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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 :)

Letus Helix vs. DJI Ronin - Pros and Cons???

What I really want next is a wireless follow focus, something very light in preparation for the gimbal of choice when the time comes.

What are the top three focus and controllers right now, or soon?

Try Heden Carat, only 1 channel system but so reliable. Receiver also small, a little bit bigger than RTmotion. Motor response is FAST. Im so happy to own Heden Carat.
You can contact Magnus Balte <magnus@heden-engineering.com>
 
Check out CINEGEARS.

Thats pretty lightweight compared to the RT and Bartech.
 
We have a ronin...

Until the software is better and there is batteries for sale it won't be going on shoots.

The uk dealer has been very helpful and it is remarkable for the money... But remarkable for the money (outside niche uses and those who only eat on the back of the new) doesn't cut it.

I am surprised that there is not more noise about the other axis of movement that these gimbals don't, on there own ,help with.? There seems to be only one product attempting to deal with this (the ugly vertical) in a real way..

Also this looks like the 1st proper film attempt
http://www.betz-tools.com/en/maximamx30.php

Why so little RU interest?

Just my grumpy Monday thoughts
 
Any more inside on the pros and cons of these two units? the Helix weight factor makes it more attractive.
 
Any more inside on the pros and cons of these two units? the Helix weight factor makes it more attractive.

One other very attractive and unique feature of Helix is the ability to go from shooting above head height )as high as you can reach) down to ground level (in "suitcase" mode) - and back up, if you want - in one continuous motion, without missing a beat.
 
Thanks Terry. Do you know how do the battery life compares on both of these units?
 
Thanks Terry. Do you know how do the battery life compares on both of these units?

Can't speak to what the battery setup is on Ronin but on Helix you have options. The 5200mA Juice Box battery will power my Scarlet + Helix for about 30-40 minutes. Of course, if you power the camera separately, the JuiceBox will power just the Helix pretty much all day. You can also run power in from an external source - like a V-Mount on a battery belt or backpack, through the back port and go for hours.
 
We have a ronin...

Until the software is better and there is batteries for sale it won't be going on shoots.

The uk dealer has been very helpful and it is remarkable for the money... But remarkable for the money (outside niche uses and those who only eat on the back of the new) doesn't cut it.

I am surprised that there is not more noise about the other axis of movement that these gimbals don't, on there own ,help with.? There seems to be only one product attempting to deal with this (the ugly vertical) in a real way..

Also this looks like the 1st proper film attempt
http://www.betz-tools.com/en/maximamx30.php

Why so little RU interest?

Just my grumpy Monday thoughts

Grumpy is right:)

I have a Ronin as well. And I have had it out for several jobs now. It's evolving, and getting better, but I have to say, it's totally useable and useful. And believe me, I have high expectations and a very high standard for gear, bhaving been a Steadicam Operator for the better part of the past 20 years but I'm also ready and able to work around minor issues, and willing to buy supporting accessories. And those turned out to be vital additions.
The iOS app is not great. But if you poke around enough, you'll get to settings that work for you.
I have used my setup with both a GH4 with Yagh, my Epic MX and my Scarlet Dragon.
Accessory wise, what I've been using lately to complement the RED package is:
- Paralinx Arrow + TX, attached to camera, powered by the USB port on the Ronin's bistro box
- Cinegears single axis motor, powered out of the Ptap on the Ronin's bistro box or a Digital Bartech, powered the same way.
- Walter Klassen Steadicam backmounted vest, with an Easyrig arm adaptor.
- Easyrig arm
- Flowcine Serene Arm for the Easyrig. (that was the piece that was missing from the whole equation, don't know how I did without it, before I got it)
- Cinemilled quick plate. (I have used the Ronin more than once as a remote head with this)
- Cinemilled quick switch plate, that allows me to mount the whole camera rig with the accessories attached to it to other platforms, like sticks or dolly.
- 2 additional batteries for 3 total. That's plenty of juice for a long day of shooting.

All these pieces makes the Ronin a very useable and versatile gimbal. You can think of it like a Steadicam: you could use only the sled and get decent results, but to get the maximum usability out of it, you need an arm, vest, monitor, batteries, wireless video, focus, and the list goes on. I see the Ronin as the sled only, not the whole solution.

