THE OVERHEAD RAILROAD (tm) (patent pending)

The BodyCam Balance Assembly is suspended from a set of rails allowing the camera to move freely and smoothly in numerous axes within a grid.

This system uses readily available aluminum tubing and some specially made fittings, trolleys, and camera supporting structure. The idea is to support the entire weight of the camera using a camera stabilizing assembly which allows manual panning, tilting and rolling. That assembly is then suspended from a set of trolleys, which travel on rails and allow movement in the x and y axis. The verticle (z axis) is adjustable in height.

The grid can be various sizes and heights. the smallest size is ten foot square. The sizes increase in multiples of ten feet. Twenty feet is the maximum width. There is no limit on the length, so an example of a large system would be a twenty foot wide by 100 foot long area.

Advantages of this system are: High degree of stabilization with minimal operator fatigue. The image can be more stable than Bodycam(TM) or Steadicam(R), depending on operator technique and experience. Yet, since the system weight is not carried by the operator, it requires much less physical exertion. Most operators do not become fatigued after 10 hours of using this system. Secondly, the mass that is moved about is much less than that of a crane or jib arm (typically 50 lbs. compared to 250 lbs. for a small jib arm, not counting the dolly). Moves which require fast speeds or acceleration are easily performed. The maximum speed which the camera can be moved is the same as the maximum speed that the operator can run (up to 12 MPH for short distances). Furthermore, compared to a jib arm mounted camera, since one person controls all axis' of movement, it is very easy to synchronize boom up/down or right/left to pan (or backpan) of the camera. This is especially important when ending or beginning a move.

This system makes table-top shots and other close-ups simple and easy. Beauty shots around cars become smooth with a flowing appearance, and less retrictive since the camera can be moved all the way around the outside of the car, or over the hood and trunk.

A remote follow focus and zoom system is required since focusing cannot be performed by manual rotation of the focus ring. It is possible to zoom during the shot to about 5X. Most cameras weighing up to 40 lbs. (18.2 Kg) can be used.