Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Camera gimbol, gyro or something?

This is topic Camera gimbol, gyro or something? in forum Film-Yak at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Frank Angel (Member # 248) on 05-14-2011, 03:53 AM:

On ABC's What Would You Do program which does scenario setups and records people's reactions. Good show actually.

After they get the reaction they want, the crew comes out to confront the unsuspecting subjects. Occasionally we get to see the gear, usual a three camera shoot and twice now I saw this rig that I am assuming is a camera rig of some sort but I have never seen one quite like it.

It is in the foreground of the picture with the balding cameraman (again I am assuming it is a camera rig although it only appeared for moment and I never got a clear view of any camera on it). The cameraman is holding it like the steering wheel of a car at nine and three o'clock. Anyone know what this is?

Posted by Andy Frodsham (Member # 4061) on 05-14-2011, 06:43 AM:

Looks like a Manfrotto camera stabiliser (steadicam). It's designed mainly for lighter, non-professional type cameras but, as you know, these are being increasingly used to obtain 'fly-on-the-wall or candid type documentary footage!

Posted by Greg Anderson (Member # 235) on 05-14-2011, 10:33 AM:

It is called the Fig Rig.

Manfrotto's web site has a nice picture.

Posted by Chris Slycord (Member # 4239) on 05-14-2011, 11:50 AM:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9ZLGSMc4Bc
Here's a promotional video of it. Shame, though, that the manufacturer put up a 240p-only recording but this'll show you what it does.

Posted by Frank Angel (Member # 248) on 05-14-2011, 11:26 PM:

Very cool. I take it that it only useful with smaller cameras. With no body support, heavier cams would start to tire one's arms.

Posted by Chris Slycord (Member # 4239) on 05-15-2011, 12:22 AM:

The larger cameras would be less prone to the problems the unit appears to be geared towards. This, being just a guess from a layman who knows little about those cameras.