BeyondHD take the Letus Helix and L’Aigle Exoskeleton to the max

By site editor Dan Chung:

Another day, another Robocop-style setup. But I am especially excited about this one. Two of my favourite products from last year have been combined by UK camera motion specialists BeyondHD to create an innovative brushless gimbal rig. The company has paired the latest version of the Letus Helix and the L’Aigle Exoskeleton to give operators super fluid shots and extended shoot times.

The system impressed DP John Conroy so much that he is now using it to shoot the latest series of the BBC’s Luther with Idris Elba (something else I’m looking forward to, incidentally). For the first time, a DP can easily move with the camera and place it exactly where he wants it without outside help. Until now, most have relied on dedicated Steadicam or gimbal operators (some DPs do have those Steadicam skills themselves, but it requires specialist training).

The technology makes the camera appear almost weightless to the operator, while fully stabilising the camera’s movements. The mechanical stabilisation of the Exoskeleton also eliminates the footfall motion often seen in brushless gimbal shots. Watch the video below to see how the system works and the kind of moves that can be made with it:

Exoskeleton Helix Ronin Steadicam Gimbal Review from BeyondHD on Vimeo.

The Exoskeleton has gone through an extensive redesign since the last time we saw it at IBC in Amsterdam. It is now more manoeuvrable and has a 13.6Kg max payload. The exoskeleton itself weighs just 5Kg. A ‘briefcase mode’ has been added that works well with the Helix.

The setup can carry RED Dragon and Alexa M cameras equipped with cine lenses. I’m guessing it will also be a good match for the RED Weapon, the ALEXA M and the latest Canon Cinema EOS cameras.

While the Exoskeleton works with gimbals like the MoVI and DJI Ronin, it is the Letus Helix that has become the go to gimbal for BeyondHD. The Helix gives the operator the ability to control all the gimbal movements smoothly and precisely, without the need for a second operator with a remote control. You can see Newsshooter contributor Edi Schneider’s full review of the Helix here. Below is a video showing the setup working with a tethered ARRI Alexa M.

Letus Helix Gimbal with Exoskeleton + Arri Alexa + Arri Lens Motors + Arri Cine Lens from BeyondHD on Vimeo.

Needless to say, all this comes at a price – but for larger productions with the budget to match I can see this setup becoming popular very quickly. For more details of the complete system contact BeyondHD.

Here are more details on the Exoskeleton from the L’Aigle website:
– 13,6kg/30lbs payload. No minimum load required.
Comfort features:
– Very lightweight universal exoskeleton 5kg (11lbs)
– Extremely adjustable in height, width and positioning of the exoarms.
– U.S.H.I. SYSTEM : Underslung Soft Hand Interface. Your palms get lifted and you can move yours hands in any direction (including “briefcase mode”). Very easy to remove your hand from the exoarms too. You can also hang your gimbal directly from the handles of the USHI System.
– Flexible and adjustable metal belt (will fit any size and shape of bellies)
– Main top aluminium back shell designed to be adjusted as high as possible on your back for optimum load distribution
– Padding made of a compound of load dispatching foam and load absorbing foam
– Inflatable lumbar cushion
– Lever buckles on belt.
– Docking stand provided (required for easy fitting in and out and safe resting of the exoskeleton)