Camera Motion Research Blackbird Camera Stabilizer Kit
The Camera Motion Research Blackbird Camera Stabilizer Kit allows easy leveling, balancing and positioning of DSLRs and camcorders weighing up to 8 lbs. The handheld system includes a camera stage/chassis with support arm, mounting plate, locating pin, gimbal and extender, T-bar assembly with 2 horizontal bars, counterweights, universal docking bracket with table clamp, tripod adaptor, resting stand, and a custom case.
The camera is attached to the stage via a mounting plate that has a friction pad to securely mount the camera with or without use of the camera locating pin. The plate also provides additional front/back adjustments and has a safety pin to prevent the camera from sliding off the stage during adjustment.
The stage features a scale to reference the position of the plate so that re-balancing time is minimized when attaching the camera. Low backlash screw drives and internal dovetail guides ensure secure positioning of the camera when in use and the built-in tilt and roll bubble levels make balancing easy in both the axes.
The gimbal assembly with 6 precision ball bearings can take a minimum static load of 57 lbs in any axis; the main operator control ring gives you roll, tilt and pan control whereas the second ring below the gimbal controls only pan. The gimbal extension is used for cameras weighing less than about 2 lbs.
The SmoothTouch technology provides you with controlled friction (adjustable for different camera weights) to reduce roll and tilt motion artifacts. It also reduces the initial stabilizer motions from acceleration to avoid the pendulum effect. During outdoor shots, constant and smooth gimbal friction reduces the effects of the wind and results in better shots, irrespective of the operator skill levels.
The stabilizer can be easily adjusted to achieve correct vertical balance for different cameras by the use of counterweights. The weights interlock mutually as well as with the crossbar to prevent shifting that can create noise during movements. Finer adjustments can be made by moving the T-bar up or down, with the locking lever providing fast and secure locking. The gimbal vertical position can also be adjusted by rotating the gimbal up or down.
The horizontal counterweight bar can be positioned side to side to allow holding of the stabilizer close to the body; it can also be positioned front to back during shots that require the stabilizer on either side of the body. The 11" horizontal bar gives adjustable angular position for better performance, whereas the 15" horizontal bar provides maximum pan axis moment of inertia and stability.
The Universal docking bracket can be used to balance the camera and Blackbird on a tripod, C-stand or table edge; the table clamp has maximum open adjustment of 1-3/4 ".
The tripod adaptor has a similar mounting surface and clamping screw as that of the Blackbird camera stage and thus lets you quickly shift the camera between Blackbird and the tripod.
Made of stainless steel and anodized aluminum components, the resting stand is lightweight and yet strong. When not shooting, the stand can be used to set down the stabilizer with the camera attached on reasonably flat ground, or any such surface, in a safe and stable position. While shooting, the stand can be folded down.
Blackbird's compact case with die-cut foam protective pads ensures safe storage and transport of Blackbird and all its accessories. The chassis/stage gets separated from the T-bar to occupy less storage space inside the case and helps easily pack in the entire system in to the case.
A user manual and instructional DVD are included to quickly guide you through the setup.
- Mounting Plate
-
- For additional front/back adjustment
- Safety pin to prevent the camera from sliding off the stage
- Friction pad to mount the camera with or without use of the camera locating pin
- Camera Stage/Chassis
-
- Adjustment knobs for precise positioning of the camera
- Convenient scale to reference the mounting plate position and minimize re-balancing time when attaching the camera
- Low backlash screw drives and the internal dovetail guides for stable camera positioning
- Built-in tilt and roll bubble levels to make balancing easier in both axes
- Gimbal
-
- Reduces motion artifacts with SmoothTouch technology
- Low intrinsic friction and alignment
- 6 precision ball bearings that can take up to 57 lbs in any axis
- Main operator ring controls roll, tilt and pan; the ring below the gimbal controls pan
- Gimbal extension for cameras weighing less than 2 lbs
- T-bar
-
- Quick and easy adjustment of vertical balance (drop time)
- 2 horizontal bars (11" & 15") - 11" bar for highly adjustable angular position; 15" bar for maximum pan axis moment of inertia and stability
- Finer adjustment of vertical balance by moving the counterweight T-bar up or down
- Secure locking with an advanced clamping design
- Universal Docking Bracket
-
- Conveniently dock the Blackbird on a tripod, C-stand/any table edge
- Has a tripod mounting nut and C-stand mounting hole for docking the stabilizer to the tripod and C-stand, respectively
- Tripod mount has ¼-20 screw connection
- C-stand mount fits standard 5/8" spigot with ¼ -20 stud
- Table clamp has a maximum open clamp adjustment of 1-3/4"
- Tripod Adaptor
-
- Quick transfer of camera between Blackbird and the tripod
- Same dovetail and clamp design as on the top of the Blackbird camera stage
- Resting Stand
-
- Strong and lightweight, made of stainless steel and anodized aluminum components
- Used to safely set down the stabilizer with camera attached on reasonably flat ground, or any such surface
- Maximum resting stability with 3 point support
- Can be folded down while shooting
- Case
-
- Ensures safe storage and transport
- Soft, die-cut foam protective pads for components
- Chassis/stage gets separated from the T-bar to occupy less space in the case
| Load Capacity | 1-8 lbs (0.5-3.6kg) |
| Weight |
(stabilizer weight including camera mounting plate and resting stand but no counterweights) 2.4 lbs (1.1kg) |
| Minimum Height | 20" (508mm) |
| Maximum Height | 25" (635mm) |
| Case Dimensions | 18 x 12 x 6" (457 x 305 x 152mm) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 9 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (5)
- Professional quality (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries (3)
- HD shooting (3)
- Independent films (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Professional artist (5)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (8)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 9 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-9
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Camera Motion Research Blackbird Camera Stabilizer Kit:
The DVD really helped with set up and now I have to practice to get a smooth flow. I was impressed that kit is so complete and foam custom interior carrying case saves a lot of time to carry around and put together on location. I primarily use it with a Nikon D7000 but also have a Sony EX1. The fold out front stand is a very handy feature.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Quick to balance
Cons
- Cann't do low mode
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
- Travel
Comments about Camera Motion Research Blackbird Camera Stabilizer Kit:
Of all the affordable stabilizers, this is simply the best because it is so quick to balance. It fits my merlin Steadicam vest and arm too.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
Comments about Camera Motion Research Blackbird Camera Stabilizer Kit:
I was very surprised at how quickly and easily someone like me, who has never used one, could balance it and fly it. I expected there to be much more of a learning curve, but with the DVD and the book I was able to get up to speed pretty quickly mounting my 5d MKII and my 60D on it.
