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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Atom...

Atom

Atom

The Atom rig looks incredible. We hope to have one in Chicago in the coming months. We currently have the Quasar set up with Red MX. Feel free to come in and check them out if your ever in Chicago.
 
ATOM + EPIC + Steadicam = 5k 3D on the move

SWEET.

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Joey and guys over at Element Technica were nice enough to invite me to test fly the Atom Rig with the Epics today. Also checked out the neutron and scarlet combo.

I have worked with the Neutron alot this year on my steadi and was anxious to try the Atom/epic on my steadicam rig.

It's important to note that GPI maker of the PRO steadicam rig which the majority of A level operators use in the industry is coming out with a updated battery module that will allow greater battery movement. This will allow me us reduce battery weight from what you see in the pictures/video. Also, in place of that battery you see hanging off the back of the rig I'm excited to announce that Element Technica is currently working on a "balance module". It will be a device that will attach roughly on the back of the rig and will compensate for IO movement. It will have some unique design features allowing smooth "IO pulls" by the stereographer and provide the best IO balance system I have heard of. Just like the guys at RED, they are very busy over there and it will probably not be ready right away but they are working on it already. Can't wait to test that out!

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The other advantage of this system is that it will place some weight were we need it...on the top camera towards the back. So it will serve few functions.

Right off the bat, I noticed just like the neutron with the gimbal at the top of the post (where it needs to be) the Atom/Pulsar allows the operator to pan past 90 degrees! This is currently impossible on all other 3D rigs since you hit the bottom camera way sooner. This is made possible on the Technica3D rigs because they have a very low profile bottom camera plate. In fact the only thing making contact with the gimbal handle is the dovetail. So in cases where you are using primes or other short lenses you can use a shorter rig dovetail and achieve 360 degree free rotation while operating or balancing. Frankly the close to 120 degrees it gives you normally without having to shorten the dovetail (I showed this in the video) is enough to do a very common "profile" walk and talk shot. This allows the operator to walk forward and point the lens 90degress towards the actor. Right now this simple task is not possible on other rigs.

I tested the rig with a few lenses,
Angeniuex Rouge 16-42
Arri UlraPrime
Superspeed

Main reason was to see what effect the different lenses had on rig balance because of weight and size.

Surprisingly, as a operator and sterographer I have to say there are the Angeniuex zooms are a good combination. Slightly longer post, but the flexibility of the zoom saves alot of speed on set especially a 3D set. Since the Epics are fairly light moving the weight back a few inches is not as bad as you think since you need some weight towards the back anyway!

Naturally, if I was preparing for a feature I would test some more and would improve further after some modifications.

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The setup I threw together for the test can be improved on and made even lighter. While the setup is not lightweight around 60lbs (for everything including my steadicam post, monitor, batteries etc and rig) as it is, still a night and day difference from any other rig with RED One's or Alexas!! I know we can lighten that number alot. Especially if you take into account they are making a magnesium version that will be around 5 lbs. lighter!

and low mode was no problem...

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The other options currently being used on set right now all have less resolution and 20lbs.+ more weight. All of them max out a PRO arm which means they are around 80lbs+. Also they all have the pan/gimbal issue. So when you think about it the Atom is a great step forward.

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Complete specs on the Atom here;
http://www.technica3d.com/3D-rigs/Atom.php

exciting times...excited to be a part of it.

enjoy the video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=et3rB__W3fY

or on vimeo

http://vimeo.com/18292081
 
It's also important to remember, IMHO the number 1 choice for 3D steadicam will probably be the Neutron with the Scarlet/mini primes. Probably be 20lbs or more lighter overall and will give steadicam operators thier legs back and director the freedom they are used to with steadicam.(run around, stairs, crane step off's etc.... The scarlet/neutron combo will really bring 3D steadicam into a weight range where you can easily operate all day hand held or steadi.

A good example of this was earlier this year I was in downtown Johanesburg shooting for the 3D FIFA world cup DVD. We were shooting with the Neutron/Si-2k/cindeck. The DP asked me you think we can shoot of of the sliding door of the van? I looked at my 1st AC Bobby Settlemire and said "don't let go".

So we got some great shots.....what other 3D Rig gives you this kind of freedom on a steadicam?


check out a quick video of that,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oztgo2tcxPc



Imagine that kind mobilty and flexibilty but with Scarlets shooting 3k? Really revolutionary for 3D production.
 
Great to see it on the steadi rig. We often take our Neutron/SI2k/cinedeck on jobs with our Quasars and the DP & clients just want the SI cameras to be as sensitive and beautiful as the MX footage always looks. That's when we say "it's coming, handheld RED is coming". So very excited to see it's almost there.

In addition the IO BALANCE module is amazing to hear, as we've had conversations on set about this, but I never thought to forward the idea anywhere, since an IO pull from a R1(or even Epic) can throw the balance off of even a shot on sticks.
 
I hate to say something funny, The new flying Darlek, let the revolution begin ;)
 
Pedro Guimaraes said:
It's called "freeviewing". Remember those magic eye books? Just like that.
Click to expand...


This is how we monitored Dark Country in 3D, shot in October 2007 the first RED 3D movie, in fact allegedly the first full length digitally shot 3D feature.

The images on the monitors are left and right so just freeview and superimpose the centre crosses!


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Geoff, you did not show us how to do it in our 3D class. On the side, must be tough trying to key the green screen in this scene with the lighting. Lim
 
Tai Wah Lim said:
Geoff, you did not show us how to do it in our 3D class. On the side, must be tough trying to key the green screen in this scene with the lighting. Lim
Click to expand...


Err, I showed this frame in the first hour of the class and explained how we had to view on location, I also told the story of us having to follow an AC with these mounted on a plank of wood suspended from a strap around his neck whenever we did a Steadicam shot.

The green spill is all 525 nano green tubes on Lakota Green Screen and is very easy to key.

I show how to use these tubes to get the ultimate clean key in my cinematography classes :conehead:
 
geoffboyle said:
Err, I showed this frame in the first hour of the class and explained how we had to view on location, I also told the story of us having to follow an AC with these mounted on a plank of wood suspended from a strap around his neck whenever we did a Steadicam shot.

The green spill is all 525 nano green tubes on Lakota Green Screen and is very easy to key.

I show how to use these tubes to get the ultimate clean key in my cinematography classes :conehead:
Click to expand...

Oop, caught me sleeping there. I do remember the part on the plank though. Next to take your cinematography class. Lim
 
Gates Underwater Housing for Atom

Gates Underwater Housing for Atom

We are pleased to announce that ET has been supporting the efforts of Gates Underwater Products as they develop an underwater housing for Atom. Imagine the build quality and functionality of Deep RED but for the Atom.

From what we've seen it will be a work of art and give you access to all the features of the Atom.

Full specs, pricing and availability to come.
Stay tuned.

Stephen Pizzo
Element Technica
 
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