Camera Motion Research Blackbird Handheld Camcorder Stabilizer Reviewed
Camera Motion Research has a new handheld stabilizer for camcorders that weigh between one and eight pounds, called the Blackbird. It has an adjustable lower T-bar assembly that comes with both an 11- and a 15-inch horizontal weight bar, plenty of counterweights, two mounting brackets, tripod adaptor and all the hardware needed get your cam flying smoothly.
When we received our review unit, we were immediately impressed with the way everything was tucked securely in place between custom-cut foam shapes that isolate the attractive black anodized finished parts from contacting each other and the outside world while in transit. Everything is well designed, and individual parts fit together with ease.
Before you put your precious camcorder on any new piece of equipment other than a tripod, it's best to read the manual. No, really, read it! The manual is very basic, but it provides the necessary information to get the rig (the combination of Blackbird and camcorder) safely balanced and ready to operate. The Blackbird also comes with a DVD showing various design aspects, along with useful operation tips.
Putting the Blackbird components together, along with mounting the camcorder, took us less than four minutes. We unpacked all the parts, mounted the universal docking bracket to a C-stand weighted with a sandbag and slipped the upper chassis on the bracket's pin. We then put the Blackbird's lower section together, extending the T-bar to about two-thirds of the travel. Our light camcorder weighed one pound, 11 ounces, so we added only two large weights to the wider 15-inch horizontal bar. The weights are well engineered to fit snugly on the T-bar. They interlock with each other and with the crossbar itself to ensure that there is no shifting that can create noise made by loose elements. We also added the extension to the gimbal, which was a recommendation for balancing lighter camcorders.
Next, we attached the Blackbird's camera mounting plate to an old JVC GR-DVF11U Mini-DV camcorder. If you've got one handy, using an expendable camcorder is a good idea for practicing with new stabilization devices. There is a nice non-slip rubber pad on top of the camera plate, so you don't have to over-tighten the camera. We then attached our camcorder to the stage, the platform that supports the camcorder. This is a key component of any stabilization device, as it is where you make fine adjustments to balance the rig. Both the fore/aft and side-to-side adjustments are smooth, and there is no lash (play) in the adjustment screws. A nice safety feature is a pin that prevents the mounting plate, and your camcorder, from slipping, in case you forget to tighten the camcorder plate to the stage.
Balancing any stabilization device is the most important step in getting good-looking shots, and with the Blackbird this is very quick and easy. Using the two built-in bubble levels gives you the ability to get the rig quickly leveled in both axes.
With everything put together and balanced, we are now ready to do a drop test. This is a test that lets you know how quickly your rig will return to level. It is performed by holding the rig approximately 90 degrees from the resting position and letting it swing freely. The drop time is the time it takes the lower portion to swing past its neutral position. Two to three seconds is a good starting place. Shorter drop times make the rig feel more stable but will cause the camcorder to tilt or roll when changing your rate and/or direction of motion. Longer drop times will reduce these tilt or roll problems but will make the rig slower to return to level.
