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Movi Pro and XL have multiple methods of control, each has pros and cons. To best understand which one to use, we suggest reading this carefully.
The two biggest data types in the industry for wheels are Rate and Absolute. The main difference is that Absolute are coordinates and Rate is relative change.
With Absolute/coordinates, the Inertia Wheels tell the gimbal to go to a specific position, after which, the gimbal moves as quickly as it can to that exact position. A new position arrives almost immediately, as the gimbal has mass and momentum during movement, this all appears like a fluid instant response.
With Rate/relatively change, the Inertia Wheels tell the gimbal to move at a certain speed in a certain direction, after which, the gimbal moves accordingly. A new rate arrives almost immediately and the gimbal adjusts accordingly.
Under ideal circumstances (no wireless interference), both of these signal types have nearly identical results. Under the challenging conditions of a film set, knowing the differences can make all the difference.
We suggest using Lens Roll under most circumstances.
Absolute Lens Roll on a Movi is a really great experience. The gimbal is responsive and precise returning to positions as accurately as the gyros/accelerometers can allow.
To achieve Lens Roll the Inertia Wheels perform complex math to drive the gimbal in multiple dimensions during rolling actions. The result is that the camera rolls on the lens axis.
Limits are incredibly precise with this mode as the limits are set with exact coordinates that are explicitly shared between the Inertia Wheels and gimbal.
Under Absolute Standard the gimbal is driven according to the Freefly's absolute protocol for pan/tilt/roll with simple coordinates.
Because of the motor order, pan is applied first, then roll, then tilt. This means that if you roll with tilt applied, the roll will also shift the tilt.
Limits are incredibly precise with this mode as the limits are set with exact coordinates that are explicitly shared between the Inertia Wheels and gimbal.
Under Rate mode the gimbal is driven according to Freefly's rate protocol for pan/tilt/roll with simple coordinates.
Like Absolute Standard, the order of axis application is pan, then roll, then tilt. So the way the roll moves is similar.
The advantage of Rate mode is that when signal loss occurs, the last known rate on any given axis continues to be applied. This means signal loss is harder to notice.
The disadvantage of Rate mode is that it is less repeatable than other modes. So if you set limits, you may notice the limits are less consistent in rate mode.
In this mode, Tilt/Roll are set with absolute coordinates and Pan is left to defer, which means a handheld operator can pan the gimbal. This is good for dual operation.
This special mode is designed for operating overhead shots. With the camera pointed straight down, the pan wheel will pan the camera on the lens axis, tilt will tilt on the lens axis, and roll will roll on the axis of gravity.