Steadicam Smoothee update

Watching the iPhone 4 video sample this evening (it's now on YouTube and Vimeo) I couldn't help thinking; that's not bad, but it's rather shakey. then I remembered the Steadicam Smoothee, the steadicam for the iPhone and Flip that was previewed at the Winter CES, but hasn't been heard of since.
Actually, I lie. It was mentioned in passing by Taz Goldstein from HandHeldHollywood at the recent Boston Final Cut Pro User Group meeting where he sort of made a joke about 'why anyone would buy such a thing?'

But an iPhone 4 capturing 720p video, that might be why you would buy one. Actually, when I'd first read about it, I'd thought that using it with the Flip might make sense, but now, the iPhone 4 makes even more sense.

Strangely enough - and don't you love how things come together? - I popped over to Tiffen's site to see whether there's any further updates about the Smoothie, and there's a press release dated June 18 [talk about timing!]
The Tiffen Company, award winning manufacturer of still image and video accessories, announced fourth quarter availability, of the Steadicam Smoothee, the new “easy to use right out of the box” camera stabilizer. The Smoothee, comes with a camera mount, and will sell at retail for under $200. The Smoothee can be used with the Apple iPhone 3GS, Motorola DROID, or the Flip Mino video camera, with additional models to follow.
[...]
The Steadicam Smoothee is approximately 8”W x 14.5” H x 2.5” D (20.3 x 36.8 x 6.4cm) in operating configuration. Each of the individual patented quick release removable camera mounts can also serve as a tabletop stand or can be mounted to any tripod with a standard ¼ x20” camera mount. Also included with the Steadicam Smoothee is an easy to follow instruction sheet and carrying strap.
Fourth quarter and under $200? Could be interesting. Though I'm kind of puzzled that in a press release dated June 18th, they mention the iPhone 3GS, but not the iPhone 4. Weird.


LINKS
Tiffen: Tiffen Demonstrates new Steadicam Smoothee for Apple iPhone 3GS, Motorola Droid and Flip Mino
jablickar.cz: Český uživatel testuje iPhone 4 [ukázky fotografií a videa z iPhone 4 v článku]
NotesOnVideo: Taz Goldstein from HandHeldHollywood in Boston
NotesOnVideo: Steadicam Smoothee

Comments

Arlen said…
I bet the omission of iPhone 4 was not a mistake. They probably have their doubts about whether or not the mounting system will work with the slightly adjusted form factor. Better to wait and see if it'll fit than advertise it working without knowing for sure.
Jun 19, 2010, 12:06:00 PM
Michael Murie said…
You're probably right - I'd considered the same thing - and if they were actually selling it today I'd give them a pass. But since it's going to be another three months before it comes out, it just seems very weird that they'd even consider starting to sell it without figuring out a way to fit an iPhone 4 on it.
Jun 19, 2010, 5:55:00 PM
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