Bellow is a shot of one long take I designed, like I would have done with a Steadicam shot. The point here is to show that I chose this instead of Steadicam as I wen't through narrow doorways and narrow openings between chairs and couches where the Steadi would have never been able to fit.
This was take 2 of no rehearsal as I created this on the fly and wanted to see if I could do it. There are a few issues, it's far from perfect, but it goes to show you that every new piece of gear has a learning curve. This is my second day with the Serene and I'm still finessing it, so you'll be able to see a few steps on this as I was holding the gimbal too strongly...

https://vimeo.com/109253439

Pass: reduser
 
Any more inside on the pros and cons of these two units? the Helix weight factor makes it more attractive.

I'm not sure what your typical shooting style is, but I have to say it's hard to imagine finding an easier option for run & gun, fast paced shooting in a challenging environment than the Helix. Weight is a huge factor, but don't underrate the physical size either. I can put the Helix in my backpack or carry it around one handed between locations. One awesome thing I've been doing lately is just keeping the camera on the cradle and carrying that separate. I have a piece of tape to mark the height the cradle should lock in at. Takes under a minute to go from stashed in my backpack to camera on the unit, ready to rock.
 
I'm not sure what your typical shooting style is, but I have to say it's hard to imagine finding an easier option for run & gun, fast paced shooting in a challenging environment than the Helix. Weight is a huge factor, but don't underrate the physical size either. I can put the Helix in my backpack or carry it around one handed between locations. One awesome thing I've been doing lately is just keeping the camera on the cradle and carrying that separate. I have a piece of tape to mark the height the cradle should lock in at. Takes under a minute to go from stashed in my backpack to camera on the unit, ready to rock.

Thanks Scott. I usually go for the run & gun shoots. I'm going to go with the Helix. I'm searching battery options as 30-40 minutes is not enough. I appreciate your inside.
 
Grumpy is right:)

I have a Ronin as well. And I have had it out for several jobs now. It's evolving, and getting better, but I have to say, it's totally useable and useful. And believe me, I have high expectations and a very high standard for gear, bhaving been a Steadicam Operator for the better part of the past 20 years but I'm also ready and able to work around minor issues, and willing to buy supporting accessories. And those turned out to be vital additions.
The iOS app is not great. But if you poke around enough, you'll get to settings that work for you.
I have used my setup with both a GH4 with Yagh, my Epic MX and my Scarlet Dragon.
Accessory wise, what I've been using lately to complement the RED package is:
- Paralinx Arrow + TX, attached to camera, powered by the USB port on the Ronin's bistro box
- Cinegears single axis motor, powered out of the Ptap on the Ronin's bistro box or a Digital Bartech, powered the same way.
- Walter Klassen Steadicam backmounted vest, with an Easyrig arm adaptor.
- Easyrig arm
- Flowcine Serene Arm for the Easyrig. (that was the piece that was missing from the whole equation, don't know how I did without it, before I got it)
- Cinemilled quick plate. (I have used the Ronin more than once as a remote head with this)
- Cinemilled quick switch plate, that allows me to mount the whole camera rig with the accessories attached to it to other platforms, like sticks or dolly.
- 2 additional batteries for 3 total. That's plenty of juice for a long day of shooting.

All these pieces makes the Ronin a very useable and versatile gimbal. You can think of it like a Steadicam: you could use only the sled and get decent results, but to get the maximum usability out of it, you need an arm, vest, monitor, batteries, wireless video, focus, and the list goes on. I see the Ronin as the sled only, not the whole solution.

Bellow is a shot of one long take I designed, like I would have done with a Steadicam shot. The point here is to show that I chose this instead of Steadicam as I wen't through narrow doorways and narrow openings between chairs and couches where the Steadi would have never been able to fit.
This was take 2 of no rehearsal as I created this on the fly and wanted to see if I could do it. There are a few issues, it's far from perfect, but it goes to show you that every new piece of gear has a learning curve. This is my second day with the Serene and I'm still finessing it, so you'll be able to see a few steps on this as I was holding the gimbal too strongly...

https://vimeo.com/109253439

Pass: reduser

Hey Daniel, I think the video is quite good, and what you said about lightweight operating the Ronin is the Key for total elimination of the steps from the footage. This is the very reason I have developed the Puppeteer , so you wont have to grab hard the Ronin or other similar gimbals working with Serene and easyrig, and be able to work lightweight control steadicam style. It will free and relax your operating in follow mode , and you will be able to tilt the Ronin or other around almost COG. We are also getting a Ronin, and waiting for it to make one more component needed to fit the Ronin, as its different from Movi, and BS4 , or other similar style gimbals,and thats the main reason for the delay. Sorry that I havent showed the Puppeteer yet, but the main reason is that I didnt want to show this device solution before we are in production, for very obvious reasons. Kind regards
 
Hi Daniel

Thank you for your thoughtful email... And I don't mean to be too grumpy;-)

We also have easy rigs here... and my partner has also bought the Serene arm. I will try as soon as possible to see if with the serene arm the effort to output quality ratio improves enough for further investment..

