Pushing the Footprint of 3D Production to Look More Like 2D

Paradise FX today announced Helios, a new wireless 3D stereo rig for RED Epic cameras. It's designed for camerawork including handheld, Steadicam and studio configurations, and supports the company's Mercury metadata-capture system. The company said its overall goal is to reduce the burden of 3D production by offering production services that bring stereo shoots more in line with 2D.
The Helios rig specifically is designed to give Steadicam operators the same freedom they would have when shooting with a single camera, and to allow quick changes between camera configurations – from tripod or crane to dolly or handheld modes.

The naked rig starts at 18 pounds, then weighs in at 42 pounds in Steadicam mode, 47 pounds in handheld mode, and 53 pounds in studio mode. It measures 18.5 inches high, 18.5 inches long, and 8.5 inches wide, with a 15-inch mirror box. The interaxial can be set between 0 and 2 inches, and convergence can be set as close as 10 inches.

Paradise’s Mercury metadata features allow relevant information about settings and lenses to be preserved for use in post. Available lens pairs include ARRI Ultra Primes and Angenieux Compact Zooms. Paradise also offers an on-set digital-lab system for dailies review, archiving, and adjustment of stereo footage.

Support for the ARRI Alexa M and the Sony F3 is planned for the future.

For more information: www.paradisefx.com.