21 April 2011: Polecam has reconfirmed its position as the global leader in truly portable systems for digital film and television content creation with the US launch of Polecam Starter Pack at NAB 2011 in Las Vegas. Aggressively priced at under US $10,000, the new rig is designed for use with latest-generation compact camcorders and D-SLR heads while retaining all the versatility for which Polecam systems are renown.
“Polecam Starter Pack is one of our most exciting new products since we introduced the original Polecam system in 1998,” comments the company’s founder and Managing Director Steffan Hewitt. “Its three interlocking carbon-fibre poles give a forward reach of nearly 12 feet. This allows visually stunning overhead pan and tilt sequences to be performed without the logistical or health-and-safety issues that arise when using a heavyweight crane.
“Polecam Starter Pack is a complete system, fully tested and deliverable now. The response from NAB visitors has been hugely encouraging, particularly from D-SLR users who want to emulate the dynamics film and television viewers increasingly expect from creative professional cameramen. Polecam Starter Pack can begin earning its keep from the first day of purchase. As business progresses, the rig can be expanded gradually into a full-scale system spanning up to 26 feet.”
“Our NAB demonstration of Polecam Starter Pack included a wide head with a D-SLR camera,” adds Sales & Marketing Manager Jeremy Curtis. “Follow-focus is achieved using aftermarket optional accessories such as the wireless controller from Hocus Focus. An integral cable loom supplies power to the camera or camcorder. The head itself is a fully motorised remote pan/tilt unit under joystick command from a controller located near the Polecam mounting pivot. The counterweight system is now an integral in-line design, neater and easier to balance than earlier versions. Weights are not included but are standard dumbell weights.”