Have you ever been interested in creating professional looking videos but haven’t been able to justify the cost of dedicated professional video gear? You’re in luck considering the remarkable video quality that is achievable using the most current smartphones. Combine the latest smartphone video recording capabilities with stabilization technology developed by the originators of the Steadicam and you’re now able to capture professional looking video easier than ever.
Steadicam has recently launched their latest product, the Steadicam Volt, via Kickstarter and it’s safe to say that the community has responded.
I checked the Kickstarter campaign only hours after its launch and it was obvious the goal would be reached quickly.
The Steadicam Volt is the first electronic stabilizer for smartphones from the company that developed the original Steadicam, nearly 40 years ago.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yR2MwniAqo
SPECS
Steadicam claims that the Volt is engineered to provide the utmost precision and control. This means smartphone users will be able to capture high quality video content with greater ease than before.
- Lightweight and folding design enable easy storage and transportation
- Accompanying iOS & Android APP allows for precise balance and tuning
- Haptic control utilizes Simulated Inertia
- Dual operating modes for beginners and experienced users
- Uses long life rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries
- Accommodates phone sizes with or without case from 100 – 200g in weight and 58 to 80mm wide
- Bluetooth enabled
- Works in manual mode even after your batteries are depleted
The collapsible design of the Volt is thoughtful, considering the amount of space a traditional Steadicam consumes.
Battery life is important. Steadicam claims that the batteries in the Volt can last up to eight hours if your smartphone is properly balanced on the device.
What’s The Difference?
It’s no secret that there are several other popular smartphone gimbals currently on the market. So what makes the Steadicam Volt stand above the rest?
Steadicam Volt and DJI Osmo Mobile allow for electronic stabilization. The Steadicam Volt gives you agile precision movement and a true human experience when operating, compared to the DJI Osmo Mobile and all other 3-Axis Gimbals, which makes slow robotic movement relying on software for the framing. You'll notice an example of this in the video where the Osmo lags when panning. Our patent pending technology that allows for this responsiveness will only be available in the Steadicam Volt.
Lok recently had an opportunity to get hands on with a unit at CES. Check out his initial impressions in the video below:
Its an interesting take on the typical 3 axis powered gimbal stabilizers out there for mobile devices.
I backed it early (as soon as I watched the video) and this will be nice for those (not so serious) videos/vlogs. I hope they have great software to match the hardware. Bout time Steadicam did something to stay relevant in this space they used to command. Nowadays, everyone and their dog is making some sort of stabilization rig for our phones/cameras... I love the options available to us in this arena!
I am actually interested in this one versus the DJI Osmo for mobile.