Filed under: Accessories, Multimedia, iPhone
Shoot steady iPhone video with Zgrip iPhone PRO
ZGrip iPhone from Steve Weiss, Zacuto USA on Vimeo.
A few weeks ago, I shot a video of myself riding a bike around. The result was a bit jumpy, as you might imagine, so I used iMovie 8's stabilization feature to eliminate the shakiness. The result is nice and smooth, but also artifical looking. I assure you, I was not moving that slowly. If only there was a steady cam-like apparatus for the iPhone.Check out the Zgrip iPhone PRO by Zacuto. The fully articulated arm holds the iPhone in place and several adjustable pivot points allow you to get interesting angles. We haven't played with one, but it sure looks pretty cool. Before you scoff, check out what some people have done with video on the 3GS. The Zgrip iPhone PRO is available now and costs $295US (a low-cost consumer version is forthcoming).
[Via Coudal Partners]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
smak said 1:36PM on 7-06-2009
Lol.... really? This device adds a handle to your iphone. That is all. There is nothing "steadycam" about it.
If you add a giant handle to any camcorder, it will make shots seem more "stable" compared to wielding it directly from your shaky hands... if for no other reason than added weight.
But unfortunately, a steadycam it is not. Steadycam's require counter-balancing, and its not practical on a camera with the weight of the iPhone.
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tony d said 4:30PM on 7-06-2009
Yeah I agree, its not a Steadycam nor will it work like one. If you're that worried about steady shots then buy a good video camera with that money.
smak said 4:40PM on 7-06-2009
I forgot to mention that you also look like a complete retard wielding that giant handle that is holding.... a phone. Stupid. I may use it for my next Halloween costume though: Paraplegic Videographer.
jonathan said 1:44PM on 7-06-2009
i like the forthcoming qik version much more. idk what the name is yet, but he referenced it in the most recent video promoting qik on the 3GS.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdTsNQ0ZaM0
also kodak is working on a MUCH smaller, almost slide in case (like a mophie juice pack size) with a 8MP camera and video capabilities. on board storage and battery. not sure of the weight it will add, but it definitely looks promising. doesnt do much for added stability nor does it do live streaming like the qik one (kodak has an app for its device as well). but its sleek and cool.
this seems cool but looks weeeird.
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Jon said 8:17PM on 7-06-2009
Hey. Where did you hear about this Kodak doohicky?
Sounds cool, any urlz?
jonathan said 1:47AM on 7-07-2009
At a super top secret meeting that I'm not supposed to be talking about right now...ie nda. But as soon as I get something more solid I will let it be known.
BeyondtheTech said 1:57PM on 7-06-2009
Thanks for that link to the music video Play by BJSR that was shot entirely on the iPhone 3GS!
Great song and great video recording quality. Perhaps this will start spawning a bunch of new filmmakers. Here's to hoping someone will make a horror mockumentary, something like The Blair Witch Project or Diary of the Dead.
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Rego said 2:03PM on 7-06-2009
I found the video unwatchable the sound and video jerky.
It seem expensive for a grip; especially on an item priced about the same as the grip.
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lesterdiamond said 2:13PM on 7-06-2009
...or you can take that $300 and go buy a real camcorder, just a thought.
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Steve said 2:18PM on 7-06-2009
it seems a little bit crazy and overkill.
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Dorian said 2:34PM on 7-06-2009
over kill was the original video that they talked about in the beginning of the video. Those guys in this video seems like douche bags, honestly. Just trying to make a buck. Pixel Corps at least tried something that works but know it's a bit much (look at the title).
Dorian said 2:34PM on 7-06-2009
forgot the link to the vid
http://www.pixelcorps.tv/macbreak227
CaptSaltyJack said 2:49PM on 7-06-2009
I don't see anything that actually stabilizes the phone. It looks like just a handle, I don't see what the big deal is. How exactly does this give you steady shooting?
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alansky said 3:19PM on 7-06-2009
$295 for a simple plastic holder? You gotta be kidding!
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papasui said 3:24PM on 7-06-2009
So how much did they pay you to run that ad?
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kakapo said 3:30PM on 7-06-2009
What a piece of crapolla....
Not worth $2.95
I can make this with my lathe for less than a dollar. All they have done is take a piece of round stock, drill it, thread standard threaded bolts, add a lever you can buy from your local hardware store (or you can use a couple of wing nuts (oops, those were the guys trying to act like this was a big deal,sorry) and BOOM you've got yourself a new fangeled iPhone not-so-steady crapolla thingo...
How did they keep a straight face?
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tekkenshihan said 3:38PM on 7-06-2009
I can save you 300 dollars
Use the new image stabilization feature in the the new iMovie '09
Boom, problem solved. Assuming you already have iLife '09, then the problem is solved for FREE.
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Ethan said 3:53PM on 7-06-2009
I'm glad they're both so amazed by their own product.
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seeegs said 4:08PM on 7-06-2009
"The Zgrip iPhone PRO is available now and costs $295US (a low-cost consumer version is forthcoming)."
--yes it is called my hand. :-) holy crap $300!
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ilikemonkeys said 4:45PM on 7-06-2009
Lol... that extension rod could be useful... I suspect it will be the perverts number one tool now.
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