anybody own or seen one of these?

Nebula 3-Axis Gyroscope Stablilzer Nebula4000 lite Gyroscope Gimbal stabilizer BMPCC GH4 NEX EOS-M A7S mirror less cameras (http://shop.chdntech.com/nebula/nebula4000-lite-gyroscope-gimbal-stabilizer-bmpcc-gh4-nex-eos-m-a7s.html)

The bad spelling on the site makes me nervous but they do accept Paypal - at that price I'm tempted to try one out.

well I did....and it's on it's way back.

To be fair the postage was quick and the unit itself seems to be reasonably well made but there are no instructions and it's virtually in kit form rather than ready made & balanced.

I attempted to put it together but with no instructions or even videos on assembly it's too much or a risk for me.

On the positive side they have responded to my concerns quickly and explained that the unit was indeed a kit they send by mistake - they have asked me to return the kit and they will send me a fully assembled unit to replace it.

let's see what happens......

I attempted to order at the weekend actually. But they had paypal issues and then it was out of stock. New stock expected on 28th.

I'd rather you took this thread down and stopped drawing attention to it ;-)

I've been looking for a long time for a smaller handle underneath version to fly a Sony RX100 or SOny a6000.

I'm hopeful this will do what I want - and apparently it can even cope with my Sony A7s (although probably only with a lightweight sony lens).

Was it really so bad Paul, or did you just not want to be bothered trying to figure out the assembly?

At under £500 I'm definitely going to take a look at one. I'll return it if it doesn't meet my expectations.

I too, am pretty interested in this stabilizer, I frequent a video blog called Cheesy Cam, The Owner is Emm, very nice guy, pretty up on Stabilizers, He liked the way it looked, but questioned it's price. If it works as decribed, I think it's a fair price due to it's diversity.He also mentioned that he thinks, that there is No way to balance the Pan Axis. Here is a quote from his blog.

November 18th, 2014 at 8:48 am
@Kiri – Hard to tell from the videos and photos, but without a proper way to balance the ‘pan’ axis you will always get jerky movements. This was a problem with their other nebula gimbal (no YAW adjustment).

Hopefully we’ll see a better review of one, but right now it looks like every axis is pretty much fixed which is a problem when trying to support different cameras and lenses. The GoPro gimbals on the other hand can be fixed since the GoPro only comes in one weight and dimension.

Paul, It would be great to get a good report back on it. Where are they shipping from?.

Ok,I sent an email 2 days ago to Nebula,(Film Power) Just got a reply today, they sent me a link to a new video that just about covers the whole Nebula 4000 lite, It's a little on the long side so you may want to jump around. I saw some good things, Bluetooth calibration and Alexmos adjustments. They show how to completely balance it to what looks like some kind of Canon, a GoPro, and an Iphone.

It looks like you can balance the yaw, but sure looks like a real PITA! If I had to go through that every time I switch cameras, That would get old fast, All Hex Allen Screws, No Tooless. It might be worth the hassle of slow balancing, if it really works well, with out having to constantly make adjustments.

Things are really happening in the gimbal world, Exciting times.

Nebula4000 Lite User Manual [3-Axis Gyroscope Stabilizer] - YouTube

well this just proves I'm old and decrepit - I've been watching the gimbals for so long now I got confused as to which I ordered.

The Nebula 4000 lite is certainly an interesting design but the website site and their response to my questions put me off so I ended up finding this:

SteadyGim15 3 axis Camera Stablizer - Brushless Gimbals (http://www.bestablecam.com/brushless-gimbals/steadygim15-3-axis-camera-stablizer.html)

This was the unit I ordered and then returned - and yes Clive it wasn't that bad, it's just that I didn't want to attempt the wiring and get it wrong so I send it back - even a simple diagram would have been enough for me to continue.

I still like the simplicity of the Nebula and will keep an eye on proceedings - sorry if I caused any confusion but I'm confused so why shouldn't everyone else be!

Ha Paul,

I think we are on a very similar quest as I was also looking at either the Nebula 4000 Lite or the Steadygim15.

I like that the Steadyjim 15 has feet so it can be set down easily but I just ordered the Nebula 4000 due to how compact it is.

I will give an update when it arrives!

great! - I'll be interested to hear what you think

The feet on the SteadyGim seem to do the job as a stand and a handle, unfortunately I didn't get much further with it.

