Finally found a well presented, and above all well paced guide to balancing. Using a canon 1dxmk2 with 24-104 F4 which is a heavy , bulky chap as I start to dabble
Nice! It’s not too hard. Once you understand the order and how to do it. But without that, balancing a heavy rig on a gimbal is pretty confusing. Glad this is helping!
Great walk through. One question. At 3:58 in the video you refer to the red things that go around the lenses. What are they called and where can you buy one? Thanks!
Thank you so much for doing this tutorial. I did watch 2 other tutorials and the other ones didn't explain this in a clear way, at least for me. This one was way. And all the additional comments are very useful. Also I like how you lighted your video.
The RS3 pro will come with extra add-ons and I think it has a higher payload. You could totally still use the RS2. I’ve used the RS2 pro, RS3 pro and RS4 pro. And yes, there are things on the RS4 pro that are better. But not dealbreakers. The RS2 pro is fully capable of handling your full pocket 4K rig and giving you great shots.
Something I appreciate on the RS4 are easier axis locks, and the ability for the gimbal to self "fold" up, self lock, self unlock. If I remember correctly, the RS2 Pro has to be manually unlocked before power up or the motors FREAK out. Whereas the RS3 and RS4 just unlock at the touch of a button. Kind of nice.
@@writedirect yeah that’s what creates the dilemma.. not knowing when to draw the line of necessity and luxury… I guess looking for basic without breaking the bank and getting g good quality control
Only if the gimbal isn’t balanced and/or calibrated. Make sure you have the mat box on while you’re balancing it. Any small change will throw stuff off.
Short addendum: The vibration only happens when all upper umbrellas are extended. If the two upper side ones are not extended, nothing vibrates. Apparently there is a natural resonance being addressed.
Hey, I would guess that you’re changing the angle of the umbrellas which changes the balance. Tiny changes like that will throw your balance off. So if you move umbrellas in any way, you need to calibrate that thing again. It shouldn’t vibrate on you. Kind of a pain, but still easier than hiring a steadicam operator. Hahaha.
No, haven't done that. I'm a bit addicted to my NPF batteries since my field recorder and monitor use them too. It's one battery and charger type I need to keep track of. And the 4K just doesn't use enough juice for me to mess with v-mount.
@@writedirect Aah yes makes sense... I believe you can also attach the smallrig NP-F battery plate under the qr/camera plate via a smallrig 3125 counterweight clamp. Way cheaper than Tilta's power pass through plate
@@I5H78 will have to check that out! But yeah man...I love SmallRig stuff. Rock solid. Affordable. So many options. Their new Mini Matte Box Pro is incredible.
Nice video! I have a question regarding the rig. Is it possible to mount the dji tube mount (which holds the focus motor) on the camera cage? I am trying to create a gimbal rig that is connected to a V mount battery.
Hey man, the adapter that comes with the gimbal won't work for that. And this is a 12mm rod vs 15mm. However, something like this would probably work: www.smallrig.com/smallrig-12mm-to-15mm-rod-clamp-adapter-3681.html
Very cool presentation. I have a similar kind of set-up for my BMPCC4K with the full Tilta cage, external battery, heavy lens etc. I suppose that for this kind of set-up like the one you have here, the lighter version of Ronin rs3 is out of the question ?
Hey man! Thank you. So I'm not sure it would be out of the question, but the cost difference is so small between the two it's probably safer to use the Pro and just have the breathing room. What are you using for your setup?
@@writedirect Hi and thanks for getting back. I'll probably follow your advice. I have the BMPCC4K inside the full Tilta cage with its top handle. I have mounted on top the Hawk-Woods DV-BM4 battery plate with a Sony Type NPF battery also by Hawk-Woods (DV-F790) which along with a Canon L6 inside the pocket serve me well for the type of shooting I make, for a full two hours at least. I've also have attached the Ikan LCD viewfinder which has been discontinued, but it has been my main help for outdoors shooting. For lenses I usually alternate between the 10.5 and 25 Nokton Voigtlander with a Hoya VND. I've got the Titla baseplate and rods as well, planning to use those in conjunction with Tilta's Mirage Mattebox and the Tiltaing Mini Follow Focus in the near future, So you would say that the RS3 Pro is worth buying instead of the previous RS2 ?
