In the quest to generate better quality video, one must look as far upstream as possible to get the best bang for the buck.
A well edited video is only as good as the source footage. Lens quality, sensor capability, resolution, frame rate, and compression algorithm of the camera all play critical roles in the quality of the end product. But even if these align, a poor quality mounting platform can negate it all. Shaky, nausea inducing footage from an unstable platform greatly reduces what is usable and only so much 'fix it in post' can correct for it.
The Problem
Up until now I employed a rather lo-tech means of achieving a semblance of stability for non-helmet mounted cam footage. Attaching a Flytec hang gliding camera bracket to the interface between riser and carabiner, I was able to capitalize on the most stable point in my paragliding kit. But even that point was not without unwanted motion.
Note: Quite evident in the above paragliding footage is the pitch, yaw, and roll of the glider/harness.
The Solution
Enter the gimbal. A gimbal is a means of attaching an instrument to a platform that allows movement along an axis with the goal of counter acting the motions of the platform in said axis. They are commonly used in film and have shrunk in size and weight over the last few years to have become viable for paragliding.
Feiyu WG
One of the growing favourites is the Feiyu line of gimbals. While initial offerings came in a variety of selfie stick form factors, the more recent 'wearable' (WG) line offers increased flexibility in how and where the platform can be set up.
Feiyu WG3 + Xiaomi Yi 4K
Note: to get the 4K to fit, the mounting bracket and retaining bar need to be flipped.
Result
A trip to the hardware store + bit work with a drill and impact driver was needed to get the Flytec to interface cleanly with the base of the WG3 (yet still be detachable).
All set up with an upside down Yi 4k.
Next steps:
Devise a tether.
A little time in a simulator to see how it sits.
Some kiting to ensure there are no entanglement risks with the speed system line (have some ideas on how to address if there is).
Look into setting up an external power pack (the gimbal has the ability to power the camera).
Quite the show going on by way of a social media page that is acting as the unofficial/unauthorized representative for the Canuck national association.
Only goes to show how imperative it is that one stakes claim quickly in the wild west of emergent social media to protect a brand from infringement and/or misrepresentation.
If any case break out the popcorn eating emoji and enjoy the fireworks: FB Page
*note* There are procedures in place within Facebook to report trademark infringement and have the situation resolved without resorting to biased polls and social shaming. But it would not be nearly as entertaining for the rest of us.
