This video reviews the SmallRig Transformers Bumblebee Edition filmmaking accessories, highlighting their cool design and practical functionality.
The Shock Absorber Support effectively reduces vertical bounce for car-mounted action cameras, preventing stabilization "drift" often seen in in-camera stabilization.
The Rosette Arm is praised for its versatility, secure metal jaws, and dual 1/4-20 screws, making it ideal for mounting secondary cameras or creating unique POV shots.
The Foldable Multi-Tool Kit provides essential tools (flathead, hex) for camera rig adjustments, adding a stylish pop of color.
The RF 10C Portable Focusable LED Video Light offers a spotlight effect with adjustable beam size, color presets, and included gobos to create various lighting shapes.
Finally, the VB99 Pro Mini V-Mount Battery is a compact, high-capacity power solution with multiple output ports (including USB-C charging) for cameras and monitors.
All accessories feature distinctive yellow Bumblebee branding and come with a limited edition, individually numbered nameplate.
Components of the SmallRig Transformers Shock Absorber Support kit
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Introduction to SmallRig Transformers Accessories [0:00]
The video introduces a new line of filmmaking accessories from SmallRig, developed in collaboration with Transformers, featuring a distinctive Bumblebee theme. These accessories aim to combine practical functionality with a unique, collectible aesthetic.
The SmallRig Transformers RF 10C LED Video Light
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This accessory is designed to mitigate the "bounciness" often experienced when mounting cameras, especially action cameras like the DJI Pocket 3, to vehicles.
Components and Assembly:
The kit includes a limited edition Bumblebee nameplate.
Key parts: a spring mechanism, a powerful suction cup for secure mounting, a rosette arm to connect components, a counterweight for balance, and an additional mount for action/360 cameras.
The robust suction cup of the Shock Absorber Support
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The rosette arm component from the shock absorber support kit
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The assembly involves attaching the suction cup to a flat surface, then connecting the rosette arm and spring before mounting the camera.
Attaching the suction cup for the Shock Absorber Support to a car hood
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Connecting the rosette arm to the suction cup during setup
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Assembling the spring mechanism onto the rosette arm
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Mounting an action camera onto the assembled Shock Absorber Support
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Functionality and Adjustment:
The spring's dampening can be adjusted (strengthened or weakened) to fine-tune its shock-absorbing capabilities.
Recommended for setups weighing at least 100g / 3.8oz for maximum stability.
In-car footage demonstrates the effectiveness of the support in reducing vertical bounce.
In-car footage captured using the SmallRig Shock Absorber Support
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Benefits for Action Camera Footage:
Addresses the issue of "drift" that often occurs when using in-camera stabilization on action cameras mounted to moving objects like cars. This drift distorts the perspective, making the camera appear detached from the vehicle and challenging to maintain consistent framing.
Example footage showing stabilization "drift" with in-camera stabilization
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By turning off in-camera stabilization and relying on the physical shock absorber, users can achieve a stable, "locked-off" shot that preserves the illusion of the camera being fixed to the car, ensuring consistent framing even when driving.
Described as an invaluable and versatile tool for filmmakers, this rosette arm offers extensive mounting possibilities.
Design and Features:
Features prominent Transformers branding and yellow Bumblebee accents.
The SmallRig Transformers Rosette Arm with Bumblebee branding
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Equipped with robust metal jaws for an exceptionally secure lock, preventing accessories from coming loose.
Both ends have 1/4-20 screws and locking pins for broad compatibility with various camera accessories.
Close-up of the 1/4-20 screws and locking pins on the Rosette Arm
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Practical Applications:
Camera Rig Expansion: Commonly used by professionals to attach secondary cameras (like action or 360 cameras) to their main rig, enabling behind-the-scenes content creation for social media.
A secondary action camera mounted to a main rig using the Rosette Arm
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Dynamic POV Shots: Ideal for capturing unique point-of-view shots by mounting a camera off the main rig, offering a distinctive perspective attached to the camera operator.
Capturing a unique POV shot using the Rosette Arm on a camera rig
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Match Cuts: Facilitates creative match cuts, providing a dynamic way to transition between scenes and enhance storytelling during filming activities.
A compact and essential tool for on-set adjustments.
Features:
Sporting the signature Bumblebee yellow color and Transformers branding.
The SmallRig Transformers Foldable Multi-Tool Kit
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Includes common tools such as flathead screwdrivers and various hex tools.
The multi-tool with its various hex and flathead tools extended
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Utility:
Provides all necessary tools for quick and easy adjustments to camera rigs and accessories in the field.
The Bumblebee multi-tool attached to a camera rig
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Its durable construction and distinct branding make it a practical and aesthetically pleasing addition to any filmmaker's kit.
RF 10C Portable Focusable LED Video Light (Bumblebee Edition) [6:41]
A versatile LED light designed for creative lighting effects.
Key Capabilities:
Functions like a spotlight, allowing users to adjust the beam size by extending or retracting the lens.
The SmallRig Transformers RF 10C Portable Focusable LED Video Light
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The RF 10C light projecting a focused beam
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Comes with pre-installed color presets: red, yellow, blue, and white.
The RF 10C light displaying a red color preset
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Features 1/4-20 mounting points for flexible positioning.
Gobos for Creative Shapes:
Includes a variety of gobos (pattern holders) to project interesting shapes and patterns onto surfaces, adding stylistic elements to shots.
A selection of gobos included with the RF 10C LED light
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A triangular light pattern projected using a gobo
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The light can project creative shapes onto subjects.
A "sunset" pattern projected onto the speaker using a gobo
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Applications:
Primarily used as an accent light to add background textures, illuminate specific areas, or create atmospheric effects like light streaming through blinds for product B-roll.
Its small size and lightweight design enhance its portability and creative utility.
VB99 Pro Mini V-Mount Battery (Bumblebee Edition) [7:50]
A reliable and powerful portable battery solution for camera setups.
Technical Specifications:
A compact 99Wh V-mount battery.
The SmallRig Transformers VB99 Pro Mini V-Mount Battery with its display screen
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Offers multiple output ports: two USB-C, one USB-A, 12V out, 8V out, and a D-Tap port.
A close-up of the multiple output ports on the VB99 Pro Mini V-Mount Battery
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The D-Tap port on the VB99 Pro Mini V-Mount Battery
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Usage and Charging:
Commonly used to power camera rigs, including the camera body and external monitors, providing extended operational hours.
The VB99 Pro Mini V-Mount Battery mounted on a camera rig
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A significant advantage is its USB-C charging capability, eliminating the need for bulky, slow D-Tap chargers and streamlining the charging process on set.
Aesthetic Appeal:
While functionally identical to the standard VB99 Pro, this Bumblebee Edition features a vibrant yellow color and Transformers branding, offering a unique visual flair to a filmmaker's kit.
The distinctive Bumblebee branding on the V-mount battery
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The back of the VB99 Pro Mini V-Mount Battery showing Transformers branding
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