LeveFly 3-Axis Gimbal - Test and Review

au8ust said:
So this seems to be the most affordable 3-axis gimbal in the market now, is it?
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It's not only about affordability but also about weight supported. LeveFly RED supports 10lb and costs $3k. I contacted a couple of months ago Defy about their G10 model. They said that they will start taking pre-orders at the end of Feb. Well, it's 3/2; I just checked their Web site - no signs of G10. For the record, Defy G5 is $3800.

So, LeveFly RED with its 10lb does look interesting. "Nothing spectacular" video (second post above) posted by electricjib is better than nothing. But I'd like to see more footage (other than from LeveFly) and more than 12 sec.

I'm looking at 3-axis gimbals - cost is a consideration. But after watching Defy G5 in real life exhibiting very troubling micro-vibrations (seemed like motors or something in the system were struggling with weight or something else), I'm a bit concern about the whole concept. It seems like MOVI is free from the problem, though I saw a MOVI footage with the same problem - http://vimeo.com/86805586 - though that was MOVI MR - aerial version of MOVI, and weather conditions were bad and the whole thing, as the poster explained, was set up 5D with the Red used instead. So, problems with footage can be explained also by incorrect balance/settings.

I'm waiting for NAB; perhaps we'll see more of those.
 
silyn said:
It's not only about affordability but also about weight supported. LeveFly RED supports 10lb and costs $3k. I contacted a couple of months ago Defy about their G10 model. They said that they will start taking pre-orders at the end of Feb. Well, it's 3/2; I just checked their Web site - no signs of G10. For the record, Defy G5 is $3800.

So, LeveFly RED with its 10lb does look interesting. "Nothing spectacular" video (second post above) posted by electricjib is better than nothing. But I'd like to see more footage (other than from LeveFly) and more than 12 sec.

I'm looking at 3-axis gimbals - cost is a consideration. But after watching Defy G5 in real life exhibiting very troubling micro-vibrations (seemed like motors or something in the system were struggling with weight or something else), I'm a bit concern about the whole concept. It seems like MOVI is free from the problem, though I saw a MOVI footage with the same problem - http://vimeo.com/86805586 - though that was MOVI MR - aerial version of MOVI, and weather conditions were bad and the whole thing, as the poster explained, was set up 5D with the Red used instead. So, problems with footage can be explained also by incorrect balance/settings.

I'm waiting for NAB; perhaps we'll see more of those.
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Sometimes those vibrations are from having the power on the motors to high with light of a load so it's searching for the weight it should be supporting. Could also be the opposite. An Improper balance can do the same.

I know you were looking for a realtime video. Please refer to my last post on the previous page.
 
not sure if this is the best. but seems like the pan and tilt does not have enough drag or display better control. i was actually about to order defy until i see this. can the pan and tilt be smoother ? or is it the operator ? any video presentation like besteady or defy ?
 
dreamboxstudio said:
not sure if this is the best. but seems like the pan and tilt does not have enough drag or display better control. i was actually about to order defy until i see this. can the pan and tilt be smoother ? or is it the operator ? any video presentation like besteady or defy ?
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My experience is the Pan and tilt is extremely smooth if balanced properly. There is actually a joystick on the LeveFly that allows you to not only re-set the framing but you can also use it to counter pan if you want.
 
It's been weeks now that i'm looking for demo videos of this unit. At the moment, it looks like it's the best value for money especially because of wight capacity. i want to use this device with FS700 + 24-70 zoom lens.
I'm in a hurry cause it takes 10 weeks to produce i guess and I plan to fly to NYC in May so i'd be glad if i can order one and pick it up to my hotel :)
 
Does Only Jeffrey owns this unit in whole world ? lol
I just don't get it why people at levefly does not show demo with heavier cameras than 5Ds...
I can't wait for a full review
 
All interesting technology, but my spidey sense tells me that this tech needs to mature. Of course, if you need it now, you need it now. But if you don't, I think a lot better is coming, for a lot less - timeframe of about a year or so. I can wait. But it's definitely very interesting, so kudos to the developers.
 
electricjib said:
I'll have more shots to upload in another week or two from an off-road race I went too. Really happy with the results i've seen.

Also if anyone is close or around Colorado/Utah/Alaska and wants to get their hands on it or look at it let me know i'll be floating around those states for the next few months.

If you're in Colorado I'll have the unit here all summer starting May 15. I'll post my travel schedule on here as well incase it's close to somewhere some of you are if you wanna see it.

best!
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I'm in Alaska and would LOVE to see it. Not sure if you'll be in my part of the state though.
Looks like it would work with my FS700 though, many of these 3 axis gimbals only work
with DSLR's it seems.
 
boyadjy said:
Does Only Jeffrey owns this unit in whole world ? lol
I just don't get it why people at levefly does not show demo with heavier cameras than 5Ds...
I can't wait for a full review
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I'm trying to communicate with Andre, the CEO of Levefly and hoping to get a unit to use with a C100.He responded to me once and waiting for a second response and we also hope to meet them at NAB.
 
OldCorpse said:
All interesting technology, but my spidey sense tells me that this tech needs to mature. Of course, if you need it now, you need it now. But if you don't, I think a lot better is coming, for a lot less - timeframe of about a year or so. I can wait. But it's definitely very interesting, so kudos to the developers.
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+1000

it's sooo tempting to get one now as there are decent low priced DSLR version that can get you a Steadicam'ish look with one 1/100 of the time it takes to learn how to fly. But I suspect we will see more refined versions at cheaper prices hitting the market sooner. Having said that, we will only get there as more and more early adopters go out there and these things out.
 
alaskacameradude said:
I'm in Alaska and would LOVE to see it. Not sure if you'll be in my part of the state though.
Looks like it would work with my FS700 though, many of these 3 axis gimbals only work
with DSLR's it seems.
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I'll likely be around Haines for about a month. And they do make them to work with FS700's. Though I'm yet to try one on the Gimbal itself.
 
True North said:
+1000

it's sooo tempting to get one now as there are decent low priced DSLR version that can get you a Steadicam'ish look with one 1/100 of the time it takes to learn how to fly. But I suspect we will see more refined versions at cheaper prices hitting the market sooner. Having said that, we will only get there as more and more early adopters go out there and these things out.
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Yeah I ordered a Defy G2 to fly a BMPCC w/ remote focus. I couldn't dish out on one of the pricier Defy or Movi products yet...there are too many alternatives out there already. That being said, I'll have some technology that not many local DPs are currently offering. I want to use it on two features that I'm shooting this year as well, so I know it'll at least pay itself off & then some.
 
Can you talk about noise issue ? Is there any ? Because of cooling fan. How noisy is the unit ?
Thank you
 
I'm about to order one but I can't find any information regarding legal mentions/details, etc...
There's no information on their website. No adress, no name. Can someone who already ordered one tell me about his experience ?
Thanks
 
boyadjy said:
I'm about to order one but I can't find any information regarding legal mentions/details, etc...
There's no information on their website. No adress, no name. Can someone who already ordered one tell me about his experience ?
Thanks
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Ben and Andre are great. If you have questions shoot them an email to there info@ address.
 
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