Hello everyone, I'm sharing with you a project I've been working on for almost a year. It's a 3D-printed camera module with the following main functions:
1. Shifting the camera's center of gravity backward.
2. Adding power outputs and SDI protections.
3. Using NPF batteries to power the camera.
This project start from a simple observation about the ergonomics of hybrid cameras. Although the market is flooded with fantastic hybrid cameras, I find them impractical for professional shooting with a team, mainly due to their photo camera-like ergonomics. While a photos cameras ergonomics are great for taking photos, they prove to be uncomfortable when it comes to filming. It's inconceivable for me, even with the best in-body stabilization, to hold my camera at arm's length throughout a day of shooting. I used BlackMagic's pocket cameras for a long time, and while they have excellent sensors and codecs, using them in various shooting setups became painful (the 5-inch rear screen was rarely used due to its placement, the camera body's width resulted in cables near the ear or face when on the shoulder, they were challenging to balance on the shoulder and suffer of a lack of connectors).
In the end, the ideal solution was always to rent an Alexa when the project allowed it.
We are now at a point where most digital camera sensors are fantastic. I don't care about resolution, framerate, dynamic range, LF or not LF... The photographic qualities of a film are not played at this level. If there were a real revolution to mention it would be, in my opinion, about advances on the lighting équipement side and the flexibility offered by LED sources in terms of power, consumption, and energy savings. When choosing a camera for a project, the only criterion that truly matters to me now is the overall ergonomics of the camera. Does this camera meet my needs in terms of configurations and usage ? Cameras are tools manipulated with hands and the body, so it's essential that the tool adapts to the body and not the body adapts to the tool.
In France, we had an engineer who was highly interested in the ergonomics of cinema cameras, Jean-Pierre Beauviala, who theorized the concept of a camera "like a cat on the shoulder." He designed Aaton's cinéma cameras and contributing to the French New Wave. Due to their ergonomics and lightness, Beauviala's cameras became an extension of the body and eye. The camera is perfectly balanced on the shoulder, generating no tension, making it pleasant to use for the operator. I drew much inspiration from his work in this project.
When the Kinefinity Mavo MK2 was announced, I was excited because, for the first time, I saw a camera under €10,000 that, with some work and improvements, could possibly suit my needs and be more affordable, compact, and lighter than an Alexa. I needed a camera that could still be sufficiently heavy for stability without in-body stabilization, easily transitioning from a tripod setup to a shoulder or steadycam configuration.
The cube form factor and professional connectors convinced me and served as an excellent foundation to match the lovely ergonomic of Alexa's or Sony Venice. Whenever possible, I like to use Sony NPF batteries to power my cameras, and the Mavo's power consumption allowed for it. (It would also be possible to replace the NPF with V Mount on the module if necessary.)
I have developed this module, which is still improvable but currently suits me well. Now, it remains to test the durability and reliability of these Kinefinity cameras over time.
The result of this project is a highly versatile camera perfectly balanced in terms of dimensions and weight, while remaining lighter than an Alexa, providing even greater mobility. It meets industry standards and can be used in a team setting.
Hope you enjoy
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