So, I tested the new Movi 10 rig down at Decode as they were opening their doors for one day only and I thought I'd take them up on their generous offer.
After an in depth summary of what the rig could actually do, given by the in house camera boys, we were finally allowed to get are hands on it.
Once I'd picked it up and ran around the test bay for a while I realised you probably couldn't hold it for more than about 10 minutes.
The rig was set up with an Epic, an ultra prime and a cmotion LCS.
The rig can take a payload of 10 lbs below the gimbal but the lads reckoned it was more like 12lbs.
Above the handle was a a 'Terradek Bolt' and a Vlok battery to power the accessories. This can also be configured to power the camera instead of the 'Redvolt' battery which only last 30 mins or so.
The rig was put together to be the lightest it could possibly be which was needed to extend operating time before strain starts kicking in.
So what's it like to operate?
Well it's different, gyroscopic with a robotic feel and a lag in the pan and tilt. That's if you are operating it in solo mode.
The unit can be handled in 3 modes, operated only, operator and remote operator or 50:50.
The guys were raving about 50:50 mode as it opens up even more options when flying the rig around.
The jury's out on that one as I only had a few minutes with the rig but I'm sure, with a lot of practice and a compatible copilot, you could create some fantastic shots.
In the moments I had with it, I was more akin to operating it all myself like I do when I'm shooting on steadicam however the lag, which can be trimmed to suit, was somewhat difficult to get my head round.
What we all want to know is can it be taken seriously as another feature/drama/promo stablisation rig and what sort of camera can we get on it?
The answer is yes it can, but it's limited to Red Epic and as yet untested to whether it can have a clip on matte box to hold all the filters we may need.
The lads at Decode are constantly trying and testing new methods for accessories, power and extending operating time so watch this space for more info.
For the moment the rig will only be available for wet hire until technicians get to grips with it, how it works and how to set it up.
It's priced at £800 with one technician or operator should you wish, the rig itself which comprises of the 'terradek Bolt' wireless send, batteries, battery belt, remote control unit and Bluetooth monitor and possibly an LCS but I can't remember if that was included.
I'm sure in months and years to come the Movi 10 will be a regular on our sets but for now, as Decode have one of 3 in the country for rent, it's a working progress.
The unit will be shooting on an new Johnny Depp feature in the new year and I believe its the first movie to utilise the rig.
No doubt next year we'll be seeing numerous shots created especially for the Movi 10, I just hope it's not overkill..