If and when they deliver the right one I'll try to knock up a quick video review.

For a wedding situation I still like the build of the Nebula, though it does look as if the battery is permanently in the handle so once it's low you have to stop and recharge.

They said they will have a better external battery system in a month or so. Probably can come up with your own external battery system.

I certainly hope so - it now looks like I'll be guying the Nebula - After sending numerous emails asking for a tracking number on the unit they had "already posted" and getting no response, I submitted a dispute through paypal.

Within a couple of hours I received a credit note for the majority (not all) the funds I had paid. They haven't given my money back - just sent the credit note!!!

Paying via PayPal may be the best thing about this whole transaction. Hopefully I'll be able to get some funds back.

well - it arrived!!

it may have been mostly a matter of miscommunication or lack of organisation but I have the SteadyGim 15 sitting on my table ready for opening - give me a couple of hours and I'll get it out and test the beast.

.... yes well, maybe we need to make that a couple of days. The unit assembles reasonable easy, it's mostly competed but there's still an amount of guesswork in balancing running cables etc. I just haven't got time right now.

Well I've effectively given up on the Steadygim 15. a number of the small hex bolts are now not turning at all - the metal is so soft that they don't take much adjustment. I've spent 6 hours over the last couple of days trying to get the unit balanced but the frame is twisting because some bolts are loose and can't be adjusted, I'll need to remove them and buy some good quality hex bolts.

Even if I can get it balanced I'm concerned about quality, I don't think it's viable for paid work and at that price what did I expect.

You get what you pay for and I paid bugger all and that's exactly what I got.

I'm still tempted by the Nebula lite just because of the design but someone else can take the risk and report on the result... Clive?????

Still waiting Paul! Ordered it a week ago today. Hopefully it will come soon!

Placed my order today for the Nebula 4000 as well. Hoping they'll be able to get it back in stock soon.

Well I'm still trying to get this thing to work and it looks like I'm on my own - I emailed BeStableCam (yet again) and asked for some details on the controller board, their reply was that I didn't need the PID software, it should work - I said that I'd certainly advice people to avoid dealing with them and here is their reply:
---------------------------
from: Sales - BeStableCam
23:58 (8 hours ago)

to: paul
ok, go for it.Don’t care

I certainly hope you guys have a better experience with the Nebula - they certainly seem to be responsive to customers unlike BeStableCam.

I've had mine for a couple of weeks now and so far, under limited use, I can say that I'm satisfied with my purchase. I have had limited time to fully use or test it.

Here are a couple of 'unlisted' YouTube links where I used the handheld gimbal. These are simple shots. A BJJ belt gauntlet. The footage is not edited or corrected for software stabilization. It handles very well.

1st video shot in APS-C mode
http://youtu.be/hU02J4tVte8
http://youtu.be/bn0NWl1naTE

My setup was simple. The Sony A7S with Sony 35mm f/2.8 Zeiss prime. Here is a Flickr link to how it looks on the Nebula 4000 Lite: https://www.flickr.com/photos/friedom/15762117248

It works very well once balanced. I haven't had the time to adjust the PID settings to fully customize the gimbals and I anticipate even better performance once set to my subjective preference. I've been hellbent on finding a solution to enable the use of my SmallHD DP4 monitor and the biggest hurdle has been an HDMI cable that fits while balanced on the Nebula 4000 Lite. I'm on my 3rd attempt of the XProHeli MicroHDMI to HDMI ribbon cable. The first was defective. The second was my mistake; MicroHDMI to MicroHDMI. The third is in my bag waiting to be tested.

Another note, it comes with a hard plastic case that really feels cheap and flimsy. It's something I plan on replacing with a Pelican case. Oh, be sure to turn OFF "Auto" monitor/viewfinder. If on Auto, the sensor on the viewfinder will pick up the Nebula and turn off the monitor during use. Pretty obvious thing, but just a FYI just in case. I actually purchased the Sony 35mm prime explicitly for its Autofocus capabilities on the A7S in anticipation of receiving the Nebula 4000. I have been manually focusing all of my lenses, prior to the Sony 35mm, since I have owned the A7S. I'm personally impressed with how well the Autofocus works on the A7S. It looks to be center point only and in the two videos I provided you can tell when my subject is off center, it seems to focus on objects in the rear.

