CAME-TV has updated their 3-axis gimbal for DSLR/DSLMs and the new model, CAME-7800, has some great improvements. Also, the gimbal now comes in a nice package that includes everything you need when using this technology on a real production. It includes a stand, a solid carrying case and all the cables and tools.
Just as importantly, the gimbal is easier to balance and it now comes with a 4th profile programmed into the gimbal that allows you to quickly calibrate it – you can do it on location, without the need to connect to a computer.
This came really handy while I was shooting once – due to a big change in temperature, the gimbal’s sensors needed to be recalibrated. The same thing can happen when travelling because the earth’s magnetic field can change drastically and throw off the sensors. To fix it, you now just press and hold a joystick button for five seconds, until you hear a beep. Then, you simply keep the gimbal steady until the calibration is complete. This usually takes between 5 to 10 seconds. That’s it!
Here’s my video review the the CAME-7800
Here’s raw footage of my tests of the CAME-7800 (shot on Panasonic GH4)
Some more info about the gimbal:
Maximum Payload:
CAME-7800 = 6.6 lbs / 3 kg
Total weight of the stabilizer without the camera:
CAME-7800 = 4.8 lbs / 2.2 kg
What’s included in the kit:
- case
- battery
- charger
- tools
- baseplate
- instructions
The CAME gimbal doesn’t come with a remote control, but for less than $20 you can buy a Bluetooth module that will let you control it via a smartphone. You can buy the module on eBay
To buy the CAME-7800, you can get it on eBay and B&H Photo Video Store or at CAME-TV
UPDATE: until Feb. 10/2015, you can get $30 off the gimbal if you buy it on the CAME-TV website – at checkout, enter the coupon code “CAME7800”
Also, here are the smartphone and tablet holders that I use with my gimbal so that I can monitor my Panasonic GH4 camera
You can get these and similar holders on eBay.
For the Arkon holder, click here and for the Satechi holder click here
Here is a great extra battery that will work with this gimbal
Also, I always recommend buying a good steadicam in case your 3-axis gimbal ever fails on you… my favorite one is the Carbon Fiber Stabilizer (also from CAME). You can read more about it here.
To find out everything you wanted to know about old-school steadicams and hand-held camera stabilizers (like Glidecam, Flycam), check out my post “Steadicam How-To And Reviews”.
Hi Tom, First of all thank you for all your wonderfull and informative video’s. They are much appreciated!!!
I saw your review about the Came 7800. You say that it can do over under mode. Does this work well (smoothly)? I never see you use it this way, so I’m a bit worried about that. For me this is important to know. You say that it can do briefcase mode but that it doesn’t work smoothly in that mode. So is the over under mode better (as smooth as it should be)?
Thanks
I have tried the (not updated) 7800 with my 5d3 (16-35L).
It works fairly well in normal mode (still needs good ninja skills in order to get a fairly good footage). The upright mode (eye level) tho was not good at all, there was alot more shaking when i was on the move (it was steady when i was not on the move tho).
Hi Tom,
I watched your contest YouTube video the other night and I was very interested in submitting a video, However, I am not sure if I qualify. I have been using a glidecam I bought from CameTV a year ago but the brand is LAING.
I am a big fan of Came and what they are producing, so it would be great to show some stuff I have done with this glidecam.
Have a great day,
Cheers
Ben
Hey Tom!
Thanks for the great video, it was very informative. I am looking into buying this as my first Gimbaling stabilizer and I was hoping if you could tell me how to mount my camera onto this. I would like to know ahead of purchasing it to ensure I don’t do anything really dangerous to either my camera or the stabilizer. I have a Sony HXR-NX30.
Thanks a lot!
Justin
I bought this gimbal directly for their site, Once it arrived i opened the box and saw the parts shabbily arranged. I immediately smelled a rat. I had to assemble most of the parts my self even though i ordered a ‘pre assembled ready to use gimbal’.
I spent days trying to balance the gimbal and it would not work. I contacted CAME TV and they claimed that i had tampered with the PID settings. I knew that i was going left with a worthless piece of crap when they refused to take the gimbal back, even after uploading 2 videos to prove that their gimbal doesn’t work.
I feel duped. Please save your self the hassle and do not buy from this scam company CAME TV.
Hi,
I was wondering if someone could help me getting the original profile settings for the GIMBAL 7800. I accidentally deleted them while changing the PID settings. I was using the GUI software version – 2.43b9.
Now my Gimbal has lost its settings and I can’t find a way to balance it again like before.
Please contact me via benji_cmd@hotmail.com
Hope that someone can reach me the solution for this problem…
Thank you very much,
Best regards
Ben from Belgium
Wow ! its based on latest technology of Came-TV ARGO . Thanks to share this blog with creative image.
Hey,
I have the DJI since few month and i am very happy happy with.