REMOTE HEADS | GEAR
OPERTEC
THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO MAKE GOOD USE
Remote support provider Opertec provides a variety of tools designed for live events, broadcast and film. Nonetheless, its hero product, the Milli Max remote head, really steals the show. It’s a highly versatile three-axis gyro-stabilised head, primarily for use in cinema. Built to support a payload of up to 30kg, the Milli Max can accommodate a wide variety of modern cinema cameras, including sizeable IMAX bodies. With larger rigs in mind, the head is built with more room than Opertec’s smaller offerings, particularly above the camera. This allows the head to tilt significantly, even with additional accessories, such as mics and monitors, mounted to the camera. A lens control system is also fitted for full remote functionality. In this capacity, an operator is able to control varied cinema lenses from a distance. Despite its capacity for such a significant load, the Milli Max itself isn’t especially sizeable, measuring 72.1x57.6x24.5cm. Nor is it difficult to construct or balance,
so the standards of on-set efficiency remain extremely high. Diving deeper into the Milli Max’s specs, there’s a clear potential for more extreme camera movements. It offers a roll range of 72°and max angular speeds of 270°/ sec for panning, 270°/sec for tilt and 100°/sec for roll. At a movement’s maximum capacity, the head features soft limits that guarantee smooth shots. There is also the option for lock-off shooting and unique limits can be programmed for all of its axes. When it comes to controllability, the head can be connected via a cable or a wireless link at 900MHz. Opertec also offers all of the expected physical control options, including hand wheels, joysticks and pan bars. These enable the system to fit seamlessly into varied workflows. OPERTEC.TV
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RIGHT Opertec’s arm and remote head, Milli Max, offers extreme roll ranges that enable maximum movement
“AT A MOVEMENT’S MAX CAPACITY, THE HEAD HAS SOFT LIMITS THAT GUARANTEE SMOOTH SHOTS”
AERIAL CAMERA SYSTEMS Aerial Camera Systems has a proven track record of remote operations in virtually every setting imaginable, from Marvel films to royal weddings. There are a few core products that serve as real highlights. Naturally, the company
The F1’s specs are also impressive elsewhere. It features six-axis gyro stabilisation and look-down capability, highly advanced automatic or steerable horizon tracking, fibre-optic data transfer for 3GHz video and real-time operator feedback. When a more compact remote solution is required, in particular for live productions, ACS’s SmartHead range is one to consider. The remote head primarily fits Sony HDC-P50 and Sony HDC-P1 cameras and supports Canon and Fujinon serial digital lens protocols. It’s a system that’s optimised for multicam operations with a dedicated control integrated router. As such, the SmartHead Control Desk is
an incredibly useful option, equipped with force-sensitive joysticks, an OLED touchscreen, a pan bar system and all the other traditional controls. Capable of varied mounting options, the SmartHead is a single- fibre cable system that can position camera and head up to 15m away from the case. A wide range of mounting hardware also ensures this, meaning the SmartHead can be grounded or mounted on a self-supporting stand from 0.5m to 4m. For a whole host of remote options, ACS is a great port of call.
has a special aerial offering, with a dedicated unit of helicopters, drones and even its EyeFlyer blimp. This department houses most of the company’s cinematic potential with its range of advanced robotic heads. However, these are just as effective on land vehicles, cranes and more. The most recent addition, Shotover F1, provides massive flexibility when it comes to payload, with 120 camera and lens combinations available.
AERIALCAMERASYSTEMS.COM
MARCH 202 1 | DEF I N I T ION 15
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