Hi Paul

Just for interest I bought the Feiyu G3 for my action cams and in practice at a wedding it was worse than hopeless .. I burnt my bridges and had already sold my steadycam rig as it was just too heavy so I ended up well and truly in the dung!!
I sold the g3 on eBay, lost a bit on the deal and bought a lighter stedicam vest, arm and sled which is really great again.

It's just my opinion but I think these units are simply too technically accurate and they attempt to make lots of minute adjustments (especially in a bit of wind at outdoor weddings) and that translates into footage shudder which makes for totally unusable video. Their movements IMHO need to be dampened so they ignore tiny movement and only correct (gradually) camera movement.

Go on a beach with lumpy sand and a stiff breeze and it goes crazy!! Sorry but unless you are in perfect conditions I feel that these just don't work for weddings (maybe indoors at the reception?)

I'm back on stedicam and it looks great again!!

Chrid

John - thanks for your input. I'm going to fly my Sony a600 on it when it comes rather than my A7S. With weddings I can't be having to mount cameras on/off so the a600 will stay on it permanently. I'll revert back to steadicam with the A7S for low light first dance.

Still waiting though - getting pretty pissed off. Ordered 20 days ago. According to DHL tracking number it has not yet reached their hands in Hong Kong...

I'm getting the run around I fear!

I saw a recent post from filmpower.com, on their Twitter feed, that they have a limited amount and sold out of their first batch. Dan Chung of newsshooter.com received his a while back too. They are slowly getting the product out. There is definitely a language barrier but I really believe that they are committed to all of their orders. I have communicated with the sellers by phone and email and they were quick to respond each time.

I think that's an excellent idea you have about keeping the A6000 always mounted. The A6000 seems a little lighter and smaller which I think will suit it better than the A7 series.

It's still been a short time since I have owned the Nebula 4000 Lite, but I'm happy to have it in my "kit"

Yea John, I have high hopes. I've only had the a6000 for a week and used it on one job (shooting a live music event). I am very surprised by the little beast. And the continuous autofocus looks really good. I'm keen to see if the autofocus can be trusted on steadycam work.

In fairness though, with the sensor size, combines with an aperture of f5.6, on a wide lens - I don't think the autofocus can get it THAT wrong. I'll hardly be shooting shallow!

Hi Clive

On my EA-50's that have an APSC sensor I use a 10mm lens and leave it at F5.6 but I simply set the focus ring to 0.7m which is between 2 to 3 ' and the DOF extends from 2' right to infinity so I don't need to touch the camera .. I have never had any focus issues on my stedicam but I do make sure I stay at least one pace away from the couple.

You could quite easily leave the camera in manual focus. At least you ten know that the AF won't try and hunt for focus which you don't want to happen

Chris

I added a YouTube video with some more clips from my first use of the Nebula 4000 Lite.

http://youtu.be/olKTv5I--Qs

Hi John, Just got mine. Really quite impressed with the build quality and feel of it. I've got it working to an extent but feel the motors struggling at times so I'm guessing theres more tweaking to be done.

One question - when I turn it on, it decides that 'foward' is not quite in line with the handle, but rather about 10/20degrees anticlockwise of forward. I can't figure out how or what adjusts this?

I wish I could help with a suggestion. I have yet to run the software to fine tune any settings, and after messing around with I'm starting to develop an idea of what I want to adjust. I can tell you that while using when I pan the camera, sometimes I push it back to where I want it because I'll lose what I consider the center point based on the grip. If you figure out a personal solution please follow up with a post. Would love to know.

Edited:
In the YouTube instruction video it shows where you can press the button 5 times to calibrate back to center. You have to lay the grip on a flat surface just like it shows in the video. That should solve the issue you describe.
see here: http://youtu.be/PACWhQw9zqs?t=16m16s

Would it be possible to mount this on a monopod?

Don - The base of the handle is threaded for both 1/4-20 and 3/8-16 so yes.

Also - for anyone else interested, Dave Dugdale has just put up a video about this model.

Trying to Setup the Nebula 4000 Lite 3 Axis Gimbal Video 1 - YouTube

I've been using the Nebula 4000 lite for a few days now with the Sony a6000 and 16mm lens. Liking it a lot, though I have yet to get it really fine tuned for balance - trying to get it balanced with a Really Right Stuff L bracket and quick release clamp.

