BeSteady One: New 3-Axis Video Camera Operated By Remote Control

BeSteady One is a device which stabilises the camera in three axis. Thanks to the application of advanced electronic systems, gyroscopic sensors, accelerometers and special software created by Aleksiej Moskalenko the device perfectly establishes the position of the camera.The functioning principle of the device is quite simple.

It basically consists of a horizontal crossbar with handles at either end, which the camera hangs below on a gimbal-mounted platform – although the rig can also be used with the camera sitting above the crossbar.

Their unique construction ensures ideal cooling, very efficient performance and longevity. The construction is composed of three consecutive axis which move thanks to the direct drive of brushless direct-drive motors. The motors are positioned thanks calculations performed in real time. Data from the sensors is processed to make immediate adjustments to ensure perfect positioning of the camera. Thanks to the application of advanced algorithms and high frequency motor steering the device flies completely silently.

An onboard gyroscope detects the user’s jiggles and shakes, and responds through an onboard microprocessor by activating one or more of the rig’s three brushless electric motors. These work to smoothly keep the DSLR or video camera centered on three axes. Solo users can operate it using the hand controls, or a second user can pan and tilt the camera via optional radio remote control.

The frame is made from a combination of carbon fiber, aircraft aluminum and stainless steel, with the whole setup weighing in at 1.04 kg (2.3 lb). Cameras weighing up to 2 kg (4.4 lb) can be accommodated.

The frame is made from a combination of carbon fiber, aircraft aluminum and stainless steel, with the whole setup weighing in at 1.04 kg (2.3 lb)

The device is powered by a custom rechargeable li-ion battery pack, and all of the electronics are housed in splashproof enclosures. The standard fully-charged power packet allows for the stabiliser to run for one hour. It takes less than a minute to replace the spent packet for a charged one. The stabiliser has a charge display screen which enables the operator to control the charge level of the battery as well as the amount of time left until battery change is needed. The camera platform includes a 12-volt output for powering add-on devices, such as a monitor or light.

Configuration of the electronic systems is performed via USB cable, computer and software provided (PC Windows and Mac OS X). The software allows for setting particular parameters, such as general settings, remote control, function range of “follow mode”, etc.

SPECIFICATIONS:

BeSteady One "COMBO"

1. BeSteady One Combo size and weight

Height: 360 mm / 14.17″
Width: 500 mm / 19.68″
Depth: 240 mm / 9.45″
Weight: 1650 g / 3.64 lbs
Weight without antivib: 1430 g / 3.15 lbs
Materials: CNC machined aircraft grade aluminium, stainless steel, carbon fiber

BeSteady One "BASIC"

2. BeSteady One Basic size and weight

Height: 255 mm / 10.04″
Width: 250 mm / 9.84″
Depth: 240 mm / 9.45″
Weight: 1040 g / 2.29 lbs
Weight without antivib: 820 g / 1.81 lbs
Materials: CNC machined aircraft grade aluminium, stainless steel, carbon fiber

3. Camera shelf size

Height: 130 mm / 5.12″
Width: 175 mm / 6.89″

4. Maximum offset

On yaw: continous 360 degrees
On pitch: 360 degrees, +/-45 degrees during work
On roll: 360 degrees, +/-60 degrees during work

5. Remote control (optional)

Yaw range: continous 360 degrees
Pitch range: software setting, +30/-120 degrees default
Roll range: software setting, +/-60 degrees default

6. Maximum supported weight

Camera with accessories: 2000 g / 4.41 lbs

7. Power

Power supply: supplied rechargable Li-Ion battery
Time of operation: from 45 to 90 minutes per battery (depends on settings and actual camera weight)

8. Electronics

Main board: custom AlexMos 3-axis SimpleBGC
Connectivity: mini-USB, Bluetooth module coming soon
Control options: Follow Mode (direct targeting mode seperately for each axis), Remote Control (optional)

9. Supported cameras

Sony Alfa series
Canon 5D
Canon 6D
Canon 7D
Sony NEX-3/-5/-7
Panasonic GH1
Panasonic GH2
Panasonic GH3
Sony CX730/760
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema

Iwaniec, Salamonowicz and their team are now raising production funds for the BeSteady One on Kickstarter, and have already far exceeded their financial goal. The early bird specials of £1,690 (US$2,582) are all gone, although that does give an indication of the planned retail pricing. You can still reserve a rig of your own for £4,290 ($6,556) – and that pledge level includes a bunch of the optional extras, such as the remote control unit, two monitors, and extra batteries.

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BeSteady One: New 3-Axis Video Camera Operated By Remote Control