@photonewspn | photographynews.co.uk
GEAR / 53
TESTED: SMALLRIG MINI SHOCK ABSORBER ARM Generation Z-axis £127 smallrig.com
Specifications Fits DJI Osmo Pocket 3/4 and Action 3-6, GoPro Hero 9-13 Black, Insta 360 X4-5 the Pocket 4 from a brilliant handheld camera into a tool capable of shots that would normally require far larger and more complex set-ups. the best performance. Move the arm until the camera is held vertically then lock it off, and adjust the tension on the spring to balance it all. Add a leash to ensure that, if the kit comes loose, it doesn’t go bouncing down the road. Ultimately, this pairing transforms overwhelm the set-up or add excessive weight, making it ideal for creators who want portability without losing quality. You could also fit an included adapter to take standard cameras with a 1/4in-20 threaded tripod socket such as GoPro and Insta 360 cameras. There’s an included counterweight for very light cameras that just screws on. At the other end of the scale, even the smallest Micro Four Thirds camera and tiny lens is too heavy, though. Careful balancing is key to getting system: mechanical damping from the arm, followed by digital and gimbal stabilisation in camera. The union produces footage that feels far more cinematic and controlled, even in challenging conditions. And for any pro stills shooter who wants to get amazing stills that usually call for a proper car rig and extensive retouching in Photoshop, the Pocket 4 and Smallrig combo manages to work surprisingly well. The compact size of the Smallrig arm suits the Pocket 4 perfectly, and the kit comes with a mount specifically for DJI’s Pocket cameras. It doesn’t
A three-axis gimbal is a great gizmo for creating smooth
movement, but to counter up-and- down motion you need to have a stabilised fourth axis. Also called the Z-axis, this is why DJI offers its very expensive Ronin 4D beloved by Hollywood filmmakers. By fitting your DJI Pocket 3 or 4 onto the end of Smallrig’s £127 Mini Shock Absorber Arm, you can achieve a similar effect. Only much, much cheaper, but of course without motorised control and mounting options for larger cameras. The Smallrig kit comes with a rubber sucker so is designed to be fitted to a car, motorcycle or quad. Designed as a compact suspension system, there is a mini shock absorber that uses spring-loaded damping to isolate vibrations before they reach the camera. This is crucial for movement over rough, bumpy terrain or for fast- paced tracking shots. In practice, the results are striking. Mounted to a vehicle, the Pocket 4 benefits from a two-stage stabilisation suits the Pocket 4 perfectly, and the kit comes with a mount specifically for DJI’s Pocket cameras The size of the Smallrig arm
TWIST YOUR ARM The Smallrig combo means you are capable of shots that would
usually require larger set-ups
Material Aluminium alloy Camera mount 1/4in-20
Mount 4in vacuum suction cup Shock absorption Spring with adjustable preload, hydraulic damping, range 32° above horizontal, 48° below Counterweight 100g Dimensions (lxwxd) 101.5x159.4x214.5mm Weight 720g without counterweight
Verdict
Overall rating 8/10 Turns the Osmo Pocket 4 into a four- axis gimbal, ideal for mounting on a car on a smooth road. But doesn’t do much else...
SMALL WONDER A spring-loaded damper (left) is adjustable. The rig mounts on cars or bikes (above)
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