~ By Linki Raubenheimer

Motion Control for Small Cameras – A lot of bang for your buck!

When starting any new hobby or occupation, we try to save money where we can and do loads of research to get the best gear and equipment we can find. Photography and videography can become expensive ventures. There are loads of amazing fun tools available, but these tools usually come with an eye-watering price tag. That’s why, when I find something so affordable and handy, I am completely ecstatic.

This director’s set is a budget-friendly and efficient way to get stable and professional videos and photographs without having to burn through your gear budget. I believe any photographer or videographer at any skill level will surely benefit when using this set. The set boasts a variety of features and pieces to fit the projects you are working on. It is a great way to use the angles and shots you might miss when only using hand-held equipment. Setting up is easy and self-explanatory. The Movie Make 2 has 9 different speed settings you can control via remote or on the motion control unit itself which provides a lot of flexibility depending on what you are working on.

Juggling between cameras and phones can get overwhelming and having that extra “hand” in the form of rails or a stand can simplify and stabilise your work. Being able to switch from my iPhone 12 Mini to GoPro HERO 7 in a few seconds, all the while having my Samsung NX1 dangling from my neck, allowed me to shoot a lot more content in a short time. It’s amazing what a different stable movement can do for your video content. My videography projects instantly looked and felt more professional, and easier to achieve my ideas.

Having to shoot a variety of different sizes of products does limit the gear I want to bring with me to a set. Being able to pack the entire Grip Gears set at a moment’s notice in a single bag with all my cameras is just amazing.

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“The best investment is in the tools of one’s own trade.” – Benjamin Franklin

Camera Slider

The camera slider comes in handy when looking for super-smooth video content. Being able to use the slider horizontally, vertically or any angle I can think of is a game-changer, to say the least. It does come with some limitations. It would help if the clamps/feet securing the rail slider could be more rigid and sometimes slide off smooth surfaces. Grip Gears also sells extra track length if needed. The loop function is also useful in certain situations such as time lapses or lengthy shoots. It automatically changes direction once it hits the end of the rail allowing for a hands-free experience.

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360-Degree Panorama Mount

This is the item I reached for the most. With unlimited capabilities, this little tool helped me shoot content of furniture, skincare and events. Being able to place it on almost any surface and leaving it to run on a time-lapse can create incredible 360-degree shots.

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Micro Dolly

If you are looking for a cinematic style on a smaller scale, for example facing a subject and walking towards it, this is the tool you should use. Allowing movement in all three dimensions towards or away from a subject gives the video depth and focus on your focal point all the while capturing movement in the background. A dolly is also used to track and follow moving objects. You can also do 360° movements around your subject for detailed shots from all angles.

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Grip Gears Directors Set Pros and Cons

Pros 

  • Stabilised videos
  • Professional look for a fraction of the price
  • Easy to use and set up
  • Transportable and small
  • Versatile use for both professionals and enthusiasts

Cons

  • Needs a smartphone, GoPro or a small and lightweight camera. (No more than 750g).
  • Rail feet/clamps could be more rigid and sometimes slip from awkward angles.
  • Micro Dolly needs a smooth and flat surface for usable footage.

With these three main features and gear, I feel like I have an entire mini studio in my bag. Being able to transport these items anywhere allowed me the opportunity to try out loads of different locations and creative ideas which took my videography to the next level. 

This set will be a wonderful asset for enthusiasts and professionals alike, all while having a price tag that isn’t going to break the bank. It offers a variety of functions allowing for your creativity to flow freely in new and exciting ways.

So why not upgrade your videography game and become a part of the Grip Gear gang.