You’ve probably seen hundreds of time-lapse videos in your life, but you may not know that the process of creating a slow moving camera that takes hundreds of photos over a period of time is an expensive process. David Johnson wanted to give photographers a robotic tool that would lessen the workload and, so, set out to create the ultimate 3D printed tool to help photographers capture and create their best work. As a result, he invented the Steady Shot Bot, and, in the process, formed a start-up dedicated to multi-function, open hardware photography equipment in Los Angeles.
“It occurred to me there needed to be a tool that provided high-end studio capability to the casual photographer,” said David. He knew that he wanted to use a 3D printer and open source hardware to figure our how to combine a 4-axis motion control system, an intervalometer, and a Steadicam gimbal. Then, he had to get them to wok in sync: the motion controller moves the camera, at the same time, the intervalometer directs the camera to take a picture.
And the Steadycam? That’s just to record uber-smooth video. The robot is meant to give amateur photographers a leg up without costing them an arm and a leg.
“The 3D printing and DIY spaces have really fueled the project. The current product design is the result of many iterations of 3D printed prototypes. Although the final product is injection molded, using 3D printed parts allowed us to evolve the design faster than traditional methods. Although we’re are delivering a finished product, the Steady Shot Bot is Open Software and Hardware – meaning its design is freely available to be downloaded – to encourage DIY customers to share and customize it.”
The Steady Shot Bot Kickstarter campaign is happening right now. It seems like a good option if you are into DIY projects and also into film, photography and marketing. As of right now, these are the specs:
DIMENSIONS: Height: 12″ Width: 11″ Depth: 10″
CAPACITIES: Camera sled: 6 lbs* Bot weight: 3 lbs* I/O 2-USB mini – Bot Controller/3-axis Controller (Firmware / Configuration) 1-Bluetooth – wireless controller (API) Infrared – camera focus/shutter control 1/8″ stereo jack – focus/shutter trigger 1/8″ stereo jack – external trigger (motion, sound activation)
INTERFACE: 3″x2″ Color TFT Resistive Touch screen 1-RGB status light 1-Yellow/Red Focus/Shutter light on camera tray SENSORS : Dual 3-axis Accelerometer/Gyroscope – Stabilization Single 3-axis Magnetometer – Compass/Direction
DRIVE SYSTEM: XL Belt 1/5 tooth spacing Auto-Feed belt drive system Slider Pulling Strength: 10 Lbs @ 60 deg.*
BATTERY LIFE: Internal: 8 hours* External Bat-Pack: +4 hours*
MOTION: Gimbal Speed: 5 to 45 degrees /sec (configurable) Bot Speed: 1 to 5″/sec (configurable) active 3-axis stabilization Waypoint-based planner Real time and lapsed movement logarithmic movement easing.
MATERIAL: Bot: ABS Plastic Gimbal: High Impact Poly Styrene, Carbon Fiber
INTERVALOMETER: Wired and IR trigger (focus/shutter) Shutter Bulb-Ramping Linear/logarithmic Auto Bulb-Ramp with Ambient light Sensing
