September 2009

The Flying iStick™
is a balanced gimbal-free smooth tracking camera rig.

A Broom
Here's the design concept: pick up a broom - balance the broom by holding 2 fingers on the broom handle stick. At one point the broom stick will balance. That point is the center of gravity.

Video Cameras
Put a video camera on one end of a stick. If you hold the stick at the center of gravity and move - you will get very smooth shots. Have I mentioned a gimbal yet. No. It's the center of gravity that governs - not a gimbal. A gimbal is a pivoted support that allows the rotation of an object about a single axis. Yey! Good for Mr. Gimbal, Jr.

Smooth Tracking Shots
I just want smooth tracking shots - horizontal - level - straight up - straight down - sideways - at a dutch angle. That's what a camera on the end of a stick can do if held at the center of gravity. Video gear designer / cameraman Eric Ortlieb has perfected the design of a camera on the end of a stick - The Flying iStick™

Eric Ortlieb • 949 362-9737
Flying iStick™ • FlyingiStick .com

JOHN LONGENECKER, DGA
800 470-4602
Panasonic GH1 • RentGH1 .com (less info)