I not too long ago bought the possibility to check out the brand new Platyball (which is an inverted ball head). Whereas it seems a bit bit totally different from a standard ball head, it really works amazingly effectively for the exact positioning of a digital camera.
Let me stroll you thru this new piece of drugs in addition to a few time-lapse methods for the iPhone.
A rock-solid platform
The Platyball is available in two fashions, the Ergo and the Elite. It’s from the identical firm that makes the Platypod, which is one among my go-to items of drugs. The ball head is inverted, which implies the half that tilts is definitely on the underside. Whereas this may increasingly appear a bit off at first, it’s an ingenious design that makes it straightforward to stage and pan evenly — with only one hand.
Which mannequin?
I examined the Platyball Elite. I ordered mine as an Early Fowl on Kickstarter … so mine has truly proven up earlier than most of them. When you order as we speak, they’re anticipated in April/Could 2022 with retail shops getting them in the summertime.
- Worth $360
- Dimensions: 5.1×3.2×2” (130x82x50mm)
- Weight: 1lb 6oz (624gm)
- Ball Diameter: 35mmCapacity: 22lb (10kg)
- Mech. Working Temp: -40° to + 170° F
What’s within the field
The Platyball additionally features a Neoprene cowl and a disc that truly works with the Arca Swiss-style mount. The disc additionally helps with a second bubble stage for balancing the top.
Including the bottom
I hooked up the Platyball to the Platypod Extremely. It is a tremendous light-weight tripod different. It’s concerning the measurement of a smartphone and weighs solely 3.2 oz. Whereas it seems tiny, the is greater than sufficient for the iPhone, in addition to mirrorless, GoPro and compact DSLRs.
A tip: Whichever method you’re tilting the digital camera, remember to put the foot backward. This manner the leaning ball head has full help.
Completely stage
The important thing distinction between the Ergo and Elire (moreover the luscious crimson coloration) is the extent. Two crosshairs react as you try and stage the ball head. It’s surprisingly straightforward to do that one-handed. As a profit, panning the digital camera will nonetheless keep stage as a result of inverted design.
Connect the telephone
To carry my iPhone I used the Sq. Jellyfish tripod mount. It is a steel model of their spring tripod mount. It’s efficient at holding the iPhone and might broaden to carry quite a lot of sizes. It mounts to the Platyball with a common screw mount.
Energy up
Taking pictures time-lapse is an enormous drain in your telephone’s battery. Whereas capturing the display stays on, plus you’re accessing the onerous drive in an virtually steady state. It’s a good suggestion to cost up forward of time or plug your telephone into an influence pack whereas capturing.
Your telephone may also be topic to further warmth. So if you’re capturing on a sizzling day in direct daylight, the telephone might overheat. It’s uncommon, however I’ve seen it occur.
Seize methods
To get an excellent time-lapse shot, listed below are just a few easy pointers:
- Discover a secure platform: On this case I set the Platypod on the again of my truck mattress. However any floor that’s vibration free ought to work.
- Use a wider angle: Set the digital camera to make use of your telephones wider angle lens. It can seize extra of the scene and deal with the scene effectively.
- Time of day: The simply earlier than dawn or sundown makes some nice instances when the sunshine is basically altering. If it’s the center of the day, then search for cloud cowl or the shot will get fairly boring.
- Faucet to focus: You’ll want to truly set a spotlight level. Higher but you’ll be able to even press and maintain the display till you see an AE/AF Lock alert displaying that Auto Publicity and Autofocus are set.
Edit afterward
As soon as the shot is completed, there’s lots you are able to do proper on the telephone. Your iPhone can edit video similar to it may possibly photographs to enhance the picture.
On this case, a waving flag on the fringe of the body was a bit distracting.
Utilizing the Crop device I might take away the flag. I used to be positive to maintain the 16:9 side ratio of the unique form. As a result of the video is 4K, I can simply crop and nonetheless export a 1080p HD video.
I additionally used the modifying instruments to rapidly regulate the colour and tone of the clip. These controls are fairly efficient and preview in real-time as you make changes.
The outcomes
The tip result’s fairly wonderful. What used to take numerous effort to shoot develop and assemble is prepared for sharing in seconds. The iPhone has develop into fairly able to making time-lapse photographs. It’s straightforward to make use of and enjoyable to create.
Using the Platyball and Platypod Extremely additionally give me a rock-solid platform that I can merely slip into my pocket. The 2 objects collectively are lower than half a pound and make for a extremely transportable and simple to configure capturing platform.
