Helios 3D Stereo Rig

Paradise FX (Van Nuys, CA, USA), the comapny fouded by Max Penner,  just launched HELIOS, an autonomous and cost-effective wireless3D rig. Helios is suitable for all types of untethered camera work, including handheld, Steadicam and studio applications, with optimized metadata handling, crucial to VFX-oriented 3D production. HELIOS may reduce the technological and crewing footprints of 3D stereo cinematography, bringing them into line with 2D production practices and costs

HELIOS is manufactured from rigid, lightweight magnesium and aluminium alloy. It is currently designed for use with RED EPIC cameras, with future support for ARRI Alexa M and Sony F3 cameras. It is offered with a range of matched lens pairs, including ARRI Ultra Primes and Angenieux Compact Zooms. Using Preston G4 wireless controls, HELIOS’ interaxial range can be adjusted from 0 to 2-inches (0-50 mm), and convergence from 10-inches (25 cm)  to Infinity. The mirror box width is 15 inches (38 cm). The rig’s naked weight is 18lb (8 Kg) or 42lbs (19 Kg) in Steadicam mode.

As HELIOS is lightweight, self-contained and untethered, Steadicam operators can move as freely as they do on a 2D shoot. Its self-balancing design means that interaxial convergence controls move out from the center of the rig, preventing a weight shift from affecting the Steadicam operator’s performance.

For cinematographers, a unique design advantage of HELIOS is its ability to quickly adapt from one camera configuration to another, between tripod, dolly or crane, to handheld or inverted shooting modes, saving time and money.

When HELIOS is provided as a package from Paradise FX, the labor footprint emulates 2D camera positions, resulting in faster set-ups for the director, and significantly reducing the financial burden for producers.

Visit Paradise FX for more info.

Source : Paradise FX.