DitoGear, maker of the OmniSlider, already has a following among "Timelapsers" and visual effects folks, but now they've cemented that following with the addition of a motion control head and lens motor: the OmniHead and LensDrive. If you haven't already seen it before, here's the OmniSlider in action:


The OmniSlider is already a strong contender in the overcrowding slider market, but with DitoGear adding a motion control head and lens drive, they have a full arsenal for a variety of uses. The OmniHead and LensDrive should also work wonderfully for anyone doing stop-motion animation.

Is this an essential addition for anyone doing timelapses, visual effects, or stop-motion animation? If so, let me know what you think in the comments. Full press release follows.

DISCLOSURE: DitoGear is an advertiser on No Film School.

Press Release

Introducing DitoGear™ OmniHead & Lens Drive

DitoGear™ is pleased to announce the release of DitoGear™ OmniHead and DitoGear™ LensDrive. Both new products address the expectations of the most demanding cinematographers working with film, digital cinema, timelapse or stop motion needing a compact, precise and fully featured motion control tools.

Both products are available on preorder now at www.ditogear.com/store

Shipping starts on March, 1st.

DitoGear™ OmniHead

DitoGear™ OmniHead is a precise and versatile motorized pan & tilt head for digital cinema, DSLR and timelapse cinematography. High-end build, ultimate precision and motion control features make it another must have in your kit.

Features:

1. 360° rotation in each of axes
2. High precision, backlash-free performance
3. High speed range
4. Noiseless performance
5. Real time operation
6. Timelapse and stop-motion operation
7. Motion control features
8. Full repeatability for VFX
9. DragonFrame compatibility
10. DitoGear™ moco software compatibility
11. Compact build
12. Easy to balance
13. Minimized cabling
14. Weather-proof enclosure
15. Upside down operation

(6, 7, 8 ) with DitoGear™ OmniSlider Controllers

(9, 10 ) Available in 2012

360° rotation in each of axes

With its innovative design, the DitoGear™ OmniHead allows for full 360° x 360° rotation in each of axes. No more limitations.

High precision

Thanks to high precision double bearings on each of axes and power-efficient servo motors the DitoGear™ OmniHead is probably the most precise piece of gear in a sub-10K price range. Backlash-free operation contributes additionally to perfect motion repeatability for VFX.

High speed range

Thanks to servo motors and a proprietary technology by DitoGear™ to control them, the OmniHead delivers unmatched speed range on a single motors setup. With the speed ranging from 45°/s (360° in 8s) to 360° in 450 days, you don’t need to worry about swapping the motors when you switch from timelapse to realtime filming.

Noiseless performance

Thanks to unique design and motor choice, the DitoGear™ OmniHead performs with the lowest noise level possible to allow for use in most demanding situations.

Realtime, timelapse and stop-motion operation

Either use the 3-axis ultra-precise joystick for realtime movements or unleash the power of motion control thanks to DitoGear™ OmniSlider Controllers and upcoming Dragonframe and DitoGear™ moco software integration.

Be as creative as you like with realtime or timelapse operation. Record sophisticated sequences, play them back in real time or in timelapse to design most difficult speed matching shots combining time-lapse and real-time footage into one composite shot. Take an advantage of motion control for your stop-motion animations or motion-controlled macro shots.

Full repeatability for VFX

DitoGear™ OmniSlider is a benchmark product in terms of motion repeatability in compact motion control systems range. Basing on our established tradition, the DitoGear™ OmniHead won’t disappoint you in this matter allowing for fully repeatable movement.

DragonFrame compatibility

Unleash the power of motion control for stop motion work with the upcoming DragonFrame motion control software integration. Now it is a pleasure to reveal complicated scene details by smoothly adjusting the focus. So many new possibilities! (coming in 2012)

DitoGear™ moco software compatibility

With the upcoming multi-axis keyframe-based motion control software this unit will be another block contributing to enormous creative possibilities of your multiaxis DitoGear™ motion control rig. (coming in 2012)

Compact build

We understand you usually have too much to carry around. With a compact and lightweight build, the DitoGear™ OmniHead will fit into your luggage easily.

Easy to balance

Thanks to a one-key design approach you’ll easily mount the head on the tripod or DitoGear™ OmniSlider and balance the camera.

Minimized cabling

DitoGear™ OmniHead comes with minimized cabling. Signal and power has been combined within a single RJ-type connector. No more hassle.

Water resistant enclosure

Continuing the tradition of great build of DitoGear™ products, the OmniHead comes with a high-end machined, sealed and weather-proof enclosure.

Upside down operation

Finally, if you’d like to hang it upside down - yes, that’s also possible.

Specifications:

1. Payload: 6kg (13lbs) to 10kg (22lbs)*
2. Angular positioning precision: 0.0225°
3. Max real time operation speed: 45°/s (360°/8s)
4. Current draw: 0.4A – 1A @ 12V
5. Dimensions: 350mm x 215mm x 75.5mm (13.7″ x 8.4″ x 3″)
6. Weight: 2750g (6 lbs)
7. Operating temperatures range: -25°C to 50°C

* recommended max payload is 6kg (13lbs), however, if balanced properly, may work with payloads up to 10kg (22lbs).

