Novo Gimbal StabilizerSo far, we've seen some pretty incredible products come through IBC, including several handheld gimbal stabilizers. Matt Allard from News Shooter visits the  Varavon, FlowCine, and Novo booths and talks with reps about their stabilizing options, some of which include accommodations for large cameras, interesting designs, and wireless monitors. Check out the videos for more information after the jump.


Varavon offers not one, but three stabilizing devices. (Granted, only one is a handheld gimbal, but, who doesn't like variety?) Their 3-axis gimbal stabilizer is specially made for the 5D MarkIII, with a specific intention to lighten the load for individual operators (combined weight of about 4 lbs.)

Also from Varavon is and a remote-controlled wirecam and a handheld mini-gimbal for use with GoPros. These stabilizers are multi-functional, since they can be used separately or together by mounting the mini-gimbal on the wirecam.

How much are each of these going to run you? $3,000 for the 5D MarkIII gimbal, $1,000 for the mini, and $1,500 for the wirecam.

FlowCine has done something new with the EasyRig by adding their accessory, the Gravity One, which is a free-floating, 2-axis gimbal. Though it's only 2.8 lbs, it can handle cameras of up to 37 lbs., like the Alexa, but it's also able to house smaller cameras, like the 5D MarkIII.

The Gravity One can be used with or without an EasyRig: you can go handheld, mount it on your shoulder or tripod quickly, which allows the user more versatility and control.

You can "preorder" one now on Indiegogo for $2,555, but after November when the Gravity One is made available, you can get it for $3,260. FlowCine is also planning to release an upgraded version with more motorized capabilities in the near future. Check out their Indiegogo campaign for more info.

Finally, Novo has developed a custom-made brushless gimbal stabilizer for their miniature digital cinema camera -- the Novo. With everything together, including the camera, lenses, stabilizer, batteries, etc. you're looking at a rig that is under 4 lbs.

Novo also announced their latest development: the Freedom Monitor, which is a wireless monitor that has a line of sight of up to half a mile, though it only transmits in SD.

Most gimbals boast versatility and accommodation of many camera sizes and types, Novo plans to do the same, only in a different way. They plan to develop gimbal stabilizers made specifically for certain cameras, so as to have the maximum amount of customized software, balance, and hardware for each camera. The hardware on these stabilizers are complete, and Novo is now finishing up working out the kinks in the software, but you'll be able to see these gimbals for larger cameras (5D Mark III, RED EPIC, and Alexa M) by the end of January.

As you might know, the Novo camera is only available as a rental, and the stabilizer is no different. The whole package -- camera, gimbal, lens package, wireless video, will run you $900.

What do you think of all of these gimbals? If you've used any of them, let us know about your experience in the comments.

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