@@AntoniosPapantoniou absolutely go with the RS3 Pro. I've owned both, and the RS3 is just better. And it has an incredible auto lock and unlock feature that is a massive time saver over the RS2. And with your rig, it might seem like balance is impossible, but it is. Just follow the right order and remember small adjustments go a LONG way. If you can get balance step 1 done correctly, it's downhill from there.
Thanks for the great video! I have a similar setup (RS3 Pro + Fuji XH2S + Smallrig Mini Matte Box Pro). The balancing and calibration are completed and ok. When I use the gimbal the top screen of the matte box starts to vibrate. I would like to get this under control. Is it perhaps due to the engine strength? What do you think?
No you don’t. It has to be off when you take the card out or it’ll fight against you and be hard on the motors. But you’re not changing the weight distribution so you’re OK.
Great many thanks. Truth is that on a shoot you need at least 2 cameras as rebalancing takes time and clients arent patient plus talent costs by the hour.
@@Mr_Kenneth thanks man! Check out the exposure video of that's something you don't already know well. Most talk about the exposure triangle, but I do it as layers.
@@Mr_Kenneth yeah, I’m not into the “chasing Ks” as they say. If I could change anything about the pocket 4K, I would have a full-sized sensor, still capturing only a 4K image. The image quality would really skyrocket if they did that. Or even better, a sensor that doesn’t use a bayer pattern setup. But truly captures everything.
Would love to see tutorials around just using the gimbal, just brought one, and it’s a lot harder then it looks. If you’ve never really used a gimbal before
It comes with the Ronin RS3 Pro. If that doesn't work, SmallRig does sell various mounts. Just remember to get a 12mm version as the Ronin rod isn't the normal size.
Yes. Any small change will throw the balance off. Some small changes are not a big deal. Like adding a cable or something. But changing the length of a zoom lens will definitely require rebalancing.
You can get a mount from SmallRig (they have a few varieties for their cages). External monitors can mount to that. Then just plug into the HDMI out. I have a video on the channel about the LH5 that might be helpful.
Ken, very kind of you. And yeah...the whole ISO thing is crazy. I do have a video already. It's about more than just that, but it's covered. th-cam.com/video/4hMc2nNz054/w-d-xo.html
i calibrated mine when i i try to use it the camera face to right and left i did balance it it suppose to stay in the direction that i want it to be any suggestion by the way i am new
@@johnal4560 if you're in Pan Follow or Pan Tilt Follow mode, if you turn the handle to the left, the camera should follow. If it doesn't, update to the latest firmware. If that doesn't work, you might need to open up a case with DJI. I actually had to send my RS3 back a week ago for repair. They covered it 100% though - paid for shipping and everything.
Good question. Oddly, I haven’t timed it. Will depend on LCD brightness, etc. can say this: Battery was never a nuisance on the last shoot. The external monitor burns through them much faster. And that’s the Pocket 4K. The 6K munches power faster.
@@writedirect it's such a helpful video! A video like yours, when i was starting would help me a ton as well ! The main difference that i do from your technique is that for balancing the pan arm, I won't lean the gimbal on me, you can achieve the same result by just leaning the gimbal sideways in a position that sits between the tripod base, i find this easier to do because you dont have to hold the whole setup (which can get pretty heavy quickly) and its easier to adjust as well One other thing that I do, similar to the lift up you did in the tilt arm, is do the same thing on the roll arm, just lift the camera a little bit, makes a lot easier to slide sideways and fine tune it ! The same applies to the pan arm
@@bbrunorocha nice! Good tips. So...I'm trying to imagine what you're saying with pan. Because until now I'm either laying it sideways on my leg, or leaning it forward like the video showed. But would love an easier method because they do weight up fast! Do you shoot narrative film?
@@writedirect my explanation was not the best but take a look at this video, at around 8s when he tilts the gimbal sideways on the table th-cam.com/video/u8H54xpmO_g/w-d-xo.html Pedro, from cinemilled is an amazing gimbal and steadicam operator that has worked in a ton of movies and he knows a lot about operating and balancing cameras, he is awesome and i learned a lot on his channel ! Most of my work is commercials , for tv as well as internet and social media, but i also do a lot of music videos. But since last year i don't own a gimbal, i'm mainly shooting on tripods, handheld and shoulder rigs
@@writedirect I'm very happy , was not easy the first time with the autofocus , today I do everything in Manuel , the quality in 4K or 6K is top . Was not easy to balance my S1H with the RS3 , because I use 24/105mm + S1H is over 2kg , today I got the lens 16/28mm sigma f2,8 , and with rs3 is much easy to use + is a great angle lens , light .great video you did , you explain everything , well done , have nice Sunday.
