Self-proclaimed game changers, Shotover, have released an exciting new promo for their U1 gimbal and rotocopter. The Shotover U1 Launch Reel is produced by skate filmer extraordinaire Ty Evans and highlights the features of what makes up a very exciting heavy-duty system.
U1 Gimbal and Rotocopter
We first saw this promo shortly after it was released, but with the hype of NAB 2016 we’ve held this article back until now.
Shotover are no strangers to making stabilized camera systems. Their K1 and F1 6-axis gyro gimbal systems can regularly be found on the front of helicopters and sporting payloads in excess of 200lbs, makes the U1 and U1g look like lightweight systems.
Make no mistake, however, the Shotover U1 is a sizeable platform and can fly a combined weight of 30kg.
To clarify their line-up, the U1 is the Shotover complete rotocopter system. The U1g is the gimbal only.
I therefore speak for both the U1 and U1g when I say the gimbal is continuously rotatable in all 3 axis, has complete FIZ control (focus, iris, zoom) on compatible cinema lenses as well as remote camera control for RED, Arri, Sony, Canon and Phantom.
The Carbon fibre design of the Shotover makes it lightweight, fuss-free (for continuous rotation on the axis’) and weather resistant (same may not be said for your camera).
You’ll get 9-22 minutes of run time on the 4-armed rotocopter, as well as features like dual HD downstream (for two operators) with customizable graphic overlay, redundant battery system and flight controller and retractable landing gear.
The U1g is quick release detachable, and can be used in a number of configurations (as per promo video) like a cable cam, car cam, white water rafting cam….
There is more flexibility with the payload once on the ground. Here’s a lens/camera compatibility chart for reference.
Other configurations can be determined when comparing similar camera/lens weights and physical dimensions.
For more info on the U1 check out this handy PDF document.
With a price range of around of (I’ll add it when I get it) the Shotover systems will apply to an acute end of the market. However with such a well designed and self-contained system you can see exactly why.