One small thing I don't like about the Nebula 4000 is the cheap case it comes in. . Has anyone found a good alternative yet like a Pelican or Storm case?

I wish I could help with a suggestion. I have yet to run the software to fine tune any settings, and after messing around with I'm starting to develop an idea of what I want to adjust. I can tell you that while using when I pan the camera, sometimes I push it back to where I want it because I'll lose what I consider the center point based on the grip. If you figure out a personal solution please follow up with a post. Would love to know.

Edited:
In the YouTube instruction video it shows where you can press the button 5 times to calibrate back to center. You have to lay the grip on a flat surface just like it shows in the video. That should solve the issue you describe.
see here: Nebula4000 Lite User Manual [3-Axis Gyroscope Stabilizer] - YouTube (http://youtu.be/PACWhQw9zqs?t=16m16s)

This is the main reason I don't like this gimbal. On many of the other two hand held gimbals have a joy stick by which you can make a roll and pitch adjustment just by touching the Joystick a tad. My little Z-One Pro gimbal for my GoPro has both of these features.

I've been using the Nebula 4000 lite for a few days now with the Sony a6000 and 16mm lens. Liking it a lot, though I have yet to get it really fine tuned for balance - trying to get it balanced with a Really Right Stuff L bracket and quick release clamp.

One small thing I don't like about the Nebula 4000 is the cheap case it comes in. . Has anyone found a good alternative yet like a Pelican or Storm case?

I have been looking myself, . There is also the Nanuk Case's Nanuk Cases - Walmart.com (http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_query=Nanuk%20Cases&adid=22222222220202611746&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=e&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=23313098815&wl4=&veh=sem)

And then there is the option of buying a hard shelled suit case, (Cheaper) They even come with roller wheels.

Could one of you guys tell me how easy it is to attach the a7s to the nebula? I plan on getting one for weddings to replace my sgeadicam but would mean putting it on and removing it quite quickly and regularly.

attaching & balancing and camera would be similar to the steadicam you're using - the best methos would be to use a quick release plate - I'll be getting a small one as my manfrotto is a bit on the large side.

Hi David,
It can be done, but for your requirement I'd suggest a QR plate so you don't have to rebalance every time you mount.

I'm also doing weddings, but I'm (for now planning to mount a Sony a6000 on it permanent. That way I don't need to wrestle with mounting. If you are like me and your steady shots are brief and infrequent you might find the a6000 footage is adequate in daylight.

Also, the a7s only works with a light lens combo.

Unfortunately my Nebula has stopped functioning properly. Looks like a sensor malfunction and I will need a replacement.

As a result, I never got to investigate A7S options thoroughly. Only to say that my a7s plus metabones plus canon 35mm f2 was too front heavy to work on the Nebula.

I was going to try the Sony 16-50mm on it and use APS-C mode. But will have to wait till i get the problem fixed.

Dave Dugdale has a series of videos on the Nebula and has successfully flown the a7s plus metabones plus a Voigtlander lens.

thanks Chris. I do a fair amount of gliding at night so I think I'd need to use the a7s but yes I did intend on using a QR which is what I do now. I just didnt know if you need screwdrivers etc to get the housing apart to release the camera from the QR?

Lens options are certainly limited at the moment...

Just an update. Had to return my Nebula 4000. They are sending me a replacement. It was working fine, but suddenly it stopped working and SimpleBGC software said the sensor was not connected. Everything looked fine on the connections and circuitry.

I'm hoping it was just bad luck as I was really happy with the results even before I got to fine tune the PID settings.

Anyone else bought one?

Dave Dugdale is doing some great detailed stuff on it.

Trying to Setup the Nebula 4000 Lite 3-Axis Gimbal (http://www.learningdslrvideo.com/nebula-4000-lite-1/)
Example Footage from the 3-Axis Gimbal Nebula4000 Lite (http://www.learningdslrvideo.com/nebula4000-lite-2/)
Nebula 4000 Lite Comprehensive Review (http://www.learningdslrvideo.com/nebula-4000-lite-review/)

Hi Clive, I actually had cold sweats reading your description of the fault as it reminded me of when I spent almost 6 months trying to tune 1, then a second, then a third gimbal for one of my aerial platforms and I had the same error repeatedly. In the end I gave up and vow'd never to touch the SimpleBGC software again. Damn you Nebula for grabbing my interest again..