@@EricSecretdecuisine you can always try a counter weight to help with that heavier lens. It’s still gonna be tough, but might help. They screw into the cage.
Will your program help me make TH-cam videos? I have a TH-cam channel where I review restaurants and food... But I don't think it's good.... All I really want to do is make great TH-cam videos.... I have a Canon EOS 80D 70D Sony HXR-NX3. For audio I have a rode videomic pro R and saramonic Blink500 pro B2. Honestly I'm not even sure if this stuff is good or not. I've just been collecting things throughout the years...
Hey, good question. Yes the training would help you, but the school is designed for those who want to direct narrative film. People who are telling stories vs making commercials, wedding videos, etc. Based on what you're saying, this would be like enrolling in culinary school when you're end game is to open a bakery. You'll def benefit in some ways, but the training is going to cover more than might interest you. Contact me via the site and I can help more if needed. Thanks!
@@writedirect I appreciate the response... I totally understand what you mean. Also I actually enrolled in a culinary arts and switched to business 🤣 So I thought that was a little funny.
@@kiddgroovy Hahaha. Ironic analogy. So hey...if you want to check out the school and glean from it what you will, hit me up at kyler@writedirect.co. The school doesn't launch until this February, so I can get you in for crazy cheap right now.
Finally found a well presented, and above all well paced guide to balancing. Using a canon 1dxmk2 with 24-104 F4 which is a heavy , bulky chap as I start to dabble
Nice! It’s not too hard. Once you understand the order and how to do it. But without that, balancing a heavy rig on a gimbal is pretty confusing. Glad this is helping!
Great video!! Beautiful quality! Love that there are still people making videos about this awesome camera!
Thank you! We just shot a 30 minute 19th century film called RECKONING on 4Ks. Freaking love them.
@@writedirect that's amazing! Would love to see this!
@@MtZionMediaPro we send updates out to our virtual crew list. Right now the film is in post. But check out theatereleven.com/reckoning/
Great walk through. One question. At 3:58 in the video you refer to the red things that go around the lenses. What are they called and where can you buy one? Thanks!
They are follow focus gears, and you can get them here: followfocusgears.com/collections/sirui
Thank you so much for doing this tutorial. I did watch 2 other tutorials and the other ones didn't explain this in a clear way, at least for me. This one was way. And all the additional comments are very useful. Also I like how you lighted your video.
Thank you! I know what you mean. Back when I got the RS2 it was pretty confusing. The lighting-gotta love Aputure LEDs.
Great information!! any difference between the RS3 pro and RS3? wanted to use on Blackmagic 4k... is the Rs2 pro still relevant new to gimbals TY
The RS3 pro will come with extra add-ons and I think it has a higher payload. You could totally still use the RS2. I’ve used the RS2 pro, RS3 pro and RS4 pro. And yes, there are things on the RS4 pro that are better. But not dealbreakers. The RS2 pro is fully capable of handling your full pocket 4K rig and giving you great shots.
@ ok I appreciate your insight.. I will definitely consider…I think I will look at Rs2 Pro price most reasonable..
Something I appreciate on the RS4 are easier axis locks, and the ability for the gimbal to self "fold" up, self lock, self unlock. If I remember correctly, the RS2 Pro has to be manually unlocked before power up or the motors FREAK out. Whereas the RS3 and RS4 just unlock at the touch of a button. Kind of nice.
@@writedirect yeah that’s what creates the dilemma.. not knowing when to draw the line of necessity and luxury… I guess looking for basic without breaking the bank and getting g good quality control
Thank you! Have you ever had the problem that the matt box starts to shake?
Only if the gimbal isn’t balanced and/or calibrated. Make sure you have the mat box on while you’re balancing it. Any small change will throw stuff off.
@@writedirect I'll try again and again, until it fits :) THANK YOU!
