Big- and medium-budget film-makers looking for smooth tracking shots will soon have another alternative to laying down tracks for hand-pushed camera dollies. T3 Motion, the maker of the T3 electric standup vehicle, is launching a new version of its EV, designed specifically for use by cinematographers.
When it was first unveiled in 2006, the T3 was intended largely for use by police forces and security personnel, for quickly moving about within pedestrian environments. The T3 Non-Lethal Response Vehicle, a variation on the original model, followed in 2011. Among other things, the riot control-oriented vehicle features two compressed air-powered non-lethal ammo launchers. Last year also saw the launch of the T3 Power Sport, a consumer version of the base vehicle – so no, it doesn’t come equipped with launchers of any type.
The latest model, announced last week, is the T3-MT. It features a sideways-facing seat and footrests for the camera operator, along with two mounting posts for Steadicam or Glidecam systems. It also incorporates two 12 VDC (volts of direct current) batteries, for powering equipment such as lights, monitors or cameras.
The vehicle has a top forward speed of 12 mph (19 km/h), a range of 40 miles (64 km) per charge of its user-swappable battery pack, and can travel in reverse if needed.
Also announced was the T3-41 trailer, which can be pulled behind a regular T3. It features the same two mounting posts, along with a backrest- and seatbelt-equipped camera operator’s chair, which can be rotated 360 degrees.
The T3-MT and the T3-41 can be seen in action – albeit briefly – in the videos below.
Source: T3 Motion
