No cameraman? No problem! SOLOSHOT, creator of the original Robot Cameraman, returns with the third version of the product, the SOLOSHOT3, an automated system that lets you capture yourself as you move through a scene, with no human camera operator required. Its functionality is pretty straight-forward: you wear the waterproof and shockproof Tag—a wireless transmitter—and the Base unit automatically pans, tilts, and sends zoom commands to the camera to keep you in the shot at up to 2,000' away. It’s basically like having a personal cameraman with you at all times, which lets you finally confirm what you’ve always known—that you’re kind of a big deal.
Much more than just an incremental upgrade, SOLOSHOT has taken feedback from its customers to deliver a whole family of products that includes two versions of the SOLOSHOT3 Base, a smaller Tag with built-in OLED screen, custom interchangeable cameras, and an indoor tracking accessory. The system also features built-in automated editing software and Wi-Fi to connect to the brand-new mobile app. Additionally, it no longer requires complex user setup like previous generations, allowing you to fire up the Base and be ready to track in just 30 seconds. You can now move it at anytime, even when it’s tracking.
As previously mentioned, there are two new versions of the SOLOSHOT Base—the SOLOSHOT3 and the SOLOSHOT3pro. The key difference between the models is their load capacities. The SOLOSHOT3 supports loads less than 1.5 lb, while the SOLOSHOT3pro supports up to 10 lb for use with DSLRs and camcorders (using the 3rd-Party Camera Adapter accessory). Both models feature built-in Wi-Fi, faster maximum pan and tilt speeds than the previous generation, and a built-in touchscreen interface for more intuitive navigation.
With a load capacity of less than 1.5 lb, the SOLOSHOT3 isn’t really meant for use with DSLRs or camcorders but, rather, for use with the new Optic25 and Optic65 cameras, which are custom designed for use with SOLOSHOT Bases. These interchangeable cameras are lightweight, attach directly to the Base, and provide automatic zoom and focus tracking. They’re definitely the easiest way to get up-and-running with the SOLOSHOT system. The Optic25 features a 25x optical zoom lens and records up to 1080p video at 60 fps to microSD memory cards, while the Optic65 features a massive 65x optical zoom range and records up to 4K video at 30 fps and 1080p video up to 120 fps. Both cameras also support 12MP stills up to 5 fps and are fully compatible with the SOLOSHOT3pro Base, as well.
One of the most exciting new features is that the SHOLOSHOT can now be used indoors, thanks to the Indoor Accessory. This little items attaches to the top of the Optic25 or Optic65 cameras and allows the Base to track the Tag up to 100' away with no line of sight required. Future support for 3rd-party cameras is planned.
Another useful feature is the addition of SOLOSHOTedit, an automated highlight-finding software built into the Base that intelligently finds and pulls highlights from your clips and pushes them to the SOLOSHOTcloud for later viewing and sharing. This means less time going through footage and more time back in the action. You can also manually mark highlights in real time, right from the Tag.
Once in the cloud, the clips can be shared on your favorite social network sites, a process that can also be automated. If sharing your clips after the fact isn’t enough for you, the SOLOSHOTapp lets you take things to the next level by live-streaming your camera feed. Simply invite friends, family, and fans to join the SOLOSHOT community to view your stream.
As previous-generation models allowed, the SOLOSHOT3 Base can track multiple tags at once; a feature that is made even easier thanks to the Control Room feature within the SOLOSHOTapp. In the Control Room, you can manage all of your Tags, Bases, and content right from your mobile device, turning your smartphone or tablet into a mobile, multi-camera production team.
Initial SOLOSHOT3 offerings at B&H include the SOLOSHOT3 and Optic65 Camera Bundle and the SOLOSHOT3pro and Camera Adapter Bundle. You can also purchase the Optic25 and Optic65 cameras individually for use with either system, the Indoor Accessory, and extra Tags.