I haven't done much "flying" with it, but it proved invaluable last week as I shot a flyfishing documentary and a tripod was not practical. Wow.
My Blackbird is worth every penny I paid for it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Independent Films
Comments about Camera Motion Research Blackbird Camera Stabilizer Kit:
I use the panasonic gh2 and this works great. I see no real issues at all. The panasonic gh2 is a very light cam so I cant say how it will do with a heavy camera like the canon 7d. The price is right and works great.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Camera Motion Research Blackbird Camera Stabilizer Kit:
I use this rig for my 7D and 5DM2 with a 16-35mm canon lens. It's easier to set up than I thought. Smooth shots but takes some finesse. Light weight but hard to handle for long periods. Glad I own it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- Independent Films
Comments about Camera Motion Research Blackbird Camera Stabilizer Kit:
I use the Blackbird with the Sony NEX-VG10, and it works great. Easy to set up, very stable, great value for the money. The instructional DVD is very informative, gets you up and running quickly. It still needs lots of practice to use, but for a handheld stabilizer I don't think you can do better for the price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Independent Films
Comments about Camera Motion Research Blackbird Camera Stabilizer Kit:
I love using the blackbird. The craftsmanship and attention to detail shows and it's very easy to setup and balance. The supplied DVD & manual eased any concerns I had about learning how to operate a stabilizer without any formal training. Recommend the kit -- it gives you all you need for a very competitive price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
- Wow factor
Cons
- Learning curve
Best Uses
- Concerts
- Live events
- Outdoors
Comments about Camera Motion Research Blackbird Camera Stabilizer Kit:
I use the Blackbird with a Canon 7D. When paired with a good wide angle lens, like the Tokina 11-16, it flies like a dream. There's definitely a learning curve, so don't expect to pick it up and nail your first day of shots. But give it time, and you'll add a whole spectrum of potentially dynamic shots to any event.
It can be tricky to balance, but read the instruction booklet, watch the (included) DVD, and you'll be running and gunning fairly quickly.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Adjustable Friction
- Center gimbal
- Handheld
Cons
- Can't be inverted
- SIZE
Best Uses
Comments about Camera Motion Research Blackbird Camera Stabilizer Kit:
Good: As a first time stabilizer owner I chose the Blackbird over the Merlin and Glidecam for its unique features. It has a gimbal centered under the stage like the Merlin. It's less stress on the wrist than the off-center Glidecam. It can take cameras weighing more than the Merlin's maximum weight. The stage has marking for easier replication of recipes unlike the Glidecam. Best of all it has the Smoothtouch feature which is useful when you need to add a tiny bit of slowness to its reaction. It took me half a week to learn to fly it reasonably well.
This is the new kit with the resting stand and tripod plate. The docking bracket helps when you need to use two hands to balance. It's the most complete package vs Merlin and Glidecam.
Bad: It's bulkier than the folding Merlin due to the T-bar. It's not heavier but is taller. The Arm is about as tall at the Merlin but the T-bar adds about a foot depending on the setting. It cam be shortened at higher T-bar settings. The Glidecam is telescoping and can be inverted for low mode that neither Merlin nor Blackbird can match. If you don't need to do really low to the ground shots it's great. I reasoned if I need something that low I'd use a skateboard dolly or a crane.
The video and documentation isn't as encompassing as Steadicam's, this is mitigated by excellent personal support from CMR. But this may be a challenge for non-English speakers.
Displaying reviews 1-9
Stands & Mounts
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- Original: $98.95
- Save: $9.89
- Price: $89.06
On-Location Tools
- Price: $5.21
Bags & Cases
- Price: $64.95
Estimated arrival at B&H is 7-14 days. Your order will only be charged at time of shipment.
What's in the Box
- Chassis
- T-Bar Assembly
- Camera Mounting Plate
- Counterweights
- Gimbal Extender
- Horizontal Bar (11"/279mm)
- Spare Screws and Locating Pin
- Universal Docking Bracket
- Table Clamp
- Tripod Adapter
- Horizontal Bar (15"/381mm)
- Resting Stand
- Case
- User Manual
- Instructional DVD
- 1-Year Warranty
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