Tag Archives: came mini gimbal

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Here's a video going over some of the feature of the new CAME-TV CAME-SINGLE, PilotFly H1+, and Nebula 4000 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizers. Let me start by letting you know there are no sample videos from these gimbals. So you don't have to waste your time here.

At this time, I see no reason making a comparison video for each one since each of these are very capable of providing very stable footage. It depends highly on your camera + lens choice, PID tuning, and balance. So regardless which gimbal you choose, you can technically end up with similar results. In this video i'm mainly going over the design and features of the CAME-SINGLE and PilotFly H1+.

Starting with the NEBULA 4000, it's definitely outdated compared to the other two and not as easy to balance. But if you're on a tight budget, the Nebula 4000 has gone down in price and many used systems for auction (here).

If you're looking for something more current, and running the latest gimbal software, your best bet would probably be between the PilotFly H1+ and CAME-SINGLE, so let's first go over some of the similarities.

pilotfly h1 vs came-tv came-single came single gimbal

Gimbal Controller
Both gimbals are running 32 Bit Dual IMUs and full 3-axis stabilization. Both offer an On/OFF button and a separate button for you to change modes / profiles. You can customize your profiles through the Basecam software.

Accessory Mounts
Both the PilotFly H1+ and CAME-SINGLE have a threaded mount under the handle for you to attach the system to a monopod, which is handy when getting elevated shots. The H1+ has a single 1/4" thread while the CAME-SINGLE has both a 1/4" and 3/8". The CAME-SINGLE also has one more 1/4" thread on the side of the handle for mounting an additional accessory such as a monitor.

Travel Case
The Pilotfly H1 comes with a soft custom foam cut case. The CAME-SINGLE comes with a medium sized custom foam cut Hard Case.

Physical Size
Comparing the physical size of the gimbal frame, the CAME-SINGLE is capable of supporting larger cameras than the H1. So if you have a compact camera, the Pilotfly H1+ looks like a great option. If you want to play around with different camera and lens combinations, the CAME-SINGLE would be more flexible. The CAME-TV is about 14 ounces heavier than the PilotFly H1+.

CAME-SINGLE (left) vs PilotFly H1+ (right)
CAME-SINGLE GH4 A7s Gimbal PilotFly H1 Gimbal GH4

CAME-SINGLE Gimbal PilotFly H1 Gimbal

Inverted Mode
The PilotFly can be used 'inverted' (upside down), while the CAME-SINGLE cannot be used inverted. The handle must remain below the gimbal frame.

PID Tuning
The PilotFly has Bluetooth built in so you can change the PID wirelessly with an Android device. The CAME-SINGLE does not have bluetooth, and needs to be reprogrammed using a USB cable to a computer or Windows Tablet.

Balancing Adjustments
The PilotFly H1+ requires a hex tool to make adjustments while balancing, while the CAME-SINGLE is completely tool-less and also offers a quick-release camera plate.

Battery Power
The PilotFly H1+ has an internal rechargeable battery which should be fine if you don't need to fly all day and have the down-time to recharge. This could be a problem if you can't afford to set the H1 aside to recharge during the day. The CAME-SINGLE uses (2) 18650 rechargeable batteries, and allows you to swap them out as needed so you have no limitations. The system comes with (4) batteries so you'll already have one spare set.

Joystick Controls
The PilotFly H1+ only offers a Single-Axis Joystick so you can only control one axis (Pitch, Roll, Yaw) at a time. The CAME-SINGLE offers a Two-Axis Joystick so you can choose to control two different axis (Pan + Tilt, Tilt + Roll, Pan + Roll, etc.).

Brushless Motors
The CAME-SINGLE has encoders built in with the motors. This is similar to how the DJI Ronin tracks it's motor positions. This feature is new in 2015 for Alexmos based gimbals, and the CAME-SINGLE has this already built in. The ability to quickly change camera position on the CAME-SINGLE can be handy in the field, especially when you need to adjust your horizon. To adjust the horizon on the H1 would take a bit more effort. The software for gimbals with encoders could only get better for more stable systems. Since the PilotFly H1+ does not have encoders built in, future firmware improvements cannot be applied to the H1+.

My Thoughts
Overall the CAME-SINGLE has more advantages except for the fact that it's 14 ounces heavier, and cannot travel as compact as the PilotFly H1+. Essentially you can achieve similar results between both. For those working with smaller and lighter camera setups, the H1+ may be more appealing. Keep in mind that smaller setups can be used with either system, if you don't mind the size difference. Larger camera setups should definitely look more towards the CAME-SINGLE.

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CAME-TV CAME-SINGLE 32 Bit Dual IMU Gimbal w/ Encoders
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PilotFly H1+ 32 Bit Dual IMU Gimbal

 

 

 

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The new CAME-TV CAME-MINI2 Gimbal seems to be getting very positive reviews, but the one issue people may have had to worry about was internal wires tangling up on the Roll motor. So to prevent this problem, CAME-TV has updated the MINI2 with a special Roll motor clamp.

Some of you who may have received the gimbal recently may already have this, but for others who received earlier units this video is for you. So here's a little demo on how to install the Roll motor clamp on the CAME-MINI2.

