The C-PAN camera guide arm is a jib, slider and curve all rolled into one

I have to admit that the jib market is not an innovative market, I mean the mechanical basics have been laid down years ago and aside a few clever travel form factors for jibs we have not seen much.

But 9.solutions really got me by surprise when they announced the C-PAN camera guide. I am not exactly sure how to categorize it in terms of movement, because it can function as a jib, slider or curve, depending on how you set it up.

The mechanics are not very complex but they are based on some solid geometry of parallel and non parallel lines. While it its most basic configuration it acts similarly to the rail-less wing slider, other configurations makes it a jib, or a a curved slider. All with very smooth motion.

But unlike a regular slider or a jib, which only move in one or two plains, the C-PAN can create a smooth motion in a all three dimensions

It is kinda hard to explain what it is, so here is a short video by Rick Young:

Here is 9 solutions video for NAB

And lastly, here is the C-ARM product page again, still no pricing or release date….

NAB will be one of the first public appearances of the company with a big rig (they had a quick show at last Photokina with some mounting accessories), and this is quite an interesting first product. I am really interested in seeing what else this company is going to bring out.

[C-pan | 9 solutions]