Came-TV Optimus Gimbal: Details, Pricing....

keylight

keylight

Veteran
I've been dying to find out pricing and release date information about Came-TV Optimus gimbal. Looks like the pricing on it will be $1388.

Seems like this is a bit high given the increased competition out there. I was sort of expecting a little less.

Thoughts?

This is the gimbal I'm talking about:


EDIT: Compare that price to others @ B&H

Oh, and that Accordian jib they're releasing.... $2988!
 
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I'd like to see it compared to the PilotFly H2 which also has encoders, an optional handle and, based on the specs, has a much higher payload at about 4.8lbs.

For me, I'd like to use a BMPCC, SpeedBooster, Tokina 11-16 so handling a somewhat front heavy lens is important.

Is there a reason why you'd believe the CAME-TV Optimus is better than the PilotFly H2? Just curious.
 
It is difficult to evaluate these units at a booth. For me, besides the obvious ability to handle a specific load reliably, the key feature is how the PID behaves. That is, when in follow mode, the ability to create a smooth, tripod-like pan that does not jerk, but ramps up and looks natural. I played with both and they both behaved well. I was able to start a pan and end a pan smoothly just like a tripod and control exactly where I wanted the framing to end. So I felt that I could properly and predictably frame a shot.

Regarding features, I only reported what was obvious to me. I think the stand is a big improvement over having to screw and unscrew a mini-tripod. There may be other significant improvements.

If you plan to switch cameras and require re-balancing, the CAME-TV Optimus not only has toolless adjustments, it has scales on each axis that allow you to note the balance position on the scale so that when re-mounting a camera, one can set the balance points by moving to the recorded points on the scale. The CAME TV also has 'dials' to adjust balance. Instead of clumsily moving the axis balance by hand, one uses the dial to turn a thread and precisely move the balance point while looking at the scale. The balance adjustments on the Pilotfly requires tools, has no scales and no dial. If you have one camera and lens, this probably doesn't matter much.

The Pilotfly is smaller, lighter, and easier to pack.

For my applications, I'd choose the CAME TV Optimus. However, the unanswered questions for both is the reliability and support. Over the long term, are these throw away products or are they well-supported and reliable products.
 
Paul F said:
The balance adjustments on the Pilotfly requires tools, has no scales and no dial. If you have one camera and lens, this probably doesn't matter much.

The Pilotfly is smaller, lighter, and easier to pack.

For my applications, I'd choose the CAME TV Optimus. However, the unanswered questions for both is the reliability and support. Over the long term, are these throw away products or are they well-supported and reliable products.
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Paul, it sounds like you're describing the PilotFly H1 or H1+, not the H2, which is tool-less and heavier.

You really should read this
http://www.learningvideo.com/pilotfly-h2-gimbal-review/

and watch the review
 
Another TWO videos on the Came-TV Optimus. Not sure I'm convinced on the price. The H2 seems to give almost the same bang for the buck and has an integrated battery. The hump on the back of the Optimus gives it a higher center of gravity than my wrists might like to deal with. Now, if they made a much smaller (albeit shorter run time) battery, maybe......

So I'm a bit in limbo about which to get.


 
Another Came-TV Optimus video..... This one talks comparisons to the Came-Single and talks about the 360 rotation.

 
Quick update. After a lot of consideration I ended up placing an order for the Came-TV Optimus. It was a toss up between the Pilotfly H2 and the Optimus. I had a couple of questions on the H2 and DM'd them and sent them email, but I never heard back. Came-TV has always been very responsive, and that's ultimately what pushed me towards the Optimus.

I also like that the Optimus comes with the wireless remote. Pilotfly announced (6 months ago) that they were releasing a wireless remote but haven't yet, and their two-handle option had what looked like a wired remote and needed a second set of batteries to operate. After thinking about it a bit, the Optimus' external battery makes a bit more sense than a permanent in handle battery. I'd personally rather see them offer a shorter 2-3 hour battery option (easier on the wrist to carry extra batteries/time in my pack).

I'll post back here with more information once I've taken delivery and played with it for a bit.
 
Is it really only capable of handling a 1.1kg payload? That's exactly half the payload of the Pilotfly H2...

Seems extremely limiting. Having owned an N4000 and a DS1 I don't think I could ever downgrade my payload since it really helps make life easier to be well under the limit and be able to make adjustments to the camera without having the motors lose steps. Not to mention in high wind or g-force those powerful motors can come in very handy.

Just last week I had my DS1 (1.6kg limit) on the end of a monopod sticking out a sunroof doing crane shots and it handled it pretty well driving <~30mph but more power always helps and it started to have trouble when speed picked up. For example I stuck it out a helicopter last month and it freaked out when i got near the downdraft so it's always nice to be able to take a little extra wind etc...
 
I'm leaning towards the Optimus, lighter, removable battery, indexed settings and maybe better?....or the H2. Unfortunately every bit of test footage from the H2 that I have found shows up and down while walking....I know there is a video in Japanese apparently about how you have to walk for it but I would like better performance...maybe I'm asking too much for a gimble under $2k. This italian gimble still seems the best https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIcs5w6HodU but not sure about the company and support.

Can anyone show me an H2 or Optimus sample video that looks clean running like that one?

Even the Varavon Birdycam Lite appears better but way more comples...really want a handheld.
 
jojojones said:
Unfortunately every bit of test footage from the H2 that I have found shows up and down while walking...
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Really ? ...Because the Dave Dugdale footage ( especially the winter snow footage ) was the first time I have ever seen footage from any gimbal with virtually no walking motion, despite being hand-held while he walked in the snow.

 
jojojones said:
I'm leaning towards the Optimus, lighter, removable battery, indexed settings and maybe better?....or the H2. Unfortunately every bit of test footage from the H2 that I have found shows up and down while walking....I know there is a video in Japanese apparently about how you have to walk for it but I would like better performance...maybe I'm asking too much for a gimble under $2k. This italian gimble still seems the best https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIcs5w6HodU but not sure about the company and support.

Can anyone show me an H2 or Optimus sample video that looks clean running like that one?

Even the Varavon Birdycam Lite appears better but way more comples...really want a handheld.
Click to expand...


One thing that's pretty clear about all the various 3 axis models out there, from the smallest to the largest, is that the bounce from walking is entirely dependent on the operator. It's pretty basic; 3 motors lets you control only 3 axis. Want to control up-down and side-to-side? You need an extra motor/method for each.

The Nebula 4200 uses springs to take out the up-down motion. Even with the springs, you can still sometimes see bounce given how short the spring arms are, and given that they may not be adjustable so you can dial in the tension to control for weight. Steadicam seems to be the way to go with their Steadimate accessory, which balances the gimbal on one of their traditional vest/arm setups.

The last two options are to practice a ton and walk very carefully/smoothly while shooting as the guy from Japan does, or plan to crop and then stabilize in post.
 
thanks for that dugdale and yes it's good...I stand corrected. keylight I look forward to your review and some footage from your optimus.
 
jojojones said:
thanks for that dugdale and yes it's good...I stand corrected. keylight I look forward to your review and some footage from your optimus.
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Well, here's an update..... I really wanted the Optimus but I'm at the very edge of what it'll carry (a little tiny bit over depending on the lens) so I ultimately had to cancel the order because of the carry weight. With that said, Came-TV was incredibly responsive to my emails, very friendly, and gave me absolutely NO problems with cancelling the order. I really wish the Optimus could carry more weight because the experience of dealing with Came-TV was so positive. It's been such a long time since I've had such a positive experience with a company.
 
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