GEAR MINI TESTS
SPECIFICATIONS Material: Carbon fibre Maximumheight: 138cm/54.3in Closed length: 650mm/25.6in Runtime: 5.5 hours Charging time: Four hours Maximumpayload: 3.5kg/7.7lb horizontal, 6kg/13.2lb vertical Travel distance: 530mm/20.9in Maximumspeed: 40mm/1.57in per second Tripodmount: Arca-Swiss Connectivity:
2.4GHz RF, Bluetooth Weight: 1.46kg/3.21lb
GUDSEN MOZA SLYPOD PRO £437/$599 gudsen.com
In comparison to the basic Manfrotto monopod we also test this issue, the Gudsen Moza Slypod Pro is right at the other end of the scale in function, price, weight and size. That’s because it’s so much more than a monopod: an app-controlled motorised device that can be used as a slider, jib or extending monopod. It is based on the original Moza Slypod, but the new Pro model extends much further and has a set of detachable tripod feet. It’s burlier and heavier, too. The main unit is 1.46kg/3.21lb, but add the head and tripod base and the whole lot is 2.31kg/4.7lb – which is a significant amount to be carrying. That’s a lot for ‘just’ a monopod – especially one that doesn’t have a fluid head and base. But the Slypod Pro is really a motorised, tri-foot monopod, and a horizontal or angled slider – when fitted to a sturdy tripod. This makes it light and portable for a motion-control device. The kit is basically three parts: the extending monopod, pan-and-tilt head and detachable feet. The lithium battery-powered monopod is 650mm/25.6in long, but can be automatically extended a further 530mm/20.9in. The motion is controlled in terms of distance, speed and acceleration via the free app – to give different looks to your footage. This could be rise or fall if the monopod is held vertically, horizontally like a slider, or even at an
angle. This also lets you do time-lapse shoots. Movement is controlled via two buttons on the Slypod itself, too. But it’s better with the app, which is easy to master. The Slypod Pro is charged via a USB-C socket, giving up to four hours of power, but you can plug in a powerbank for extended use. The movement is both smooth and tractable, although putting a heavy camera at the end means it can wobble a bit under full horizontal extension. If you fix the optional wooden handle to the end, it’s a very controllable boom. But, of course, if you angle the arm, then the camera also tilts over. One solution is to fasten the camera to a motorised gimbal, then fasten it to the end of the arm. This adds weight, but works well. Gudsen offers its own motorised gimbals, meaning both can be controlled with one app. We used a Manfrotto gimbal, so had to juggle between two. Our main gripe is that the motor is pretty noisy; there is a ‘silent’ mode, which does cut down the volume somewhat. And the price is not exactly bargain basement. But you do get a well-built and useful all-rounder that can add lovely movements to footage. PROMOVIEMAKERRATING: 8/10 It’s a multi-use bit of kit that is compact and does a great job Pros: A slider, monopod and jib Cons: Pricey, noisy, not super-light!
MULTI-TOOL The unique Slypod Pro works as a motorised boom, jib, slider and monopod
APPY DAYS The Slypod Pro has basic control buttons, but the app is the best way
to manage its features
60
PRO MOVIEMAKER
Powered by FlippingBook