Short addendum: The vibration only happens when all upper umbrellas are extended. If the two upper side ones are not extended, nothing vibrates. Apparently there is a natural resonance being addressed.
Hey, I would guess that you’re changing the angle of the umbrellas which changes the balance. Tiny changes like that will throw your balance off. So if you move umbrellas in any way, you need to calibrate that thing again. It shouldn’t vibrate on you. Kind of a pain, but still easier than hiring a steadicam operator. Hahaha.
that is probably true 👍@@writedirect
Thank you! This was so helpful to me.
Right on! Glad it helped. Balancing the camera was so foreign to me when I first go into gimbals. But once you know how the fog clears.
Greetings, can you send me the link to buy the rings you use on the lenses for the car’s engine. The reds
followfocusgears.com/
For some reasons, my focus motor isnt touching my lens. Im using exact settings you used. Is there a riser to use or other strategies
It should reach any lens. Shoot me a pic: kyler@writedirect.co
Just what I was looking for! Thanks and subbed!
Awesome -- Thanks for the sub!
Have you tried attaching a v-mount battery under the qr plate? It helped me balancing the bmpcc 4k better because of the lower centre of gravity
No, haven't done that. I'm a bit addicted to my NPF batteries since my field recorder and monitor use them too. It's one battery and charger type I need to keep track of. And the 4K just doesn't use enough juice for me to mess with v-mount.
@@writedirect Aah yes makes sense... I believe you can also attach the smallrig NP-F battery plate under the qr/camera plate via a smallrig 3125 counterweight clamp. Way cheaper than Tilta's power pass through plate
@@I5H78 will have to check that out! But yeah man...I love SmallRig stuff. Rock solid. Affordable. So many options. Their new Mini Matte Box Pro is incredible.
Nice video! I have a question regarding the rig. Is it possible to mount the dji tube mount (which holds the focus motor) on the camera cage? I am trying to create a gimbal rig that is connected to a V mount battery.
Hey man, the adapter that comes with the gimbal won't work for that. And this is a 12mm rod vs 15mm. However, something like this would probably work: www.smallrig.com/smallrig-12mm-to-15mm-rod-clamp-adapter-3681.html
Very cool presentation. I have a similar kind of set-up for my BMPCC4K with the full Tilta cage, external battery, heavy lens etc.
I suppose that for this kind of set-up like the one you have here, the lighter version of Ronin rs3 is out of the question ?
Hey man! Thank you. So I'm not sure it would be out of the question, but the cost difference is so small between the two it's probably safer to use the Pro and just have the breathing room. What are you using for your setup?
@@writedirect Hi and thanks for getting back. I'll probably follow your advice. I have the BMPCC4K inside the full Tilta cage with its top handle. I have mounted on top the Hawk-Woods DV-BM4 battery plate with a Sony Type NPF battery also by Hawk-Woods (DV-F790) which along with a Canon L6 inside the pocket serve me well for the type of shooting I make, for a full two hours at least. I've also have attached the Ikan LCD viewfinder which has been discontinued, but it has been my main help for outdoors shooting. For lenses I usually alternate between the 10.5 and 25 Nokton Voigtlander with a Hoya VND. I've got the Titla baseplate and rods as well, planning to use those in conjunction with Tilta's Mirage Mattebox and the Tiltaing Mini Follow Focus in the near future, So you would say that the RS3 Pro is worth buying instead of the previous RS2 ?
@@AntoniosPapantoniou absolutely go with the RS3 Pro. I've owned both, and the RS3 is just better. And it has an incredible auto lock and unlock feature that is a massive time saver over the RS2. And with your rig, it might seem like balance is impossible, but it is. Just follow the right order and remember small adjustments go a LONG way. If you can get balance step 1 done correctly, it's downhill from there.
@@writedirect Great to know, thanks a lot !
Dont skimp. Im paying the extra as my 6k pro plus sigma set up is heavy. Its worth spending the extra
Thanks for the great video! I have a similar setup (RS3 Pro + Fuji XH2S + Smallrig Mini Matte Box Pro). The balancing and calibration are completed and ok. When I use the gimbal the top screen of the matte box starts to vibrate. I would like to get this under control. Is it perhaps due to the engine strength? What do you think?
Thank you! I responded to your other comment.
