Recently, an increasing number of people do not own a digital camera because they take pictures with their smartphones. However, even such people often own video cameras. This is because the camcorder comes with a powerful optical stabilizer that allows you to shoot stable videos with little camera shake.
"Smoovie" is a stabilizer for smartphones that reduces camera shake when shooting movies. Although it is not as good as a video camera, it enables relatively stable video recording even when shooting while walking.
Its biggest feature is that it is smaller and lighter than the conventional stabilizer. When folded, it measures 19 x 4 x 3.5 cm and weighs 125 grams. You can put it in your pocket and carry it anywhere. If you're shooting with a large stabilizer, you'll be curious about it from others, but with Smoovie, that's not the case.
The second feature is that it is easier to install than a general stabilizer. You can attach your smartphone like a selfie stick. With this, you should be able to start shooting without missing a chance.
The gimbal, which is the heart of the stabilizer, uses two of the most powerful permanent magnets, neodymium magnets. Although it is simple, it reduces blurring that occurs when shooting while walking, enabling stable video shooting. It seems that the gimbal using this magnet could be adopted because the smartphone is smaller and lighter than a general video camera.
The developer, Smoovie in the UK, admits that "Smoovie" isn't as effective as expensive professional equipment. But on the other hand, he claims that no other device is so cheap, easy to carry, easy to operate, and has some effect.
The selling price is 19.99 British pounds (about 3,090 yen). Certainly, it is exceptionally cheap as a stabilizer.
Smoovie is currently conducting a campaign to recruit investors on the crowdfunding site kickstarter for the commercialization of "Smoovie". At the time of this writing, one "Smoovie" is available with a £ 11 investment. It also supports delivery to Japan. Shipping is scheduled around June 2016.
Smoovie has posted a sample video on YouTube that was shot using "Smoovie". If you want to check the effect, please refer to it.
スマートフォン用スタビライザー「Smoovie」利用例