I went through the same tthing with a CameTV 7000, Royal pain in the ass! I just got a AllSteady Pro 5 from Turboace, I have used it about 5 times now and removed the camera and remounted a couple of times with no rebalance issues (5 Minutes). It works very well. Have not even looked at the software, don't think I will need to either, unless I have to recalibrate it due to it being moved around a lot when traveling..

you can get a connection error or a "wrong firmware version error that isn't the gimbal - you may need a software driver to simulate a com port - CP210x VCP (virtual com port)

The problem seems to be getting a 4000Lite. I've looked at all the Chinese sites, plus I spoke with Filmpower, and everyone is on backlog waiting for shipments. I've ordered from Hobby Wow in China that sort of showed the earliest delivery but they now emailed and said shipping is delayed until next week.

I'm an engineer and can work through all the balance and servo issues, and so spoiled with 3 axis gimbals with a gopro, I want to move this capability up to heavier cameras. I have a trip/shoot starting January 24. Anyone know how to get a 4000Lite before then?

Deal direct. AT least I assume this is direct. Weird that it doesn't have film power in the domain name though. But this is them.

Nebula 3-Axis Gyroscope Stablilzer home (http://shop.chdntech.com/nebula/)

I'm getting a replacement model, which was shipped yesterday. Stock is there. Maybe I bumped the queue though to keep me happy?

Deal direct. AT least I assume this is direct. Weird that it doesn't have film power in the domain name though. But this is them.

Nebula 3-Axis Gyroscope Stablilzer home (http://shop.chdntech.com/nebula/)

Thanks for the direct link. When I click through on this site to order it is with Filmpower in San Francisco. I already spoke with them and they don't have stock.

The address in San Francisco is a simple residental house. It's where I sent my faulty one too. Can't imagine that that's the main place. Maybe an address that gets occassional stock sent just to serve the american market. But the main outfit is definately Hong Kong. Hong Kong is where my original was shipped from, and my replacement too. Ordered through the site I linked.

The address in San Francisco is a simple residental house. It's where I sent my faulty one too. Can't imagine that that's the main place. Maybe an address that gets occassional stock sent just to serve the american market. But the main outfit is definately Hong Kong. Hong Kong is where my original was shipped from, and my replacement too. Ordered through the site I linked.
Yes, because you are in Europe your browser links to a Hong Kong office. Because I'm in North America my browser links to a San Francisco office (a house). I expect the company itself is in Shenzhen, China.

Camera Motion Research is now shipping the Nebula 4000.

Rich Greb
CMR
Camera Motion Research - Camera Stabilization and Wireless HD Video (http://www.camotionllc.com)

Camera Motion Research is now shipping the Nebula 4000.

Rich Greb
CMR

Thanks Rich. Order placed.

Camera Motion Research is now shipping the Nebula 4000.

I"m a bit confused here, is this the same unit chdntech or filmpower is selling and if so, are there any modifications made to the one you have in your store now?

Noa, yes it's the same unit. Currently we're just adding improved allen wrenches and method of retaining one on the Nebula 4000. We'll soon be adding a very useful tripod stand accessory (not in stock yet, you can see it on our Facebook page).

Rich Greb
CMR

Thx for the info, if you are selling it under your name it must be good. :)
Do you know if there will be some European resellers that will be taking your product into their range? I"m looking into buying such a small stabilizer this year but would prefer to buy locally so I don't have to deal with customduties and other added taxes, also when dealing with warranty (2 year standard here) it's easier to just give a malfunctioning product to a local dealer instead of having it to send overseas myself.

Here are two dealers for the Nebula 4000 in the EU.

U.K.
Production Gear Ltd - Broadcast and Professional Cameras & Accessories (http://www.videogear.co.uk)
Address:5 Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. WD6 1SF

FRANCE
Pampuri's Blog | Le blog en français qui cause des nouvelles technologies de prise de vue (http://www.pampuri.net)
173, rue faubourg Poissonniere 75009 Paris
(supposed to have a retail store in Paris)

Rich Greb
CMR