If you remember the movies Rocky and The Shining, then you most probably remember the unrestricted tracking shots seen in both the movies and the common thing about these famous movies is the Steadicam which was a sensation back in those days. It now looks like the company is coming for the smartphone users. Steadicam’s parent company; Tiffen has unveiled the Steadicam Volt, a handheld gimbal.
Unlike other top models like DJI Osmo, Steadicam Volt which is built in association with drone-maker Yuneec is a combination of Steadicam’s traditional balance gimbal and motorization to give you a smooth tracking with your shot giving you more control over tilts, pans, and other moves. Steadicam inventor and Garrett Brown call it an “electronically gyro-augmented Steadicam for smartphones that just weighs one pound.
The Volt can accept both Android and iOS weighing 100 to 200 grams (3.5 to 7 ounces), from 58 to 80 mm (2.2 to 3.2 inches) wide. It comes with an App that lets you balance and tune it according to your liking. And it also has dual operating modes for beginners or advanced users. Though the lithium-ion batteries last eight hours on a single charge, you can use the device in a reduced way with no power.
The Steadicam has a better edge over other fully motorized rigs; you can adapt to it quite quickly. The company promises to make it more responsive and give pictures more natural look. The Kickstarter price of $139(Early bid was $119; which is no longer available) is not a lot to ask for such an impressive product and with legends like Tiffen and Yuneec behind the Kickstarter, you can expect them to ship at the promised date.
