So you purchased a DSLR capable of shooting impressive HD video, thinking it would give your movies a professional look and feel. But watching back some of your wobbly and uninspiring shots you realized there was more to it than having the right camera. The Aviator Travel Jib is looking to solve this dilemma - it's a compact and lightweight alternative to expensive professional jibs that promises to take your cinematography to new heights with sweeping camera shots.
Professional filmmakers rely on tools such as steadicams, dolly/slider systems and camera jibs to create some of the cinematic shots we know and love, unfortunately these have traditionally come with a professional price-tag. While we've previously seen amateur or cheaper alternatives to steadicams (Cam Caddie) and dolly/slider systems (RigWheels), jibs and the sweeping camera movement they create, have remained elusive to those of us on a budget.
The Aviator Travel Jib, currently looking for funding on Kickstarter, is billed as the world's lightest and most compact camera jib. It also costs a fraction of the price a pro alternative would, and thanks to its light weight and compact nature - 3 ¾ lbs (1.7 kg) and 24 inches (61cm) - it can be deployed and used in areas never before possible with traditional jibs.
Made out of aircraft grade T6061 magnesium alloy, the jib features telescopic sections which extend to 6 ft (1.83 m) and uses leg locks designed by tripod makers 3LeggedThing. In fact, the Aviator Travel Jib will be made in the 3LT factory. The fluid pan base means it can be attached to most video and photo tripods rated to support 17 lbs (7.71 kg) while the jib itself supports cameras up to 6 lbs (2.72 kg). Bubble levels are built into the base and head, while radial bearings ensure smooth movements and professional results.
Makers say the compact camera crane can be used to shoot those trademark shots which move around and above your subjects, during weddings, while filming extreme sports, documentaries, indie films, music videos, or commercials. Paired with a remote like the Triggertrap, it could also be used to get photos from different angles.
"The Aviator is super simple to set up and use. Whether you are a seasoned pro or just a passionate beginner, you’ll get breathtaking footage within minutes," said Zeke Kamm, filmmaker and inventor of The Aviator Travel Jib. "I can’t wait to see what kind of footage other creative people are going to make with this."
The Aviator Travel Jib is currently heading towards its target of US$20,000 on Kickstarter and a pledge of $399 will get you the full travel jib kit (which will have a retail price of $499) with a padded bag, accessory straps, mounting hardware and a counterbalance bag. A $799 pledge will get you the Carbon Fiber Edition which is expected to weigh approximately 15% less and feature improved vibration dampening properties.
Source: Aviator Travel Jib via Kickstarter
Here's the Kickstarter video about the Aviator Travel Jib.
