The MōVI M5 3-Axis Motorized Gimbal Stabilizer from Freefly is designed for mid-sized DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and camcorders weighing up to 5 pounds, including the lens. For camera stabilization the M5 uses three motors and an IMU (inertial measurement unit) to detect and counteract unwanted movement along three axes: pan, tilt, and roll. In particular, compensating for handshake or vehicle-induced vibration and reducing translation. There is a quick-release adapter available separately so that it can be mounted on cranes, jibs, vehicle mounts, and other camera support equipment.

The system supports single- or dual-operator control. In single user (Majestic) mode the system's software intelligently differentiates unwanted shake or vibration from intentional movement, such as panning, while keeping the horizon level. Alternatively, you can have a dedicated operator with an optional remote control who is in charge of camera pan, tilt--and if  you want--roll. In this configuration the camera will always point where the operator of the remote tells it to, independent of how the rig operator moves.

As with sled-style stabilizers, the camera should be balanced on the MOVI to ensure best performance.

Majestic Mode

For single-operator use. In this mode the gimbal provides stabilization without counteracting operator-directed camera movements--the camera goes where you point the handles. This mode is ideal for accurate framing in tight situations

Silent Drive

The motors driving the gimbal have been designed to operate as quietly as possible to ensure you will be able to record sound without picking up any unwanted noise

Translation Compensation

Making hundreds of adjustments per second, the software works to counteract translation--the bobbing up and down effect while running--when tracking a moving subject moving at high speed. In this situation translation may be unavoidable, but at least the subject will remain in-frame

Shot Recorder

Keeps a record of the camera position (where GPS is available), height, camera pan, tilt, and roll so that the shot can be recreated later or to help Visual Effects align the live action shot with other elements in a CG composite

Third-Party Mounting

Using separately available mounting hardware it is possible to mount the MOVI on cranes, jibs, Steadicams and similar vest-supported stabilizers (where it corrects for angular error), and other camera support hardware. It has also been verified to work on an Easyrig.

Custom Direct Drive Motors

The MOVI system uses motors that were custom made for the gimbal rather than re-purposing off-the-shelf parts

Features