DitoGear has added yet another tool for timelapse cinematographers and stop motion filmmakers to utilize on their projects: the MiniJib. Compatible (obviously) with their other products, like the BD Slider, OmniHead, and LensDrive, the MiniJib allows users to get more sophisticated crane shots either manually or using its motorized configurations. Granted, this tool is going to cost you, but if you're looking to invest in something that might take your timelapse/stop motion work to the next level, DitoGear is offering a 15% preorder discount. Continue on for the details and to see the MiniJib in action.
Here are a few of the MiniJib's specs:
- Lengths: 1.0 m (3.3 ft) or 1.5 m (4.9 ft)
- Weight: 5.1 lbs and 5.7 lbs
- Payload (unmotorized): 15 kg (33 lbs)
- Payload (motorized): 7 kg (15.4 lbs)
- Pan range: unlimited
- Tilt range: 120°
- Min speed: 1m/450 days in timelapse mode
- Power supply: 11.4V – 14.4V DC
- Operation temperature range: -25°C to 45°C (-13°F to 113°F)
The MiniJib is geared specifically, like DitoGear's other products, for timelapse and stop motion filmmaking, meaning that it has motorized operation capabilities. Using one of DitoGear's heads, sliders, or any similar 3rd party product, you have the potential of filming on multiple axises, which ramps up the energy of your aesthetic. DitoGear explains the three different configurations in which the MiniJib can be used:
You can use one or two DitoGear™ OmniHead Units to create a motorized jib or choose the unmotorized, manual option to increase the payload and operate it the traditional way. DitoGear MiniJib can also be mounted on sliders, dollies and other supports providing a 3/8″ threaded mount. Installing the Mini Jib on a single footprint DitoGear OmniSlider can cause some inertia issues so it’s not recommended by DitoGear.
Check out this video by filmmaker Bartek Hlawka, in which he utilizes the MiniJib, as well as other DitoGear gear and software:
And here is the making-of video:
If you've already got an OmniHead, the MiniJib isn't going to cost you a whole lot -- $370. However, if you don't, the cost starts to go up fast. A manual MiniJib bundle starts out at about $700, while the motorized bundle (which I assume most timelapse/stop-motion filmmakers would be looking for) starts at nearly $2,700. However, DitoGear is offering a 15% discount on preorders until December 3rd. Enter the voucher code "‘MINIJIB15" at checkout to receive the deal.
That's not an ideal price for the no-budget filmmaker -- in fact, there are plenty of cheaper (and well-made) manual jibs out there. However, like I said before, if you want to get serious about timelapse or stop-motion and you've got some money to invest, then the MiniJib is now an option for you.
What do you think about the MiniJib? If you're a timelapse/stop-motion filmmaker, what gear/software do you swear by? Let us know in the comments.
Link: MiniJib -- DitoGear
[via Cinescopophilia]
