This Remote Controlled BuggyCam Looks Like Even More Fun To Use Than A Drone

This is what you get when you put a BBC wildlife cameraman (Rob Drewett) and a buggy racer/design engineer (Andy Nancollis) together in the same workspace: a really sweet looking 4WD buggy that can pack your camera over all sorts of terrain at speeds of up to 40mph. Collectively called Motion Impossible, the two based the BuggyCam design on a race proven remote controlled vehicle, and as though that wasn’t cool enough, Drewett and Nancollis made it even better by developing their V-CON camera mount system to pair with a Freefly Movi M15 stabilizer ($11,995), which means you can use it to get professional quality photos and smooth video.

It also means it’s sturdy enough to carry professional grade photography and cinematography equipment. In fact, in the two clips below, you can see the guys using it to tote around a RED while shooting on location in a forest and also capturing some great footage of a peregrine in flight.

The BuggyCam isn’t just for the rough and tumble kind of jobs either, the deisngers had enough experience to know the BuggyCam needed a “Stealth Mode” which can be operated at slow speeds while running quietly. This is idea for long lenses, really tough terrain, or in shooting situations in which inconspicuous filming is needed.

Here’s the full specs according to the BuggyCam’s website:

• 4wd Transmission
• Tunable offroad chassis
• 15lb/6.8kg payload (based on Freefly Movi M15 limit)
• Suggested camera’s: RED Epic Dragon, Phantom Miro, Alexa M, Sony F5/55 & Black Magic
• Adjustable V-CON stabilising mounting system
• Max speed tuned to suit high (upto 40mph+) or low speed operation.
• Quiet Alien Power System electric powered (brushless) drive system
• High capacity Lithium battery technology for long run times
• Range 1200ft/350m approx
• Wheelbase 610mm
• Track width 510mm
• Wheel diameter 190mm

For anyone who has to work with rails, dollies, or running wires to glide your camera on, this thing seems like a huge time saver. Unfortunately, if you’re ready to buy one of these bad boys, you’re going to have to wait (or DIY your own version). The BuggyCam is currently only available as a wet-hire (rates negotiable) which includes the “hire of the buggy, Gimbal (M15 & M10), and Movi Controller (remote camera control equipment), plus 2 operators (1 camera operator and 1 buggy driver/engineer), and an extensive spares and backup stock.”

[ BuggyCam via ISO1200 ]