Tag Archives: 8000 gimbal

Vimeo user, Caleb Kingi uploaded this wonderfully shot short film that is dedicated to his father. The short film was shot with the CAME-8000 gimbal and Sony A7SII!

Although, the CAME-8000 is currently "out of stock", make sure you check out our new CAME-Prodigy that is currently available for pre-order. The new Prodigy is a replacement for the CAME-8000 and has the latest 32 bit controller with encoder technology for enhanced stability and battery efficiency. The max payload for the Prodigy is 11 lbs, making it perfect for larger camera setups.

CAME-TV Prodigy 3-axis Gimbal

For more information on our CAME-TV Prodigy click below! Make sure to also sign up for our newsletter to receive updates and information on any new products we release.

CAME-TV Prodigy 3-axis Gimbal

 

In general, yes we do sell most spare parts for many (but not all) of our CAME-TV products. For example, if you are in need of parts such as a replacement QR plate for your CAME-TV gimbal, or a spare power adapter for your LED light, then fill out this form and one of our associates will contact you to let you know if your requested part is available for purchase.

Instead of sending a video link as requested on the form, you can send a link to an image for the part that you are in need of. If you are requesting a part that you've lost and cannot take a picture of it to send. Then you can go to that item's product page on our website, download a picture, and simply highlight or circle the specific part that you are in need of. Once you have the image ready, create a shareable link (ex: via imgur, Dropbox) out of it and include it when emailing our technical support staff.

A few common questions that we receive from customers regarding our gimbals are (A) Does my camera & lens combo work? and (B) What is the gimbal's maximum payload?

Though this information can be found on all of our gimbals' respective product pages, below you will see a quick index showing the appropriate camera types along with the maximum payloads that each gimbal is designed to support.

CAME-Prophet
Cameras supported - Medium-sized DSLR cameras, including Canon 5D/7D Series, Panasonic GH4, Sony A7r/A7s series, etc.
Maximum Payload (including lens & accessories): 6.6 lbs / 3 kg

CAME-8000
Cameras supported - Larger camera setups, including BMCC, CANON C100/C300, RED EPIC, CANON 5D Series/7D Series, etc.
Maximum Payload (including lens & accessories): 11 lbs / 4.9 kg

CAME-TV Prodigy
Cameras supported -Larger camera setups, including SONY FS7, BlackMagic Design URSA MINI, RED RAVEN, RED EPIC, CANON C100/C300, CANON 5D Series / 7D Series, etc.
Maximum Payload (including lens & accessories): 15lbs / 7kg.

CAME-7500/7800/ARGO
Cameras supported - Medium-sized DSLR cameras, including Canon 5D/7D Series, Panasonic GH4, Sony A7r/A7s series, etc.
Maximum Payload (including lens & accessories): 6.6 lbs / 3.0 kg

Mini 3
Cameras supported - Smaller to medium-sized DSLR and mirrorless cameras, including BMPCC, Panasonic GH4, Sony A7r/A7s series, etc. with lighter lenses.
Maximum Payload (including lens & accessories): 2.6 lbs / 1.2 kg
Note regarding lens adapters: We strongly suggest that only native lenses be combined with your cameras while being mounted on these gimbals. Lens adapters such as metabones will add excess weight to the setup (plus usually attached to heavier lenses), which will exceed the max payload, and prevent your gimbal from balancing properly.

CAME-Mini 1, Mini 2, Single, Optimus,
Cameras supported - Small mirrorless cameras, including BMPCC, Panasonic GH4/GH5, Sony A7r/A7s series, a6300, etc. with lighter lenses.
Maximum Payload (including lens & accessories): 2.6 lbs / 1.2 kg
Note regarding lens adapters: We strongly suggest that only native lenses be combined with your cameras while being mounted on these gimbals. Lens adapters such as metabones will add excess weight to the setup (plus usually attached to heavier lenses), which will exceed the max payload, and prevent your gimbal from balancing properly

View CAME-TV's entire line of gimbals here.

Just going to put this out there right now... DO NOT UPGRADE YOUR FIRMWARE, no matter what the SimpleBGC GUI screen tells you. Doing so will completely wipe out your board and can potentially cause irreversible malfunction to your gimbal. And even worse, this course of events runs you the risk of voiding your warranty.

