blafarm Posted November 6, 2015 Share Posted November 6, 2015 In case anyone is interested, I thought I'd share this Kickstarter project:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2044759634/hercules-the-worlds-smallest-camera-motion-control?ref=email sanveer, Cinegain, benymypony and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AaronChicago Posted November 6, 2015 Share Posted November 6, 2015 Impressive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinegain Posted November 6, 2015 Share Posted November 6, 2015 Certainly looks alright. But take a cheapo table dolly (let's say 15 bucks)...... and then imagine something DIY to make it motorized... 199 then sounds quite the up in price. IronFilm 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blafarm Posted November 6, 2015 Author Share Posted November 6, 2015 Check out the Stretch Goal that has already been met:https://d2pq0u4uni88oo.cloudfront.net/assets/004/838/860/482febef8b8342597cb2c76b8fa60574_h264_high.mp4... which includes Start/Stop speed ramping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AaronChicago Posted November 6, 2015 Share Posted November 6, 2015 Went ahead and backed it. I've had an idea for a video that I need a motion control panoramic device. Price isn't bad at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blafarm Posted November 6, 2015 Author Share Posted November 6, 2015 Certainly looks alright. But take a cheapo table dolly (let's say 15 bucks)...... and then imagine something DIY to make it motorized... 199 then sounds quite the up in price.I say, "To each, their own".But I would ask: Can you fit that in your pocket? Can you power it with a single AAA battery? Can it spin on a single axis to provide a panorama? How big is the track that would be required to make a slider out of that? And how much time are you willing to spend coming up with a programmable multi- speed motor that also does timelapse moves? Like everything else in the world, it comes down to time and effort -- versus cost. For me, at the Kickstarter price, this strikes a good balance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinegain Posted November 6, 2015 Share Posted November 6, 2015 I say, "To each, their own".But I would ask: Can you fit that in your pocket? Can you power it with a single AAA battery? Can it spin on a single axis to provide a panorama? How big is the track that would be required to make a slider out of that? And how much time are you willing to spend coming up with a programmable multi- speed motor that also does timelapse moves? Like everything else in the world, it comes down to time and effort -- versus cost. For me, at the Kickstarter price, this strikes a good balance.I am very aware of all of that. That's the reason that well before my post I had already liked your share and backed the project. I like it. Quite a lot actually.But basicly... it's sort of an advanced table dolly. You've got one of them converted egg timers for single axis panoramas as well. Which really doesn't have to cost much either. That's why I said that 'it sounds quite the up in price', just to add some perspective. Not saying it isn't a good price, especially in this specialized market where things get quite costly quickly anyways. You've got something that combines concepts, uniquely and with a twist, with great dura- and portability. That's worth something. Just thought to mention that if you didn't care much about something polished, you'd still have some possibilities, but I guess you could say I'm fighting in the wrong corner here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agolex Posted November 7, 2015 Share Posted November 7, 2015 I'm in, this thing is travelicious! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrgl Posted November 7, 2015 Share Posted November 7, 2015 Very little actual motion control going on.This is a motorized dolly. vaga 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blafarm Posted November 7, 2015 Author Share Posted November 7, 2015 I am very aware of all of that. That's the reason that well before my post I had already liked your share and backed the project. I like it. Quite a lot actually.But basicly... it's sort of an advanced table dolly. You've got one of them converted egg timers for single axis panoramas as well. Which really doesn't have to cost much either. That's why I said that 'it sounds quite the up in price', just to add some perspective. Not saying it isn't a good price, especially in this specialized market where things get quite costly quickly anyways. You've got something that combines concepts, uniquely and with a twist, with great dura- and portability. That's worth something. Just thought to mention that if you didn't care much about something polished, you'd still have some possibilities, but I guess you could say I'm fighting in the wrong corner here.Sorry I didn't catch your drift. And yes, I agree, there are a number of lower-cost and less-polished options that would delivery similar, if not identical, results. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blafarm Posted November 7, 2015 Author Share Posted November 7, 2015 Very little actual motion control going on.This is a motorized dolly.Normally, I would agree with that statement -- just like we wouldn't typically call a motorized slider a "motion control unit".In this case, I think the multiple speeds in forward and reverse, the timelapse feature and the Stretch Goal (which adds the magnetic sensors that allow for speed ramping start/stop and repeat moves) and the fact that the device is capable of free movement and not limited to using a linear track -- allow for a somewhat liberal use of the term "motion control".But, yes, clearly not the definition of motion control used in the business. IronFilm 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AaronChicago Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 Old thread, but thought I'd mention that I got this in the mail today. Hoping to test it a little more tomorrow. First impressions are that it's solid. Holds a GH4 with 12-35 lens no problem. The motor is a little noisy but that's about the only downside I've seen. IronFilm, Zach Ashcraft and sanveer 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinegain Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 So, I take it you went without the magnetic upgrade?Sounds good though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AaronChicago Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 So, I take it you went without the magnetic upgrade?Sounds good though!I did go without the magnetic upgrade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blafarm Posted January 4, 2016 Author Share Posted January 4, 2016 Old thread, but thought I'd mention that I got this in the mail today. Hoping to test it a little more tomorrow. First impressions are that it's solid. Holds a GH4 with 12-35 lens no problem. The motor is a little noisy but that's about the only downside I've seen.Thanks for the feedback. So, I'm guessing from your noise observation that you would not advise using the Hercules as a "second shooter" -- which it is capable of doing with the track and magnets mounted at either end. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AaronChicago Posted January 5, 2016 Share Posted January 5, 2016 Thanks for the feedback. So, I'm guessing from your noise observation that you would not advise using the Hercules as a "second shooter" -- which it is capable of doing with the track and magnets mounted at either end.I think it depends on how close to the mic it is. If it's a second camera for an interview and placed 10 ft back I don't think it's a problem. If a mic is on the hercules camera it will definitely be a problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sanveer Posted January 5, 2016 Share Posted January 5, 2016 In case anyone is interested, I thought I'd share this Kickstarter project:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2044759634/hercules-the-worlds-smallest-camera-motion-control?ref=email Looks Excellent. Reminds me of Edelkrone's Pocket Skater. Though not as stunning and as foldable, but having quite a variety of movement options, and can handle some enormous size of cameras. I am only curious how smooth the movement is. It appears smoother with smaller cameras (from the Kickstarter Video). Also, I hope they maintain the $99 Dollars entry price. They could sell as many as a few DSLRs, with that pricing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AaronChicago Posted January 5, 2016 Share Posted January 5, 2016 Here's a quick test in my kitchen. GH4 plus Panasonic 12-35. OIS off. andrgl, sanveer, Cinegain and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blafarm Posted January 5, 2016 Author Share Posted January 5, 2016 Thanks for the audio answer.Video looks good.Is that the slowest speed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AaronChicago Posted January 5, 2016 Share Posted January 5, 2016 Thanks for the audio answer.Video looks good.Is that the slowest speed? It's actually the second slowest. So far I've only been able to do 3 speeds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.