Do you need to de-mount then rebalance the camera to change the CFast card?
No you don’t. It has to be off when you take the card out or it’ll fight against you and be hard on the motors. But you’re not changing the weight distribution so you’re OK.
Great many thanks. Truth is that on a shoot you need at least 2 cameras as rebalancing takes time and clients arent patient plus talent costs by the hour.
This is so true, and that's exactly what we have: two Pocket 4Ks. The low price of that camera makes it so doable.
@@writedirect loving your tutorials. Especially the light meter one 😀
@@Mr_Kenneth thanks man! Check out the exposure video of that's something you don't already know well. Most talk about the exposure triangle, but I do it as layers.
@@writedirect plus the image quality is extraordinary.
@@Mr_Kenneth yeah, I’m not into the “chasing Ks” as they say. If I could change anything about the pocket 4K, I would have a full-sized sensor, still capturing only a 4K image. The image quality would really skyrocket if they did that. Or even better, a sensor that doesn’t use a bayer pattern setup. But truly captures everything.
Thank you! Really well explained
I appreciate it Humberto.
Would love to see tutorials around just using the gimbal, just brought one, and it’s a lot harder then it looks. If you’ve never really used a gimbal before
Copy that Andy. Will get that on the to-do list. Did you get the RS3 Pro?
Hey @andycandyandy, added a couple more videos on using the RS3. Just a heads up!
Oh brilliant, thank you for the update! I do have the RS3 pro, watched this video a couple of times this month to help me set up!
@@andycandyandy it’s a beautiful piece of equipment.
What's the name of the mount for the follow focus rod and where do I get it? Thanks
It comes with the Ronin RS3 Pro. If that doesn't work, SmallRig does sell various mounts. Just remember to get a 12mm version as the Ronin rod isn't the normal size.
@writedirect OK, thanks. My Ronin RS3 pro combo arrives on Monday. Also ordered the Lidar range finder. Can't wait!
@@writedirect Thanks for the reply back. Appreciate it
Great video - thx!
Right on! Thanks for watching. Happy New Year.
Many, many, many thanks ❤️
You're welcome! Hope it makes balancing easier than it was when I first attempted. Thanks for watching.
Great teaching!!! 👏
Thank you! Thanks for watching.
melhor video explicativo, parabens
Mucho gracias amigo.
If I change the zoom on a lens so it sticks out further will I have to re balance it again?
Yes. Any small change will throw the balance off. Some small changes are not a big deal. Like adding a cable or something. But changing the length of a zoom lens will definitely require rebalancing.
Is the blackmagic and gimbal heavy together?
No, not really. I used the combo quite a bit on my current film, and was never worn out.
Do you need a cage in order to attatch the camera on the gimbal?
Not at all. The primary reason I use a cage is to attach an external battery. I don’t use V-mount, I use NP-F.
Just subbed! 🙏🏾
Thank you!
How can I add a monitor with an HDMI connection?
You can get a mount from SmallRig (they have a few varieties for their cages). External monitors can mount to that. Then just plug into the HDMI out. I have a video on the channel about the LH5 that might be helpful.
I would LOVE ❤ a proper video on the dual ISO. Ive heard such nonsense about it. Im sure yours would be a killer.
Ken, very kind of you. And yeah...the whole ISO thing is crazy. I do have a video already. It's about more than just that, but it's covered. th-cam.com/video/4hMc2nNz054/w-d-xo.html
thank you so much !!! ill check out
Cool!
i calibrated mine when i i try to use it the camera face to right and left i did balance it it suppose to stay in the direction that i want it to be any suggestion by the way i am new
Does it move to the right or left powered off and unlocked? Or are the motors doing that?
When the rs3 is on and when i try to walk aiming at the object the motor take the camera to right and left does not keep it straight at what i aimed
@@johnal4560 if you're in Pan Follow or Pan Tilt Follow mode, if you turn the handle to the left, the camera should follow. If it doesn't, update to the latest firmware. If that doesn't work, you might need to open up a case with DJI. I actually had to send my RS3 back a week ago for repair. They covered it 100% though - paid for shipping and everything.
@@writedirect i guess i should since when it is in FPV and i lock the pan but still moves and it goes t o left or right
How long can the bmpcc run on that battery?