If you are attempting to connect to the SimpleBGC software for the first time, and you receive a pop-up message telling you that you should upgrade your firmware because of a "board vs. GUI mismatch" (as seen below), then it's best that you simply use a different version of the software, rather than upgrade your firmware. When this happens, simply disconnect and then quit out of the current SimpleBGC that you are using and then download the software version that is closest to the firmware version that the pop-up message is recommending.

simplebgc_firmware_screen

So in the case shown above, we connected our gimbal to SimpleBGC GUI version 2.43 b9. However, the gimbal's internal control board has been programmed with a software version using firmware 2.50 b2, which is obviously higher than the GUI software that we are attempting to use (v2.43 b9). So as stated earlier, disconnect & quit out of the 2.43 b9 software, and then download and launch the version of the SimpleBGC GUI that is closest in number to the recommended firmware, which in this case would be 2.50 b3.

simplebgc_gui_versions

You should be able to connect successfully this time around with your settings completely intact.

More SimpleBGC tips can be found here.

The sounds built into the gimbal serve several key functions - notifying you 1) when your gimbal is powered up, 2) when you've successfully switched profiles, 3) when your battery is running out, or 4) when it senses a general error within the system.

However, when you're right in the middle of a production, there are moments when silence is absolutely necessary - such as a wedding, a film/tv scene with recorded audio, etc. For these situations, it may be necessary to temporarily deactivate (or mute) the sounds coming from your gimbal. Simply connect to the SimpleBGC software, and then go into the Service tab and select which sounds you want to turn off.

You can always re-activate the audio alerts whenever you feel the need to.
service_audio1

, posted this quick test video a few days ago of him trying out the Samsung NX-1 camera paired with the CAME-7500 gimbal.

The CAME-7500 is the older version of what is now the CAME-7800 3-axis gimbal. The 7500 gimbal required users to build the gimbal and  required tools to balance the camera on the carriage. Now, most of the gimbals that we offer are tool-less, pre-built and some even have encoders built into the motor (CAME-Single & CAME-Action). The CAME-7800 is a good gimbal for setups that might be too heavy for the CAME-Mini 2 or the CAME-Single. We have a variety of gimbal models that can hold small action cameras(CAME-Action) or bigger setups like a Blackmagic Cinema Camera(CAME-8000).

CAME-MINI 2 Camera Gimbal For A7S GH4 BMPCC

CAME-7800 3 Axis Camera Gimbal

For more information on any of the 3-axis gimbals we offer click below! Make sure to also sign up for our newsletter to receive updates and information on any new products we release.

CAME-Mini2

Here's a quick informative video on how to check the voltage on your gimbal batteries!

If you happen to have a multi-tester laying around, it would be a good idea to check the batteries you have for your gimbal. You want to make sure your batteries are fully charged before testing the voltage.

Screen Shot 2015-10-30 at 11.10.29 AM

The 18650 batteries for the CAME-TV Mini/Mini 2 and the 16340 batteries for the CAME-ACTION gimbal should be reading at 3.7v or higher. The 3S Lipo Battery for the CAME-7800 and 8000 should be giving you a reading of 11v or higher.

For more information on the products mentioned above click below! Make sure to also sign up for the newsletter to receive updates and information on any new products we release.

CAME-Mini 2 3-axis gimbalCAME-ACTION Gimbal For The GoProcame-7800 3-axis Gimbalcame-8000 3-axis Gimbal

Your card is formatted, talent's in place, and your gimbal is perfectly balanced. And just as you're about to roll camera.... your gimbal's battery dies. But wait? You charged your battery overnight, right? Even so, batteries, just like most things that involve power, have a shelf life.

The best way to avoid this nightmarish scenario is to test your batteries on a regular basis using a voltmeter/multitester. Among the many things it's capable of, a multitester can read the voltage of your battery and let you know if it has enough juice in it to perform. And just as easily, it can let you know if the battery is ready to be replaced.

If you don't own or readily have access to a voltmeter or multitester, then you can bring your battery(ies) into most electronics/repair shops or automotive garages. Most of these businesses will test your batteries for free.

Check multitester prices here.

YOU4REEL.com, posted this quick video that was shot with one of our CAME-TV Gimbals showing the Coty Showcase in Dublin's Georgian building!

The CAME-TV Gimbals are completely 3-Axis and are designed to get shots that look fluid. There are different types of CAME-TV Gimbals that can support a wide range of cameras - from mirror-less cameras to more heavy duty cameras like the Blackmagic Cinema Camera. Recently, the new CAME-Action Gimbal was just announced, which is designed solely for GoPro cameras.

For more information on all the CAME-TV Gimbals that we offer click below!

CAME-TV Gimbal 7800 3-Axis

Vitographyy, uploaded this short video of some footage he shot using one of our CAME-TV gimbals at the "86 Fest" car show.
CAME-TV gimbals are completely 3-axis and offer multiple operation modes to suit the shot in which you are trying to achieve. There are different types of CAME-TV gimbals that can hold cameras like the GoPro to heavy duty cameras like the BlackMagic Production Camera.

