By Andrew Liszewski
So maybe you’re not a cameraman on a budget, and DIY hardware like the Nintendo DS based Open Camera Controller we posted earlier doesn’t appeal to you. In that case you might want to check out Gitzo’s new toy. The company is known for their brilliant carbon fiber tripods, monopods and other photography gear that’s well out of my price range, and I’m sure their new Athena remote camera head, which was shown at the CP+ 2010 Exhibition in Yokohama this past weekend, will continue in that tradition of awesomeness and expensiveness.
According to Gizmag, the remote controlled Athena allows photographers to mount their camera in places too dangerous or inconvenient for them to stand. The gimbal is controlled via software running on a PC, which not only lets the photographer adjust the camera’s various functions and settings, but also lets them remotely pan, tilt and roll the head. Of course having a modern DSLR with live-view capabilities is pretty much a requisite if you want to remotely reframe a shot, but odds are if your job requires gear like this, you’ve also got the budget for the latest and greatest in camera equipment. Official pricing and availability hasn’t been announced yet, but I’m sure it will be posted to Gitzo’s website once it’s back on its feet.
[ Gizmag – Gitzo’s Athena: the cameraman that can go anywhere ]
This looks AWESOME! I'm only an amateur photographer, and I can't imagine what kind of shot would require the use of this particular piece of gadgetry. But I am, nonetheless, salivating over the thing. Seriously.
It looks very cool, but I have to agree with enrolled, as an amateur, I don't think I need this. Want this, yes, need, probably not.
It looks very cool, but I have to agree with enrolled, as an amateur, I don't think I need this. Want this, yes, need, probably not.