Hands-On Video Review: Manfrotto BeFree Live Tripod

A specialized version of the company’s BeFree tripod line, the BeFree Live includes a special dedicated video tripod head

David Schloss

The Manfrotto BeFree Live is a specialized version of the company’s BeFree tripod line, and it includes a special dedicated video tripod head. We like to take the BeFree Live with us on photo and video shoots because of the unique locking collar, which is only found on the BeFree Live model. With a simple twist of a dial, the head goes from completely... Read more

Pro-Stix Series Carbon-Fiber Tripods

ProMediaGear has introduced a line of rugged tripods designed for professional videographers and photographers

Staff

ProMediaGear has introduced a new line of rugged carbon-fiber tripods designed to meet the needs of professional videographers and photographers. There are three models in the Pro-Stix series—the TR423, TR424 and TR424L—and all feature a 42mm diameter with 10x layer carbon-fiber top legs and a machined lightweight aluminum apex. The tripods support... Read more

Keeping The Balance

With camera stabilization becoming more affordable for filmmakers, we examine the options for cinematographers seeking support for both light and heavier-weighted cameras

By Jimmy Matlosz

New stabilizer technology allows filmmakers to set up and capture just about any shot they desire. Here, a Jeep is outfitted with Freefly Systems equipment to stabilize two RED cameras, each mounted on cinema vibration isolators by Stratus Productions. The spinning Revolver Rig on top of the Jeep is especially useful with its extensive range of movement.... Read more

A Magic Wand For Video

Giving Steadicam a run for their money, the DJI Osmo is a new handheld camera capable of full 4K with built-in 3-axis stabilization

By David Alexander Willis

Based on the gimbal and camera system of DJI’s $3,000 Inspire 1 quadcopter, the Osmo is the company’s first handheld camera solution, and, as a bonus, it gives video the same feel and buttery smoothness as a drone. At dimensions of 2.4×1.9×6.4 inches and a weight of only 221 grams (base model; it’s a bit more than a pound with all attachments),... Read more

Get Ur Freek On

DitoGear launches VibraFreek, a stabilizer arm for smooth moving vehicle shots

By Neil Matsumoto

Getting professional looking shots from a moving car can bring a lot of production value to your low-budget indie film. DitoGear, a provider of cutting-edge motion control equipment, just announced their new VibraFreek, a vibration dampening system for car cinematography that lets you capture smooth shots from a moving vehicle. The VibraFreek functions... Read more

MAGNUM Force

Cartoni introduces MAGNUM, a high-capacity fluid head for studio and OB cameras

By Neil Matsumoto

A leader in camera support, Cartoni, introduces MAGNUM, a pan-and-tilt fluid head that offers a high payload capacity of 25 – 95 kg (55 – 210-lbs). With a good operator, the MAGNUM has a fluid feel (with no transition in tilting) and an unprecented 5-year warranty, making it a great solution for both studio and on location broadcast cameras,... Read more

At A Glance: K-Tek ProShot

The 4-in-1 run-and-gun tool

By Neil Matsumoto

If you’re not careful, indie filmmaking can be an expensive habit. Even when shooting with a DSLR or compact camcorder, camera support (tripods, shoulder-mount rigs, stabilizers, etc.) can add thousands to your budget. Known primarily for their audio products (boom poles, shock mounts, bags, etc.), K-Tek has been dipping their toe in the video... Read more

Motion Pictures

Sliders, jibs and stabilizers that help your camera tell the story

By Dan Brockett

What is cinema? While there are many different definitions that have evolved over the past century, one can think of a common-sense definition of the word as the art or technique of making motion pictures. As digital technology has evolved, the cost of admission to the tools capable of photographing cinema-quality images has rapidly shrunk, as have... Read more

At A Glance: Air Apparent

Miller’s Air Tripod Systems

By Neil Matsumoto

Due to their small size and inconspicuous nature, the biggest advantage of shooting with a DSLR or compact camcorder is that you’re able to shoot in locations where most full-sized, digital motion-picture cameras can’t. But if you want stabilized shots, you need a solid tripod system—a tool that usually negates a DSLR’s small size.... Read more

Smart Allex

Libec’s new tripod system lets you pan, tilt and slide

By Neil Matsumoto

For event shooters or indie filmmakers, camera movement can bring a ton of production value to a shoestring project, when performed well. Filmmakers like Hitchcock, Scorsese and Spielberg have demonstrated how just a subtle tracking shot can heighten the mood of a scene. Camera movement for indie filmmakers has always been restrictive, mainly due to... Read more

At A Glance: Comodo Orbit

Twin-grip camera rig enables smooth single-shot cinema

By Neil Matsumoto

As you’ve probably noticed, cameras are becoming much smaller, not to mention better. Recently, Freefly Systems’ Mo VI rig transformed the camera movement industry by allowing camera operators to easily capture smooth shots without the need of a Steadicam (or Steadicam operator). Although the compact Mo VI rig has been a revolutionary... Read more

At A Glance: Zacuto DSLR Recoil Rig

Convert your DSLR or pro camcorder into an ENG solution

By David Alexander Willis

An entire industry has erupted around making video-capable DSLRs more capable for video. The diminutive cameras are ideal for shooting from small areas, but are absolutely uncomfortable for handholding during long takes, as well as difficult to use for fluid camera movements. Zacuto’s DSLR Recoil kit is designed as a shoulder-mount support system... Read more