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Neutron from 3ality Technica

"Because 3D doesn’t like jittery handheld movement, we chose Element Technica’s Neutron rig to support our two HD cameras on the Steadicam." -Steven Douglas Smith, Director of Photography

The 3ality Technica Neutron 3D rig is engineered to provide stereoscopic mounting of the smallest high resolution digital cameras, with C-mount prime lenses, in a full-function 3D rig. Like all three rigs in the Technica 3D family, the Neutron can be configured in side-by-side and beamsplitter mode (both over/thru and under/thru), and can be quickly reconfigured from one mode to the other.

Cameras that can be mounted on a Neutron rig include the SI-2K Mini, Contour, Iconix and Wige Media CUNIMA. The extremely light weight of these cameras, with the Neutron’s own light weight and size, make this tiny rig the optimal solution for hand held operation or mounting on a Steadicam. The Neutron can also be easily squeezed into small spaces and hidden on-stage for capturing performance videos in 3D. Untethered control of interocular and convergence on the Neutron is provided by a wireless link with the Technica 3D Hand Controller (THC). Neutrons can also be interfaced with stereoscopic optimization processors such as the Sony MPE-200, which allows them to be quickly integrated into multi-camera productions. Small though it is, the Neutron is manufactured from the same aircraft-grade CNC machined aluminum as well as stainless steel and carbon fiber as the Quasar. These state-of-the-art aerospace industry materials, coupled with 3ality Technica’s innovative design, provide a 3D rig with exceptional structural integrity and the lowest possible weight. This rigidity and ruggedness are necessary to hold the stereoscopic camera pair in rock-solid position to yield a realistic 3D effect, while minimizing the rig weight contribute to portability and prevent an ungainly system for tripod or crane mounting.


Production Neutron
Neutron on location for Discovery Channel
Pre-production Neutron used for a U.S. Navy shoot

The Neutron 3D rig shares a small, common set of tools, setup and alignment procedures with its two larger siblings, the mid-sized Pulsar and the large camera Quasar rigs. An experienced 2D assistant trained on one of the rigs can apply that knowledge to the whole family of rigs.

In the few short months since 3ality Technica has begun delivering the Neutron, the tiny 3D rig has already found a home on several movie sets.

Producers of The Darkest Hour deployed a pair of Neutrons on the film. “I was thrilled with the Element Technica 3D rigs,” remarked cinematographer Scott Kevan. “We used the Neutron outfitted with Sony P1s for Steadicam and handheld work. All rigs worked as designed, so we were able to shoot 50’ Technocrane shots, process trailer sequences, running Steadicam shots, and even a bungie rig on the back of an ATV.”

For a video for the Navy, director of photography Steven Douglas Smith deployed the Neutron with a pair of HD cameras on a Steadicam. “The setup allowed us to move the cameras into small spaces and still have it be an effective 3D environment. The ability to swap over and change configuration from beamsplitter two side-by-side for long lens work was also a plus. It allowed us the ability to do shots over and over again, without reconfiguring the system.”

    Features:
  • Conversion from beamsplitter to side-by-side takes only minutes
  • Extremely compact; world’s smallest professional beamsplitter rig
  • Beamsplitter box slides at 45° between both cameras for easy centering
  • Integrated IO+C motors and electronics
  • THC (Technica Hand Controller) wired/wireless remote hand unit
  • Optional Lens Control Module for Heden or Preston motors
  • Optional IO (input/output) module allows integration with 3D image processors from Sony, Franhoefer (STAN) and 3Ality as well as multiple meta-data options
  • Mechanical readouts allow manual operation without power
  • Ideal for smaller diameter lenses like C-Mount primes or zooms
  • Uses same handset and electronics as Quasar and Pulsar for simplified spares management
    • Modular construction allows the following rig configurations in one rig:
  • Beamsplitter Over/Thru tripod or crane mounting (cinema)
  • Beamsplitter Under/Thru tripod, handheld or Steadicam (broadcast)
  • Side-by-side
    • Cameras/Lenses:
  • SI-2K, Cumina, Contour, Iconix and most other small form factor cameras
  • Fujinon, Schneider and Linos C-Mount primes
  • Small diameter B-4 lenses; <2.5”

    Modular construction allows following configurations:
    • 1. Beamsplitter Over/Through (BS-OT) tripod or crane mounting (traditional)
    • 2. Beamsplitter Under/Through (BS-UT) tripod, hand-held or Steadicam
    • 3. Side x Side SxS

  • Conversion from beamsplitter to side x side takes only minutes
  • Extremely compact; world’s smallest professional beamsplitter rig
  • Beamsplitter box slides at 45° between both cameras for easy centering
  • Integrated IO+C motors and electronics
  • THC (Technica Hand Controller) wired/wireless remote hand unit
  • Optional Lens Control Module for Heden or Preston motors
  • Optional IO (input/output) module allows integration with 3D image processors from Sony, Franhoefer (STAN) and 3Ality as well as multiple meta-data options
  • Mechanical readouts allow manual operation without power
  • Ideal for smaller diameter lenses like C-Mount primes or Zooms
  • Uses same handset and electronics as Quasar and Pulsar for simplified spares management

    Cameras/Lenses
  • SI-2K, Cumina, Iconix and most other small form factor cameras
  • Fujinon, Schneider and Linos C-Mount primes
  • Small diameter B-4 lenses; <2.5”

    Specs
  • IO Travel in inches: 0 – 3.5”
  • Conv min distance in feet: 4’
  • Beamsplitter FOV (w/52mm lens front): 65°
  • Weight (dry): 13 lbs
  • Height: 12”
  • Length: 6.75”
  • Width (main): 8.5”
  • Width (beamsplitter box): 11.5”