If you use your MINI2 gimbal in inverted mode, you may have to play with the final position of your roll motor clamp so that you still have some degree of rotation. I found that placing it on the side of the motor works pretty good for using the gimbal in both under slung and inverted modes. For more information about CAME-TV's latest tool-less adjustment mini gimbal, check out the product page where there's a few CAME-MINI2 videos (here).

came-tv came-mini2 gimbal came mini gimbal cametv mini gimbal mini2 gimbal
find-price-button CAME-TV CAME-MINI2 (v2 Tool-Less) 3-Axis Mini Gimbal Stabilizer

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Here's a step by step balancing video I shot when the CAME-MINI Gimbal first arrived at the studio. The first camera I attempted to balance was the GH4 + 12-35mm F/2.8 Lens. Without tool-less adjustments and a super compact frame, balancing a camera for the 'first time' may take at least 10-15 minutes.

Now that i've had CAME-MINI Gimbal for more than a week, it's pretty much everything I expected. Feels like great build quality, works very smooth, super portable, lightweight, and compact. But of course with such a compact gimbal, you'll naturally run into limitations of what camera and lens you can actually use. Even though the front mounted frame can be removed to support a slightly taller camera, and a larger lens, this doesn't mean this will be the ideal gimbal for that setup.

CAME-MINI Gimbal
find-price-button CAME-MINI 3-Axis Gimbal GH4/A7s/BMPCC

Now i'm sure there will be people attempting all types of heavy setups, and maybe you can prove me wrong, but my general recommendation is that if you have to use a lens adapter this is probably not going to be a good gimbal for you. If you're working with a GH4 | A7s | BMPCC body with a lightweight native lens (that you don't have to swap often), the CAME-MINI Gimbal makes for a great compact stabilizer.

Unlike the even smaller handheld systems, this is of course a 32 bit Dual IMU Sensor gimbal. So it's got all of the latest and greatest firmware for stability and PID tuning. If you have to travel with a more compact size, the entire top handle can be removed from the lower frame, the top handle can be removed, and the side handles can be removed as well.

A video posted by Emm (@mrcheesycam) on

A photo posted by Emm (@mrcheesycam) on

The system uses 18650 Batteries, and while I thought this might be a task to get spares, I purchased this set of 18650 Ultrafire batteries + 2 chargers, and they work perfectly. The system runs for about 1 hour on stock batteries, but my set of batteries have double the capacity and i'm hoping they will run for about 2 hours.


find-price-button UltraFire 18650 Batteries with Chargers

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This package arrived earlier today. So far i've had the chance to unbox the CAME-MINI 3-Axis Gimbal and balance a Panasonic GH4 + 12-35mm F/2.8 OIS Lens. I've also managed to balance out my Rokinon 7.5mm Fisheye lens which is my personal little compact setup with this camera. I'm still working on a video about my first initial impressions, but if you have any questions, now is the time to ask.

The CAME-MINI feels solid, and you'll immediately notice the excellent build quality. To balance a camera on the CAME-MINI, it requires a hex tool for almost every adjustment, and the small frame means this will not work with heavier camera setups. Example: If you're thinking speedbooster and a Canon EF lens with a Sony A7s, this is not going to be the gimbal for you.

On the flip side, if you plan on using this with a GH4 and a small Lumix Lens like the 12-35mm it will work perfectly. Hopefully i'll have a video up after the weekend, but for more information take a look at the CAME-TV.com website (click here).

CAME-Mini Mini Gimbal 3 Axis StabilizerCAME-TV CAME-Mini Mini gimbal sony a7s
find-price-button CAME-TV CAME-MINI 3 Axis Gimbal Stabilizer

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A short while ago CAME-TV sent over an upgraded version of their 7800 Gimbal. Now that the gimbal has officially been released on their website, here's a closer look at some of the improvements and optional accessories that now come with the Ready-To-Run 7800 Gimbal Kit.

The 7800 has seen many iterations, and even my last video with a 7800 does not even include half of the changes they've made available now. The 7800 model now comes with a Travel Case and a Gimbal Stand. These may be small items, but essential pieces that you no longer need to buy (or make). You can get started balancing your gimbal and flying as soon as you receive the item.

My obvious favorite is new Black Rubberized Hand Grips. Not only does this feel better but it really steps up the aesthetic of the product making it appear much more professional. The top handle has the same design that is easy to remove with a single socket cap screw, and each side handle is clamped on, and can simply be twisted to release the clamp.

handles gimbal rubberrubber handles gimbal 1 inch clamp tool less
New Rubberized Handles

The biggest addition that many should be excited about, is a tool-less adjustment knob that allows you to easily balance the YAW and another tool-less knob to easily balance the Roll. Combined with the sliding quick release plate in the camera frame, swapping lenses should now take seconds instead of minutes.

tool less adjustment roll bar gimbal
yaw toolless adjustment gimbal 7800
New Tool-less YAW and ROLL Adjustments

So while the system is not 100% tool-less, the areas that do require tools to balance may not be used often once you have the proper alignment for your camera body. Common adjustments when swapping to a longer or short lens will be easier and faster at the Roll, Yaw, and Pitch thanks to the new too-less adjustment knobs. CAME-TV now offers Six (6) Different Gimbal Kits and you can find more information about those products at the website (click here).

CAME-TV 7800 Gimbalcametv came-tv 7800 3 axis gimbal stabilizer
find-price-button New Upgraded CAME-TV 7800 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer