Filmpower are no strangers to compact gimbal stabilisers for small cameras. The company made waves with their original Nebula 4000 3-axis gimbal back in 2014, which they upgrade to the 4100 and later in 2015 to their first 5-axis stabilizer – the Nebula 4200, which added a dual spring handle to absorb bounces caused by foot steps when walking. Today, Filmpower announced the next evolution in the Nebula series – the Nebula 4300 5-axis gimbal stabilizer.
On the hardware from, Filmpower say they have beefed up the motors for a new maximum payload of 3.2kg (7 lbs) while also improving the battery life (8-10 hours). The massive 3.2kg limited enables even Canon 5D Mark IV users to “fly” their DSLRs. The Nebula 4300 also features a “hidden cable” design and supports 360° rotation along all three axes. Changes have been made to the handles as well – now they appear to be more ergonomic thanks to a new rubberized texture.
In terms of software features, the Filmpower Nebula 4300 gets a new Roll follow mode, a Time-lapse function and an Auto face tracking function. The Nebula 4300 is priced at $999, while a 3-axis Lite version is available for $799.
Filmpower Nebula 4300 Features
- Built-in 4096 grade encoder
- Encapsulated 5-axis dual handle
- 8-Hour battery life
- Roll follow mode added
- Double-side use
- 3.2kg Payload
- Instant manual adjustment
- Time-lapse function added
- 360°Unlimited rotation
- Hidden cable design
- Price: $999 USD
- Nebula 4300 Lite (3-axis) – $799
You may recall a post from just about a month and a half ago, where I posted about the development of the Nebula Focus , a new tool designed to assist solo gimbal ops with focus, among a few other Filmpower goodies, including the Nebula 5100 Slant.
There are two standalone modules of the Nebula Focus: the Follow focus controller and the Remote controller. The wireless design makes the compact follow focus design possible, weighing in at just 180 grams with the ability to be mounted on top of you camera via the hot-shoe. Besides the lightweight design, the 0.8m nylon gear is driven by a high-precision servo motor with a built-in encoder, so you don’t have to worry about lens vibrations lens or balance issues.
A traditional 15mm slide setup for the Nebula Focus is also possible as an alternative to the hot-shoe top mount setup. The bluetooth wireless Remote Control enables users adjust the focus within a range of 10 meters. The remote controller can be set on the handle of the gimbal or just held in your hand. The Follow focus controller and the Remote both boast a healthy 6 hours battery life and also a direct charge from a USB power bank.
Nebula Focus Highlights:
- Set memory points
- Nebula Focus supports memory points setting, users can find two certain points to keep with this function.
- When you want to return to the memory point, just one click and the follow focus will automatically access back.
- Ultrasonic distance measurement
- 40 KHz Ultrasonic distance measurement
- Distance to subject – 5 meters
- Distance shows on the Remote screen
- Infrared remote control recording function
Features currently in development:
- Adjust focus on your phone
- There will be an App for remote control the follow focus instead of the Remote in the future.
- Auto Focus
- With the help of the Ultrasonic distance measurement, Auto Focus may make an appearance in the future.
The Nebula Focus is now available to order for $650 directly from Filmpower here.
Filmpower are also announcing a new Nebula 5300 gimbal, which according to their marketing materials is “specifically designed for Sony FS5“. The 5300 is said to be able to support a 4 kg max payload, feature a 10 hour run time, more powerful motors, tool-less adjustment, in addition to “high precision digital magnetic encoder, and a triple 32bit ARM processor.”
Other camera models mentioned in the brief are the Sony Z150, Panasonic DVX200 and even the C300 Mark II, which is a lofty beast in itself, so it would be interested to see tests once the unit is released. More information on the 5300 is said to be released soon.
For more into on the Nebula 4300 and Nebula Focus head over to Filmpower.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.
Claim your copy of DAVINCI RESOLVE - SIMPLIFIED COURSE with 50% off! Get Instant Access!
How does this compare to the ronin m? A7s user.
Ronin M is much larger two-handle ONLY gimbal, where as this one can be used as a single-handle one, or by using the two-handleone. Ronin M doesn’t have springs in it to reduce vertical walking motion, but is probably a bit more sophisticated in its features overall. Ronin M also can handle an extra pound of payload, but it is a much bigger beast. Both are $999 in two-handle configuration, but the 4300 is available for $200 less if you only need the single-handle model.
Until this is out and independently tested, it’s just guesswork as to performance.
A Ronin M is stronger, way stronger.
The size is quite small as you can break down everything! You can extend the plate to even put weight and balance hevier lense.
You can even balance a FS7! (check on my blog)
Also, many of the Nebula advantage are in Beta test right now.
As a A7S user, I guess the nebula is a perfect setup for you if you stick to this camera!
Ronin is a pain in the *** to set-up and manage unless you have a larger crew. Be interested to see how this balances up for a solo op…