DitoGear™ Lensdrive

DitoGear™ LensDrive is a precise and lightweight motorized lens drive system for demanding cinematographers and timelapse shooters. High-end build, ultimate precision and motion control features make it a great addition to your gear set.

Features:

1. Serves as focus or zoom drive
2. Ultimate precision
3. High speed range
4. Noiseless performance
5. High-end durable build
6. Realtime operation
7. Timelapse, stop-motion operation
8. Motion control feature set
9. Full repeatability for VFX
10. DragonFrame compatibility
11. DitoGear™ moco software compatibility
12. Minimized cabling
13. 3rd party focus gear rings compatible

(7, 8, 9) with DitoGear™ OmniSlider Controller

(10, 11) Available in 2012

Serves as focus or zoom drive

The DitoGear™ LensDrive serves as a focus or zoom drive depending on your needs. Or go for both options at once to get full control at discounted price with the Professional, 2-axis bundle!

Ultimate precision

With the digital control interface and high-performance servo motors the DitoGear™ LensDrive performs with an unmatched angular precision of 0.045° (drive gear) making even the extreme macro focus-controlled shots possible.

High Speed Range

The DitoGear™ LensDrive provides you with very wide range of speeds from 360*/1.25s to 360°/35s in realtime to 360°/450 days (with DitoGear™ OmniSlider Controller).

Noiseless performance

Thanks to unique design and motor choice, this unit performs with the lowest noise level possible to allow for use in most demanding situations.

High-end durable build

To design products that you love and that last. That’s a rule at DitoGear™. True for the DitoGear™ LensDrive as well as for all other products.

Realtime operation

Realtime operation is smooth and easy thanks to DitoGear™ SmoothWheel controller. With ultra low latency, adjustable speed dampening, speed limits and easy calibration, focusing will be precise and easy. Exactly what you needed.

Timelapse and stop-motion operation

Thanks to an option of controlling the LensDrive using the DitoGear™ OmniSlider controllers this unit is fully usable for timelapse and stop-motion cinematography. You simply control it the same way as you do with your slider or the OmniHead.

Motion control feature set

Unleash the power of motion control using the DitoGear™ LensDrive with DitoGear™ OmniSlider Controller. Record sophisticated sequences, play them back in real time or in timelapse to design most difficult speed matching shots combining time-lapse and real-time footage into one composite shot. Take an advantage of motion control for your stop-motion animations or motion-controlled macro shots. You have never had so much possibilities to control your focus.

Full repeatability for VFX

Thanks to high engineering standards and goals set during the R&D stage, the DitoGear™ LensDrive is as precise as a benchmark DitoGear™ OmniSlider or the new OmniHead and won’t disappoint you allowing for fully repeatable movement for VFX purposes.

DragonFrame compatibility

Unleash the power of motion control for stop motion work with the upcoming DragonFrame motion control software integration. Now it is a pleasure to reveal complicated scene details by smoothly adjusting the focus. So many new possibilities! (coming in 2012)

DitoGear™ moco software compatibility

With the upcoming multi-axis keyframe-based motion control software this unit will be another block contributing to enormous creative possibilities of your multiaxis DitoGear™ motion control rig. (coming in 2012)

Minimized cabling

The DitoGear™ LensDrive comes with minimized cabling design. You need only one signal and power cable to connect the device.

3rd party focus rings compatible

Use your focus gear rings you already have or pair the unit with multiple 3rd party rings available out there.

Specifications:

1. Angular positioning precision: 0.045°
2. Current draw: 0.1 - 0.2A @ 12V DC
3. Electronic backlash compensation
4. Lens gear rings standard: M 0.8, compatible with most 3rd party focus gear rings
5. Real time operation speed range from 360°/1.25s to 360°/35s
6. Dimensions: 165mm x 134mm x 47mm
7. Weight: 460g (1lbs)

(3) with DitoGear™ SmoothWheel Controller

(5) with DitoGear™ OmniSlider Controller

Control options:

1. DitoGear™ SmoothWheel for realtime operation (1)
2. DitoGear™ OmniSlider Controller for motion control operation
3. DitoGear™ Moco Software
4. Dragonframe Software

(1) Coming soon

(3, 4) Available in 2012

Power supply options:

1. DitoGear™ Power Pack 12Ah
2. DitoGear™ Power Pack 7Ah
3. 3rd Party 12V Batteries or DC power

DitoGear™ SmoothWheel

DitoGear™ SmoothWheel allows for convenient realtime control of DitoGear™ LensDrive unit. Control the focus the way you would control it with a typical mechanic follow focus. Enjoy also max speed limit and automatic and adjustable rotation speed easing thanks to Speed Dampening and Max Speed dials.

DitoGear™ SmoothWheel features

1. Simple and fast calibration to define movement range
2. Adjustable Speed dampening
3. Adjustable Max speed

Stay in touch:

For inquiries please contact us at: info@ditogear.com

More info at www.ditogear.com

Follow DitoGear™ on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ditogear

Follow DitoGear™ on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ditogear

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Link: OmniHead & LensDrive - DitoGear