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

Movers And (Non)Shakers

Freefly Systems’ MoVI M10 is a handheld 3-axis digital stabilized camera gimbal that might redefine camera movement

By Dan Brockett

After cruising the floor at this year’s NAB, you may have thought to yourself, "Is there anything truly new under the sun in production support gear, especially for smaller and lighter cameras?" A company called Freefly Systems seems to think so. While the market in recent years has seen a plethora of new camera support systems, if... Read more

At A Glance: Tiffen Steadicam Smoothee

Capture smooth moves with your GoPro HERO3 Black Edition

By Neil Matsumoto

GoPro’s acquisition of video compression and workflow technology company CineForm Inc., made them much more than just a wearable camera company. And with the HERO3 Black Edition’s ability to capture 2.7K in 24p with a RAW-like profile, cinematographers took immediate notice because they were now able to place GoPro action shots into an editing... Read more

Indie Camera Moves

The latest stabilizers, sliders, jibs and dollies designed for the low-budget shooter

By Ian Blair

Movies always have been the perfect medium for capturing the sheer kinetic energy of motion, and thanks to the many advances in technology in the past decade or so, the new generation of stabilizers, jibs and sliders have helped filmmakers push the limits even further in their quest for never-before-seen shots. Of course, many indie productions, as... Read more

Shot Support

New fluid heads and tripods for your digital motion-picture camera system

By Neil Matsumoto

It’s important to remember that for tripod and fluid heads, the ones you don’t notice while shooting are the best kind. Although tripod systems aren’t the sexiest gear to read (or write) about, you’re probably well aware that a stable tripod system is the best investment a shooter can make since a subpar tripod system can ruin... Read more

At A Glance: Slyde Away

The Digital Juice Slyder Dolly

By Neil Matsumoto

The biggest difference between still photography and motion-picture production is camera movement. When camera moves are performed well, they not only boost your film’s production value, but they also can elevate a scene artistically. For narrative films, dolly moves are the most common and professional-looking. The only problem for indie filmmakers... Read more

At A Glance: Swift JIB50

Fast to set up and easy to carry, the SWIFT JIB50 telescoping jib provides an affordable solution for overhead tracking, panning, tilting and crane-style movements

By David Willis

Available on its own or in total kit solutions that also package a remote head and tethered remote control of the system, the SWIFT JIB50 provides independent filmmakers with more possibilities for camera movements, the same kind of overhead shots that professional productions often create using expensive cranes and jibs. With motorized remote control... Read more

In-Depth Perception

3ality Technica and the Cameron | Pace Group lead the pack for high-end 3D production

By Mel Lambert

2011 and 2012 give every appearance of being watershed years for 3D production. In the cinema market, it’s estimated that 50% of the 40,000 digital screens available worldwide are currently equipped to show 3D productions, while a new standard for active-shutter glasses will positively impact the home-viewing market. And it can’t be denied... Read more

Xtreme Moves

HDVideoPro examines gear that moves the camera in difficult environments

By Ian Blair

Cinema has always excelled at capturing the movement and kinetic energy of modern society, and the evolution of the camera—from the heavy, cumbersome, static machines of the early days to the freewheeling palm-sized digital devices of today—and the way it’s moved neatly parallel the acceleration of life’s pace. A century ago, locked-down... Read more

Moving Pictures

Production tools that move the camera to help bring the audience into a scene

By Ian Blair

While great literature excels at portraying complex internal thought processes and motives, great cinema always has excelled at capturing the sheer kinetic energy of motion and delighting audiences with car chases, crazy stunts and the restless forward momentum of modern society. And how you move the camera to capture that kinetic energy not only is... Read more