Tag Archives: Gh4 gimbal

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Here's a product overview of the new CAME-TV Optimus Gimbal vs the popular CAME-TV Single. In a nutshell, if you were happy with the performance of the SINGLE Gimbal, you'll be blown away by what you can do with the new design and flexibility of the Optimus.

Now both gimbals support the same payload, so don't expect to use heavy camera setups. As I said, it doesn't matter how small your camera body is if you've decided to use lens adapters and large full frame Canon Lenses. That's no longer considered a 'small camera' setup. You'll want to stick with the small camera body + small native lenses to get the best results from these small gimbal systems.

If you're curious what type of camera and lens combinations work, take a look at the CAME-SINGLE product page. They have a very nice list of camera and lens combinations that customers are using and they also link to the customer videos. Not only will you get a sense of what works, but also how the final images look from wide angles to portrait lenses - (click here for examples).

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learn-more-button CAME-TV Optimus Gimbal 3-Axis Stabilizer

Unlike the SINGLE, the Optimus now folds flat for travel as there are no 'hard stops' built into the motor rotations. Each motor can rotate a full 360 degrees thanks to new slip rings incorporated into each motor housing. With the ability to rotate without limits, the gimbal can be used inverted or upright, and can be rotated at anytime without having to restart the system.

And now that the battery has been relocated to the frame, you will be able to use a variety of different handles or mount the gimbal frame under a jib or Drone. Another bonus of course is that you can swap out the batteries quickly if needed. The CAME-SINGLE with battery built into the handle was a bit more time consuming to change batteries.

Also a difference from the CAME-SINGLE (or other gimbals) is the ability to connect directly with the Flight Control Inputs (located on the side of frame) for Pitch, Roll, and YAW. If you understand SBGC these inputs are used to connect an RC Remote (i.e. Futaba) to control the gimbal from a very long distance or to integrate with the controls of your Drone.

So while the Optimus does carry a higher price tag it includes many accessories over other systems. First, you get two batteries. You also get the Single Handle + the Dual Handles. It will include a tripod mount for balancing, and a fairly decent Hard Case for travel. You'll also get a Wireless Joystick and Magic Arm (for mounting accessories). That's a pretty decent bundle of items if you're trying to compare prices with other systems.

For more information and to see samples already shot with this gimbal, check out the CAME-TV Optimus Product Page (here).

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learn-more-button CAME-TV Optimus Gimbal 3-Axis Stabilizer Kit

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To date there are still only a couple of single handed pistol grip styled 3 Axis Gimbal Stabilizers designed to support cameras like the Panasonic GH4, Sony A7s, or even Canon T4i. The first ever and possibly still most popular one available is the Nebula 4000 from Filmpower. Here's a quick interview from the Camera Motion Research booth during our NAB 2015 coverage.

Although the Filmpower Nebula 4000 Gimbal can be found around the world, USA residents should visit Camera Motion Research. They may be the only USA reseller of the Nebula 4000 gimbal. You'll benefit from their fast shipping, quality customer support, and domestic shipping if you ever have to deal with warranty issues. Even if you have just basic questions about the Nebula 4000, you can contact Camera Motion Research over at their website https://camotionllc.com (found here).

nebula 4000 3 axis gimbal stabilizer camera motion research
find-price-button Camera Motion Research Nebula 4000 3 Axis Gimbal Stabilizer

NAB 2015 Platinum Sponsors

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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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I didn't really have anything interesting to shoot today, but I just thought I would throw up a quick sample from the latest 3-Axis Mini Gimbal I put together using the Tiyaga kit. Just in case anyone was wondering if it actually works, here's a straight 2 minute+ uncut video sample (no image or post stabilization) right out of the camera.

The great thing about working with a lightweight stabilizer is that you can pretty much shoot all day with little fatigue. Since I was walking around indoors, my favorite ultra-wide angle setup is with my GH4 and Rokinon 7.5mm Fisheye lens. I shoot in 4K then de-fish the footage (using this plugin) down to 1080p.

