Over the past two decades, Kessler Crane, an American company, has established itself as a reputable manufacturer of camera support equipment, including cranes, jibs, dollies, sliders, and motion control systems.
In 2020, they launched the original CineShooter, a nodal pan and tilt head designed for precise and repeatable camera movements. Recently, the company unveiled an updated version, the CineShooter+, which retains the same price point as its predecessor but includes several significant improvements.
Key Upgrades in CineShooter+
The CineShooter+ maintains a similar design to the original but features a completely reengineered gearbox. The new gearbox uses a modified helical planetary design, offering 40% more power, reduced noise, and almost no backlash (< 0.01°). Its performance capabilities include maximum pan and tilt speeds of 387°/s and 175°/s, respectively.
Additionally, the CineShooter+ is equipped with a brighter OLED display, enhancing visibility even in bright daylight conditions. The user interface (UI) has also been updated for improved usability. The system’s weight and payload capacity remain the same, supporting camera setups from 15 lbs to 50 lbs.
Compatibility and Control Options
Compatible with other Kessler motion control products like the Second Shooter Pro and Digital Control Center, the CineShooter+ can be used in various configurations, including standalone setups or mounted on a dolly, slider, or jib. Users have a wide range of control options, including the onboard controls, a remote app available for iOS and Android devices, game controllers, inertia wheels, and the kOS software. The system supports numerous shooting modes such as timelapse, looping, fast or quiet motion, Freemotion™, and stop motion, with integration capabilities for Dragonframe.
Unreal Engine Integration for Virtual Production
Unreal Engine Integration for Virtual ProductionA notable advancement with the CineShooter+ is its integration with Unreal Engine, facilitated through the kOS Premium software. This feature allows for a tracker-free workflow in virtual productions, eliminating the need for camera trackers by directly transmitting camera movement and focus data to Unreal Engine. However, access to this functionality requires the premium version of the kOS software, available for Mac, PC, and iPad OS.
This update signifies Kessler Crane’s commitment to innovation in motion control technology, offering filmmakers enhanced capabilities for both traditional and virtual production environments.
News source: https://kesslercrane.com/products/cineshooter