Good question. Oddly, I haven’t timed it. Will depend on LCD brightness, etc. can say this: Battery was never a nuisance on the last shoot. The external monitor burns through them much faster. And that’s the Pocket 4K. The 6K munches power faster.
Great video, thanks a lot!
Thanks Vlad!
great video !
Hey man, I appreciate it! This video would have saved my sanity when I first got into gimbals. Hahaha.
@@writedirect it's such a helpful video! A video like yours, when i was starting would help me a ton as well !
The main difference that i do from your technique is that for balancing the pan arm, I won't lean the gimbal on me, you can achieve the same result by just leaning the gimbal sideways in a position that sits between the tripod base, i find this easier to do because you dont have to hold the whole setup (which can get pretty heavy quickly) and its easier to adjust as well
One other thing that I do, similar to the lift up you did in the tilt arm, is do the same thing on the roll arm, just lift the camera a little bit, makes a lot easier to slide sideways and fine tune it ! The same applies to the pan arm
@@bbrunorocha nice! Good tips. So...I'm trying to imagine what you're saying with pan. Because until now I'm either laying it sideways on my leg, or leaning it forward like the video showed. But would love an easier method because they do weight up fast! Do you shoot narrative film?
@@writedirect my explanation was not the best but take a look at this video, at around 8s when he tilts the gimbal sideways on the table th-cam.com/video/u8H54xpmO_g/w-d-xo.html
Pedro, from cinemilled is an amazing gimbal and steadicam operator that has worked in a ton of movies and he knows a lot about operating and balancing cameras, he is awesome and i learned a lot on his channel !
Most of my work is commercials , for tv as well as internet and social media, but i also do a lot of music videos. But since last year i don't own a gimbal, i'm mainly shooting on tripods, handheld and shoulder rigs
@@bbrunorocha ah there we go. Makes sense, and is way easier!
能不能告诉我，您这个色温表在哪里买
B&H Photo
What if i have to go so far back in the beginning that i cant tilt it all the way because my npf hits against the back of the gimbal?😢
I’d like to see a picture of your rig. What size NPF are you using? You might have to reposition it.
This is rs3 or rs3 Pro? Thanks
Hey Diego, it's the RS3 Pro. I've edited the title. Thanks!
thank you!!!!!
You bet! I know I needed this back when first buying the RS2.
they should add balancing profiles so that you can just select them for certain setups
Now that would be cool. You have to position the camera. Exactly on the plates. But a really good idea!!!
Great well video , well done , I got the Lumix S1H and RS3 PRO , and is working perfectly + 1 subscriber , have nice Sunday 144 like
Thanks Eric! How do you like the S1H?
@@writedirect I'm very happy , was not easy the first time with the autofocus , today I do everything in Manuel , the quality in 4K or 6K is top . Was not easy to balance my S1H with the RS3 , because I use 24/105mm + S1H is over 2kg , today I got the lens 16/28mm sigma f2,8 , and with rs3 is much easy to use + is a great angle lens , light .great video you did , you explain everything , well done , have nice Sunday.
@@EricSecretdecuisine you can always try a counter weight to help with that heavier lens. It’s still gonna be tough, but might help. They screw into the cage.
Will your program help me make TH-cam videos? I have a TH-cam channel where I review restaurants and food... But I don't think it's good.... All I really want to do is make great TH-cam videos.... I have a Canon EOS 80D 70D Sony HXR-NX3. For audio I have a rode videomic pro R and saramonic Blink500 pro B2. Honestly I'm not even sure if this stuff is good or not. I've just been collecting things throughout the years...
Hey, good question. Yes the training would help you, but the school is designed for those who want to direct narrative film. People who are telling stories vs making commercials, wedding videos, etc. Based on what you're saying, this would be like enrolling in culinary school when you're end game is to open a bakery. You'll def benefit in some ways, but the training is going to cover more than might interest you. Contact me via the site and I can help more if needed. Thanks!
@@writedirect I appreciate the response... I totally understand what you mean. Also I actually enrolled in a culinary arts and switched to business 🤣 So I thought that was a little funny.
@@kiddgroovy Hahaha. Ironic analogy. So hey...if you want to check out the school and glean from it what you will, hit me up at kyler@writedirect.co. The school doesn't launch until this February, so I can get you in for crazy cheap right now.