Meet ZeeGee. This new gimbal allows the handheld look with the advantages of Steadicam. The ZeeGee opens new possibilities for cinematographers that are eager for handheld style imagery, without the fatigue involved. An Easyrig killer?
ZeeGee: “Designed by Steadicam operators for Steadicam operators”
The ZeeGee was designed by a company called Cinema Devices which develops innovative production equipment. According to the company mantra: ” Our unique gear is made with a simple philosophy in mind, to bring a level of production value to any shoot in any situation”. Well, the ZeeGee is just like that. The product is three-axis zero-gravity head specifically for the handheld look.
Reduced fatigue, shakiness, yet allow freedom of camera movement
ZeeGee’s goal is to provide freedom of movement in the pan, tilt, and unlike similar products, the roll axis, replicating the look and feel of handheld operation combined with the stability, boom range, and weight displacement of the Steadicam arm. This combination offers operators, DP’s, and directors a unique look that’s unmistakably handheld without the shake, limited range, and operator fatigue that comes with the standard handheld operation, especially when doing multiple takes.
ZeeGee highlights
- Complete axial motion isolation
- Control in pan tilt and roll
- Small to large camera builds
- Quick on the fly balancing and CG adjustments
- Separate drop rates for tilt and roll
- Adjustable fluid dampened tilt
- Mounts on all Steadicam arm posts and 5/8″ baby pin
- Get Steadicam rentals on handheld shoots
- Payload: 32Kg
Explore the slide below with the technical specifications of the ZeeGee:
Demonstrations (published by Cinema Devices)
ZeeGee Overview
ZeeGee Adaptability
Price
The regular price of the ZeeGee is $5,500. Discounted pricing (only for the first 50 orders) is $4,500
Final thoughts
The ZeeGee seems like a sophisticated version of the Easyrig. It’s in the same price range as well. But in order to utilize the ZeeGee, you’ll need a Steadicam arm, and that makes it a lot pricier compared to just ready to go Easyrig. Nevertheless, the ZeeGee seems to be more compact and maneuverable than Easyrig, as it has all the main apparatus below, compared to the arm located above the operator in the Easyrig. Indeed, that is a huge plus for the ZeeGee. Also, the shots are much more stable, but look less….Handheld. It must be noted that the ZeeGee is not meant to be operated without support, as the weight is 5Kg (not including the camera). To sum it up, we need to see more demonstrations and BTS shots in order to understand the ZeeGee advantages and how they can be implemented on-set.
Product List
Gimbal: Easyrig Vario 5 Gimbal Vest. Price: $4,650 [maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://adorama.rfvk.net/QOj01M” ]
