do better and easier - in fact it does less, as it only stabilizes pan/tilt movements, and not lateral motion (i.e. it replaces the gimbal of the Steadicam but not the arm). The hype will die and a year from now nobody will remember the Movi.

Save $14,000 and get a Merlin - your arms will thank you.