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find-price-button MiniGimbal 'Tiyaga' 3-Axis DIY Gimbal Frame Kit for Small Cameras

Rokinon Fisheye MFT Micro four thirds fish eye lens cheesycam GH4 defish lens
find-price-button Rokinon 7.5mm Fisheye Lens for MFT Cameras


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Here's a stark contrast between two different gimbal stabilizers. One is the Nebula 4000 - a handheld pistol grip style 3 axis gimbal for small cameras. The other is your typical 3-axis gimbal frame. While the goal is to have the smallest stabilizer possible, there are cons to going with something too small for cameras like the GH4 and A7s.

Dave Dugdale over at LearningDSLRVideo.com has recently picked up the Nebula 4000 to use with his GH4 camera and has been sharing a few different tutorial videos. Here's the first video showing his initial setup process.

Granted that with some practice you'll be able to balance your camera faster. You may also get better results with a lighter or shorter pancake lens instead of the 12-35mm F/2.8 on the GH4. Obviously the tiny form factor makes this a great compact tool, but it also comes with many cons. The pistol grip design will make low mode shots quite awkward, and a GH4 sized camera will have limited tilt up/down movements before it starts hitting the back roll motor. While I think the Nebula 4000 may be a well made product, it might be best used with smaller cameras (or at least ones with very compact lenses) and when you don't need to re-balance your camera setup.


nebula 4000 3 axis gimbal stabilizer
find-price-button Nebula 4000 3 Axis Gimbal Stabilizernebula 4000

The DIY 3-Axis Mini Gimbal Frame Project
In Dave's video you'll notice he may reference a project gimbal i've been working on. For a camera the size of a Panasonic GH4 or Sony A7s, I personally feel there's a minimum size that would allow you to get the most of your camera while still remaining portable and compact. Over the last year, I've built a couple of mini gimbals from scrap parts simply for personal use. Just recently, I decided to take notes of everything I wanted to have in a compact gimbal and had a custom designed frame machined from aluminum. Here's a look at an early prototype i've been using for several weeks with my GH4.

[Update 12.23.2014] These are unreleased videos I shot a while ago as I was documenting the process. I decided to release this today that shows some additional information.

Another recent balancing video

So far from my knowledge, this DIY Mini Gimbal frame has the potential to be the most affordable compact system for GH4, A7s, or BMPCC cameras that allows use of a Manfrotto quick release, provides access to the HDMI + Audio ports, and offers tool-less adjustments for quick balance. So far i've only made 4 of these gimbals and i'm working on a 'DIY Build Video' to show how anyone can wire up their own gimbal. The idea is that hopefully a few more of these frames can be made. If you're interested in this project leave some comments and keep following the blog.

Cheesycam DIY Mini Gimbal Panasonic GH4 Sony A7s BMPCC Pocket Cinema LX100 NEXcheesycam diy gimbal frame mini gh4 a7s stabilizer kitcheesycam diy gimbal frame kit mini stabilizer gh4 a7s
Cheesycam DIY 3-Axis Mini Gimbal Frame for Panasonic GH4 Sony A7s

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Just shared a short video over on my Instagram with the GH4 balanced on my modified CAME 6000 2 Axis Gimbal. I've uploaded a copy to my YouTube channel seen below. I chose the Rokinon 7.5mm fisheye as it's lightweight and I can correct some distortion to simulate a UWA (ultra wide angle) lens when shooting in 4K mode.


Instagram Video GH4 2 Axis Video Gimbal

Absolutely no issues getting this camera balanced on the CAME 6000, and this is a ready-to-run gimbal system with no programming or assembly necessary (find it here). Just charge the batteries, balance and go. Mine was modified with side handles, but shortly after my modification they now offer these side handles as a standard.

Of course you won't have the third axis (Pan stabilization) which is extremely helpful as you walk swiftly or run. If you just plan on stabilizing your handheld shots free from rolling shutter and keeping the horizon level, this compact super lightweight carbon gimbal works perfectly.

CAME 6000 Gimbal Stabilizer
find-price-button UPGRADED CAME 6000 2-Axis Active Gimbal Stabilizer

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