Unfortunately due having only higher end traditional LCS here (and penchant for the odd filter in a MB) we are running , when fully loaded, too heavy.. Therefore I will to have to invest quite heavily to get this working (or buy a Maxima MX30?)

You mention using as a remote head... Have you seen the drone bar from mosys? http://drone-bar.com

Ps we have multiple teradeck wireless bolt systems (old style and 300s) but the TX is a bit heavy... Anyone know of the absolutely lightest HD wireless system?




Grumpy is right:)

I have a Ronin as well. And I have had it out for several jobs now. It's evolving, and getting better, but I have to say, it's totally useable and useful. And believe me, I have high expectations and a very high standard for gear, bhaving been a Steadicam Operator for the better part of the past 20 years but I'm also ready and able to work around minor issues, and willing to buy supporting accessories. And those turned out to be vital additions.
The iOS app is not great. But if you poke around enough, you'll get to settings that work for you.
I have used my setup with both a GH4 with Yagh, my Epic MX and my Scarlet Dragon.
Accessory wise, what I've been using lately to complement the RED package is:
- Paralinx Arrow + TX, attached to camera, powered by the USB port on the Ronin's bistro box
- Cinegears single axis motor, powered out of the Ptap on the Ronin's bistro box or a Digital Bartech, powered the same way.
- Walter Klassen Steadicam backmounted vest, with an Easyrig arm adaptor.
- Easyrig arm
- Flowcine Serene Arm for the Easyrig. (that was the piece that was missing from the whole equation, don't know how I did without it, before I got it)
- Cinemilled quick plate. (I have used the Ronin more than once as a remote head with this)
- Cinemilled quick switch plate, that allows me to mount the whole camera rig with the accessories attached to it to other platforms, like sticks or dolly.
- 2 additional batteries for 3 total. That's plenty of juice for a long day of shooting.

All these pieces makes the Ronin a very useable and versatile gimbal. You can think of it like a Steadicam: you could use only the sled and get decent results, but to get the maximum usability out of it, you need an arm, vest, monitor, batteries, wireless video, focus, and the list goes on. I see the Ronin as the sled only, not the whole solution.

Bellow is a shot of one long take I designed, like I would have done with a Steadicam shot. The point here is to show that I chose this instead of Steadicam as I wen't through narrow doorways and narrow openings between chairs and couches where the Steadi would have never been able to fit.
This was take 2 of no rehearsal as I created this on the fly and wanted to see if I could do it. There are a few issues, it's far from perfect, but it goes to show you that every new piece of gear has a learning curve. This is my second day with the Serene and I'm still finessing it, so you'll be able to see a few steps on this as I was holding the gimbal too strongly...

https://vimeo.com/109253439

Pass: reduser
 
Is there anybody that tried both of them?
Letus is a lot better design but it looks like DJi does a better stabilisation since it has longer arms... Any one ?
 
Is there anybody that tried both of them?
Letus is a lot better design but it looks like DJi does a better stabilisation since it has longer arms... Any one ?

I only have the letus. I can say it's great ergonomically and stabilisation depends greatly on good tuning of the software to your rig weight and good balance. I started with bad results until i got good tuning and now is great and still improving. the rotation on the lens axis is unique to the helix i think. I will have some footage soon.
 
Ariel, are you using an Epic or other camera with the Helix? I'm trying get an Sony F5 to work with my Helix with no success.
Just GH4 for now. Did you contact Letus support? I geuss it's either you don't have the right profile or you miss something on the balance.
You should be able to put the camera in any position with it staying still including holding the gimbal in the air with just the handles ( center of gravity)
 
Yes I've been going through his with Letus. My initial view is the Sony F5 is too long and heavy when fitted with an 18-35mm. I trying to work through it. I know I could use a GH4 but I doubt I could match it to Slog3 footage from the F5. Plus I don't want to spend another two grand to make the Helix viable.
 
Yes I've been going through his with Letus. My initial view is the Sony F5 is too long and heavy when fitted with an 18-35mm. I trying to work through it. I know I could use a GH4 but I doubt I could match it to Slog3 footage from the F5. Plus I don't want to spend another two grand to make the Helix viable.
If you can't get it balanced it will not work. You can try using weights to counter the length of the camera.
 
Any one tested both?


Im getting ready to budget one of these and need more solid info.

Its been months since I almost bought a Helix.

Has things changed since?

It seems you can pick up a Ronin anywhere now.
 
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