Varavon Wirecam W5 Full Set with HDMI Transceiver and and Birdy Cam2 Body (Demo)

Wirecam basically acts like an aerial camera dolly or slider system allowing the camera to track or “slide” along a suspended cable with tracking up to 100 metres in length or over 300 feet. This means its great for productions like stage events and sports or also for creating unique camera shots and perspectives for almost any type of production.

HOW TO USE WIRE CAM (VARAVON) from GFILM on Vimeo.

 Utilizing a wireless remote controller the operator can control the speed and direction that the Wirecam travels along the cable while the included wireless remote for the the Birdycam 2 controls camera pan and tilt during the shot.

The combination of dampers in the Wirecam system along with the 3 axis gimbals of the Birdycam 2 completely eliminate camera vibration providing ultra smooth and stable high quality images from your camera of choice, with up to 5.5 lbs of payload.

The Wirecam full set also includes a 0 latency HDMI wireless video transmission/reciever system so that video from your camera mounted on the Wirecam system can be monitored for control and/or directly integrated into your multi-cam live production switcher system.

Because the”wire” is basically a high tensile strength climbing rope (available in various lengths at outdoor stores - 50m included) the Wirecam system can be very quickly be deployed, and easily setup and suspended in minutes.

Wirecam offers unique benefits over competative UAV remote camera systems that you might want to use to capture similar shots, most prominently Wirecam provides improved saftey, as well as accuracy, as the system tracks an exact path as set by the suspended cable. As well, the system provides full repeatability, as Wirecam continues to track the exact same suspended cable path back and forth as many times as you like during the production, and also the system is much less obtrusive as it operates with much less noise and does not produce a wind wash, either of which could be disturbing to your subject or audience.

The Wirecam system is also very affordable when compared to UAV systems designed to hold and control similar payloads.

The Wirecam system can be powered by the included battery for short periods of operation or optionally you can use the integrated Vshoe mounting bracket to incorporate the use of V-mount batteries for longer run times.

WireCam Unit Features

Uses 1:7 Gear Ratio

Provides high torque through 1:7 gear ratio
The main driving wheel is constructed of urethane material to both decrease weight and increase abrasion resistance.

35mm Ball Head

An attached 35mm a ball-head allow the user to perform angle adjustments to achieve the ideal shooting angle.

Wire Safety Loop Volt

The WireCam unit features two safety loop volts located on either end of the unit. These prevent the wire from falling apart from the wheel.

1/4 Inch Accessory Holes

There are several 1/4 inch holes in various locations on the WireCam unit. These are useful for a variety of accessory attachments.

Dampers

The WireCam unit features 6 installed dampers that serve to absorb micro vibration while the WireCam is functioning.

Universal Dovetail

The WireCam unit features a Universal Dovetail. Helpful in expanding the usage of the WireCam unit.

Wireless Controller

Graupner / SJ mz-12HoTT 2.4GHz Controller
This controller prevents outside frequency interference using a duplex hopping technique optimized for use with a 2.4GHz signal Protocol. The controller is capable of moving through 75 different frequencies and provides excellent reception performance in long distance.

6mm thick Climbing Rope (50M)

The WireCam unit includes this 50M long Climbing rope which features a 6mm thick diameter and has a tensile force of up to 804 kg.

V-Mount Battery Bracket

The included V-Mount Battery bracket allows the user to interchange compatible batteries.

BirdyCam 2

While you might already be somewhat familiar with other 3 axis gimbal stabilizer systems the Varavon Birdycam 2 Gimbal system is somewhat unique partly because it integrates so well with the Wirecam and T5 Tilt Jib options, but also due to benefits provided by its unique overall design and build.

The Birdycam 2 can support video and DSLR camera’s up to 5.5 lbs but it is particularly attractive when using smaller cameras including mirrorless style camera’s like the Panasonic G4 or Sony A7s.

Also thanks to its many mounting points it’s extremely easy to integrate 3rd party accessories such as recorders or monitors with the system .

Thanks to its wide girder style strut design, it’s easier to use the mounted cameras own LCD for monitoring during operation, if so required, while it also provides for easy balancing and setup. The dual strut rear support, along with the Birdycams integrated worm gears and gauges and tool less adjustment, provides for very precise calibration and simple system alignment.

The integrated rear “kickstand” also means something unique, you can actually set the Birdycam down on the ground or on a table in between takes to rest while turned on so you can be ready to roll in seconds. The handles can also fold backwards allowing briefcase style operation for easy navigation through doorways and tight spaces.

Overall however the system is extremely lightweight, but sturdy, rugged and strong, and after initial setup it can be packed away in the supplied case without disassembly or re-adjustment meaning if you use the same camera repeatedly, it virtually comes out of the case balanced and ready to shoot with, each and every time you want to use it.

Another advantage is the Birdycams integrated standard throttle which allows for changing the various operational modes of the system and also doubles as a pan/tilt remote for one of the single operator modes.

The cage part of the Birdycam 2 Gimbal also features a dovetail plate on top so the handles can be quickly removed, if so desired, when it’s being attached to the Wirecam. As well the supplied system stand can be used on a table or even mounted to a tripod, for resting over longer periods with the system powered down, and it even includes a level bubble so you can setup and balance the system your tripod easier.

The supplied battery pack can not only power the Birdycam system but can also power the camera itself or 3rd party accessories like video transmitters or monitors providing extended run times and with the integrated charge guage you instantly know your batteries status.

Out of the box the Birdycam provides 4 standard modes of operation selectable - slow and quick “follow me” modes or throttle pan/tilt modes can be selected using the throttle selector. As well, Varavon also has an App for Android devices that allows for subtle remote adjustment to optimize the rig for total payload and tweaking of performance in the various operational modes.

Overall the Birdycam 2 system is well thought out and has a very attractive price point, and when combined with the optional Wirecam and T5 Tilt Jib makes up a production system that’s hard to beat for overall flexibility and affordability.

HDMI Transceiver

Features

Zero Delay (10ms) H.264 Encoder
Up to 1080p60
Video Formats of DTV and VESA Spec
HDMI over Wireless/ Ethernet
500ft (150m) at line of sight (LOS)
Multicasting with up to 3 receivers using Wi-Fi
Easy Installation: no cables required
Easy push button operation