CAME-7800 3-Axis Gimbal

For more information on the different type of CAME-TV Gimbal click below.

CAME-8000 3-Axis Gimbal

Initially, you can download any version of the SimpleBGC software to connect to your gimbal. After your first successful connection, look at the version of the firmware on the screen (shown in green below). 

simplebgu_firmware_

Once you have verified the firmware version, you can go back and download the correct GUI version to match your firmware.

Typically, you will want the the software version whose number is equal or lower than the firmware version. For example, in the example above, since your gimbal has been programmed with a 2.56 b9 firmware, you will want to find a SimpleBGC software version that is equal or slightly lower than 2.56 b9. In this case, the closest software version available is 2.56 b7. You should always use the same GUI when configuring your gimbal. And most importantly, NEVER upgrade your firmware!!!

Download link for the SimpleBGC GUI software can be found here.

In order to get smooth, steady shots with any of our CAME-TV gimbals, you want to make sure that your camera is properly balanced on them. However, sometimes our customers are so eager to put their new gimbal to use, that they don't take the time balance it accurately.

If you are reading this article, then chances are that you already have, or are in the process of balancing your gimbal. The video below, we will show you a very quick and easy test that will let you know if you've done so correctly.

For full, step-by-step instructions how to balance your gimbal, check out these useful videos produced by reviewer MrCheesycam. CAME-TV 7800 CAME-TV MINI CAME-TV MINI 2, Single

All CAME-TV gimbals have been designed to support numerous camera/lens setups. That is, as long as the overall payload does not exceed that particular gimbal's pre-determined weight capacity. However, it is also possible for a camera setup to be too light. When this happens, users may notice shaking, vibrating, and even noises coming from the motor of their gimbal. But don't panic!! Essentially, the gimbal's motors have been programmed to expect a slightly heavier payload and are just working a little bit harder than they have to.

A quick fix to this problem, would be simply to lower the Motor Power in the SimpleBGC software. But first, before making any changes, we advise archiving all of your current settings (ex: saving your profile or capturing screenshots). In the unlikely event that you may have to revert back to those values, you'll at least have your screenshots for reference. Once that's done, investigate the gimbal and find out which motor (Yaw, Pitch, or Roll) is giving you problems. Once you have determined the culprit, connect to the software and reduce the Motor Power settings accordingly. Step by step details can be found in the video below.

NOTE: For heavier camera setups, simply increase motor power settings instead of decreasing them.

During this motor power adjustment process, it is ok to turn on your gimbal and test functionality after applying changes. Please know that this is a trial & error process and it may take some time to find the perfect settings for your camera setup. And just as a reminder, once you're able to determine the correct settings in one profile to stabilize your gimbal, apply those settings to the remaining 2 profiles in the Basic Tab of the software.

One of the more useful functions of any CAME-TV gimbal is the built-in joystick/remote control feature. Simply enough, the 2-axis joystick essentially allows you to do seemless panning and tilting movements while maintaining smooth and steady shots with the gimbal.

However, all gimbals come with a pre-programmed joystick speed that dictates how fast its movements are. And sometimes this default speed isn't ideal for the shot that you may want to execute. But luckily, speed can easily be adjusted using the SimpleBGC software. Full step-by-step details are shown in the video below.

Perhaps one of the more common questions we get from customers is "why is my gimbal drifting when it's powered on?." Obviously, a properly balanced and calibrated gimbal will stay put and only move when (and how) you want it to move.

A likely reason for the drifting is that the RC Sub-Trim settings may be off. The RC Sub-Trim is used to calibrate the Joystick. This is an electro-mechanical control surface that over time may need calibration for it’s true Neutral Position. The most common problem is slow ‘drifting’ of camera position. When the Joystick is not calibrated properly, the gimbal believes that someone is applying Joystick commands and starts to move. The video below will help you properly calibrate your joystick and thus likely eradicate the problem of drifting.

NOTE: If you're using a gimbal with an external wireless remote, then make sure the remote is turned on during this process.

NOTE:   After completing this process, if drifting persists on any 1 profile, but is no longer present on either of the 2 Profiles, then you can manually copy the RC subtrim values from the non-drifting profile onto the profile that does drift. In other words, after completing the Auto RC-Subtrim process, if Profile 3 still drifts, but Profile 1 & 2 remains still, then you can manually copy the RC-Subtrim settings from Profile 1 or 2 onto Profile 3. Drifting should then be eliminated from all 3 profiles as a result.

Download the SimpleBGC software here.