Camtrol primes grand DSLR + camcorder rigs
Camtrol has introduced two aluminium rigs for DSLRs and smaller cameras, which are particularly useful for low shots, as they have foldout legs to support them on the ground.
The $450 Camtrol Grand is suitable for large DSLRs or compact camcorders, while the $399 Camtrol Prime is for smaller cameras and camcorders, including iPhones. The difference is in the size of the extension for the handle. The picture left shows a Grand with two Camtrol articulating 10cm arms, an LED light, a 7-inch monitor, and Panasonic GH1 camera.
A thumb-controlled remote can be mounted on either rig. The $99 Camtroller is a LANC-based remote control, and coupled with a V-Slope Bracket, puts start, stop, and zoom functions directly under your thumb for single-handed shooting. It works with Sony, Canon, and some Panasonic video cameras and LANC-enabled DSLRs. Its wires can be run through the hollow grip to avoid them snagging in anything.
With three locking ball joints and its vertical stabilizer bar, the Camtrol rigs can be set to numerous customised configurations that allow the user to remain standing while capturing shots at ground level, overhead or around objects.
The long size stabilizer bar on the Grand allows for cameras measuring up to almost 18cm in overall height. The Grand weighs less than 1kg and supports a payload of up to 3.2kg. The standard size stabilizer bar on the Prime allows for cameras measuring up to 9.5cm in overall height. It weighs about 800g and also supports up to 3.2kg.
Camtrol also offers a $31 neoprene-cushioned Mini Clamp for mounting an iPhone or other camera accessories, which can be used with a $60, 10cm, articulating arm.
New Fusion FHR-35 at NAB
Vinten Radamec will unveil the prototype of a new robotic pan and tilt head suitable for remote applications at NAB 2011.
The Fusion FHR-35 will be a compact, lightweight robotic head capable of supporting camera and lens packages, up to 16 kg, in remote locations where the pan and tilt head needs to be as unobtrusive as possible, such as parliaments.
It will incorporate Vinten Radamec’s Ethernet technology, which enables simple and straightforward set up in broadcasters’ existing infrastructures.
The FHR-35 will be shown with the Vinten Radamec Legislative Control System to demonstrate a full system setup offering multi-user, multi-facility control of cameras, CCU controls and robotic devices, and rapid, accurate shot acquisition.
The head will be similar to the existing FHR-120VR (pictured above on a FP-188VR pedestal).
Vinten’s Vector 75 head
Vinten will also have a new introduction at NAB: the Vector 75 head, which boasts the same camera carrying performance as the Vector 750, but incorporates the standard LF drag control that helped make its predecessor, the Vector 70, an industry standard for many years.
The design, built upon the skeleton of the original Vector 70, now includes a range of standard features that address the needs of today’s fast paced and cost conscious productions without compromising camera control.
The pantographic balance mechanism, unique to the Vinten Vector range, allows simple adjustment and eliminates time-consuming cam changes when altering the camera configuration. This counterbalance mechanism, combined with the Vinten standard LF drag system, is claimed to offer smooth, precise movement. Prototype trials for the Vector 75 begin this month and the product will be released in June.
“NAB2011 provides the perfect opportunity for us to showcase our broad spectrum of products, from the unveiling of our brand new Vector 75 head, right through to our established, award winning Vision range. Customers can experience the high quality performance of our products for themselves and can see the equipment in action in a variety of different set ups,” said Peter Harman, Vinten product manager.