Photography

Supraflux Video Camera Stabilizer makes for a smooth change in direction

Supraflux Video Camera Stabilizer makes for a smooth change in direction
The Supraflux Stabilizer uses a electronic pan axis lock to make shooting direction changes easier
The Supraflux Stabilizer uses a electronic pan axis lock to make shooting direction changes easier
View 7 Images
The Supraflux Stabilizer uses virtually frictionless ball bearings on all rotating parts and weighs 3.2 lbs (1.45 kg)
1/7
The Supraflux Stabilizer uses virtually frictionless ball bearings on all rotating parts and weighs 3.2 lbs (1.45 kg)
The Supraflux Stabilizer can support cameras ranging from 0.25 lbs to 10lbs (113 g to 4.54 kg)
2/7
The Supraflux Stabilizer can support cameras ranging from 0.25 lbs to 10lbs (113 g to 4.54 kg)
The Supraflux Stabilizer has a telescopic tube body which allows for a very precise setup of the dynamic handling
3/7
The Supraflux Stabilizer has a telescopic tube body which allows for a very precise setup of the dynamic handling
The Supraflux Stabilizer uses a electronic pan axis lock to make shooting direction changes easier
4/7
The Supraflux Stabilizer uses a electronic pan axis lock to make shooting direction changes easier
The brake on the Supraflux Stabilizer means users don't need to use their hand to hold it in place when turning
5/7
The brake on the Supraflux Stabilizer means users don't need to use their hand to hold it in place when turning
The Supraflux Stabilizer features top stage micro-adjustment mechanisms to make it easier to balance your camera
6/7
The Supraflux Stabilizer features top stage micro-adjustment mechanisms to make it easier to balance your camera
The Supraflux Stabilizer uses two sizes of slide-out counterweights
7/7
The Supraflux Stabilizer uses two sizes of slide-out counterweights
View gallery - 7 images

We've seen plenty of video camera stabilizers, from ones aimed at steadying your wobbly smartphone footage to those which hold DSLRs. But while stabilizing rigs can be great at smoothing out your shakes, they're typically difficult to operate if you also want to change direction and pan while shooting. The Supraflux Video Camera Stabilizer aims to solve this problem by adding an electronic pan axis lock.

The Supraflux Stabilizer was recently launched on Kickstarter and quickly sailed past its funding target. But then the team behind it do have a good track record; Karim and Nadim Elgarhy previously scored a success with the Pictosteady video camera stabilzer. The new device differs from other camera stabilizers in that it promises "reliable, repeatable and precise control during panning and turns" without the learning curve and hand dexterity that rivals can require.

This is achieved through a button operated brake – imaginatively dubbed "The Brake" – which locks one axis of the stabilizer while the other two axes remain free-floating and maintaining the camera balance. The result is complete control of turns … and smooth footage. Most stabilizers require the operator to do this manually with their hand, which can be difficult to master and is a very easy way to ruin a shot.

In addition to this twist (or not) on direction changes, the Supraflux Stabilizer is said to make it easy to capture smooth video footage. A slide-out mounting plate (with a non-slip rubber surface) and counterweights make set-up simple, while top stage micro-adjustment mechanisms make it easier to balance your camera. One turn of the knob moves the stage by 0.03" (0.8mm) and there's an integrated bubble level on the bottom plate.

The Supraflux Stabilizer uses virtually frictionless ball bearings on all rotating parts and weighs 3.2 lbs (1.45 kg)
The Supraflux Stabilizer uses virtually frictionless ball bearings on all rotating parts and weighs 3.2 lbs (1.45 kg)

Made from precision-machined aviation-grade aluminum, the Supraflux Stabilizer uses virtually frictionless ball bearings on all rotating parts and weighs 3.2 lbs (1.45 kg). It has a telescopic tube body which allows for a very precise setup of the dynamic handling of the stabilizer, and can support cameras ranging from 0.25 lbs to 10lbs (113 g to 4.54 kg). That means it's good for anything from a smartphone to a big DSLR or professional video camera.

While all of the early bird Supraflux Stabilizers have been snapped up at US$495, a Kickstarter pledge of $595 will still get you one, which is still considerably cheaper than the planned retail price of $745. The devices are expected to ship in August.

Here's the Kickstarter video about the Supraflux Stabilizer.

Source: Supraflux, via Kickstarter

View gallery - 7 images
2 comments
2 comments
HerrDrPantagruel
An electric brake that wacks a lever onto the vertical axis tube. Hmm. I fail to see how this is much better than putting your finger on the axis tube, or maybe using a simpler mechanical brake
Also, why make the stupid counter weight holder and all the counterweights out of precisely milled metal? It seems like these parts could be a lot cheaper and easier to make if they were simpler less exotically made or stamped. A good product designer puts some thought into cost control for non-precision parts. Ball bearings and slider adjusments need to be precise, counterweight - not so much.
Dan Lewis
As far as I can tell, the video does everything except what it most needed to do - tell us how much money and where to send it. It did neither. Phooey. The guys should stick to gadget design and stay out of video communication. Let somebody who understands mass communication do that part. Learn your beeping limitations. Some things you're good at, some things you stink at. Good journey.
PS - I saw at least one design aspect you're wrong about. The weights. We shouldn't have to fool with threading to ad and subtract weights. The weights should have holes that sit down upon points that hold them. No screws!
Oh, and the TINY allen heads! What's wrong with you? You really think we want to deal with teeny tiny allen head screws and wrenches?? Think again. At least make the bolt much bigger so the allen head wrench doesn't get lost, being so tiny. Think about us out on location, please!! Sheesh! Extra tools to loosen/tighten? We sure don't want that. Guess what we want; go ahead, you can do it! Do that, and implement it!