Not long ago, in order to create quality footage, the videographer needed to either have orient professional gear. It was mostly very expensive, big, heavy and hard to use.
However, once gimbals were developed, a significant difference in the way film and videos are produced were made.
Now, up to a certain class, camera stabilization systems are affordable even for a self-taught frelelancer.
01 Even with the improved technology, some main problems remain present. Half of the job of a videographer remains dealing with the gear. Weather is the transportation, charging.
02 Just as lenses and cameras are created modularly for better performance and according to the need, so should be camera gimbals. Users don‘t need to carry parts, which they won‘t need.
03 Eli is left with a tough choice. He either has to choose gimbals for lighter cameras (€350 to
€1300) or a bigger gimbal for a
higher price (6000 to €7000). The price gap is where Eli needs to find his solution.
⇾ Has a passion for filming with their phone or mostly small camera.
⇾ Posts mainly on social media, has inspirations to start own YouTube channel.
⇾ He wants to pursue videography further.
⇾ Has had a camera for a while now, so she figures it’s time to get more involved with filming.
⇾ Uses her footage only for her charity work and small side projects.
⇾ Has been filming for a year or two more seriously and would like to make a full-time job out of it.
⇾ He has a tight budget, so he buys only the essential gear.
⇾ Paula has a bachelor degree in Cinematography and Media Design.
⇾ Uses the highest quality gear, provided by the studio she is working for.
Price wise, Experienced Eli is left with a tough choice. He either has to choose gimbals for lighter cameras (between 350 and 1300 euro) or a bigger gimbal for higher price (between 6000 and 7000 euro). In the price gap between those two segments, I see potential where Experienced Eli can find his solution.
*Research made in 2019*
Half-Frame is suitable for both bigger and smaller camera, where the user can navigate the movements better when having two grips. However, it’shard using it in narrower spaces.
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The construction is suitable for heavier cameras, where the user can have control over the essential camera and gimbal settings through the grip. However, it can be unnecessary big and heavy for smaller cameras.
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The single-hand option is compact, flexible, applicable for tight spaces, however, it can only be used for smaller cameras.
A big part of the design process was exploring existing technologies and researching products with modular systems, which could be applied to the project. Once the system had a technical package, the second challenge was to create a design system, which applies to all parts of the gimbal. On certain elements, circular shapes defined by the motors set the theme of the design language.
While in “Half-Frame” mode, the two grip can be moved in a direction, comfortable for the operator. The mechanism unlocks with the two knobs, which need to be rotated vertically. A blue color then signals the “open” mode of the system. The design elements of the knobs consist out of a rack, which has been framed with a chamfer and finished with a dome-like surface on the front side.
The camera mount is a standard part, which is comparable with other devices. The plate is placed on the bottom of the camera and then quickly attached onto the gimbal. On each movable axis, a scale is present to assist fine adjustments.
On the back side of each grip, a rubber, structure material supports the functionality and brings contrast into the product. The “pop-out” feet support safely the system, and in use they can be folded back into their pocket. The quick release systems have been connected to the pipe via self lock screw mechanism, while the gimbal attachment on the top of the frame has been screened in place with two screws. The quick release mechanisms are locked in place with the help of small levers on their back side.
The design of the gimbal consists of reparative round shapes and chamfers, which help make parts such as the gimbal’s motor look smaller and technical. The form language of the two grips is kept consistent. With help of the CMF, the designed is rich in contrast, while still kept classical, minimalistic and modern. The graphics help the user navigate through the system and understand the functionality of each component.
The grip consist out of two injection moulded housings, which lock themselves in the production. Both housings have a different colour-material finish. Inside the grip there is a battery, circuit board for the gimbal, circuit board for the LED display and physical interface.
On the right side of the housing there is a screw mount, hidden with a rubber cap. The mount allows attachment of accessories such as an external display, focus motor and others. On the left side there is a USB-C slot, which allows the direct charging of the grip, even if an external charger for the batteries is not present. On the bottom side, Three small LEDs show the power left in the battery.
The housing of the gimbal consists
out of aluminium parts, where the upper thin layer is being glued together. Inside the gimbal axis wires as well, as a Bluetooth Athena and support components can be found.
The motors are brushless, which makes the control precise and quiet. Above the motors, there is a circuit board,
which controls each individual motor separately. The connection between the circuit board and the motors is wired and a plastic part separates both parts in order for the circuit board to not be damaged in case of overheating of the motors. All components are being held together with M5 screws.
A big part of the design process was exploring existing technologies and researching products with modular systems, which could be applied to the project. Once the system had a technical package, the second challenge was to create a design system, which applies to all parts of the gimbal.
→ 2019/2020
→ 5 months
→ Bergische Universität Wuppertal
→ Prof, Gert Trauernicht, Prof, Dr,-Ing Fabian Hemmert
