2012General Discussion forum
Assessment of a Segway-mounted camera crane system with remote head control
14 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.
What the thread found
- The system exhibited excessive roll and wobbling at the camera head when moving over rough terrain and during speed changes, suggesting insufficient counterbalancing against pendulum effects.
- Coordination challenges arise when one operator controls the boom arm while another operates the remote head via joysticks, requiring constant communication and rehearsal to avoid conflicting inputs.
- Operating a remote head with two joysticks can amplify stabilization issues compared to more intuitive control schemes.
- The device shows potential for use in tight spaces such as alleyways and as an insert car crane replacement where traditional rigs cannot fit.
- Demo footage quality significantly impacts buyer perception, and weak sample shots can undermine confidence in equipment capabilities even if operator error contributed to poor results.
- Similar single-operator crane systems have proven effective for years in film production when proper communication and rehearsal procedures are established.
Depends on
- The demonstration video may not have showcased the system's best performance, as operator inexperience with new equipment likely contributed to visible issues.
- This appears to be a work-in-progress system still in development stages at the time of discussion.
- Participants disagreed on whether poor demo quality reflected fundamental design flaws or primarily operator error and inadequate rehearsal.