SLICK is a neat new GoPro accessory that provides motorized image stabilization for all extreme sports enthusiasts who want to record their achievements without giving nausea to their audience with shaky video footages.
GoPro is a great wearable camera, however it lacks performance for image stabilization. The challenge in providing a good optical image stabilization for a wearable device is the lack of space. That is why SLICK seems to be a very good solution on the paper, because it does not add too much footprint and weight to the GoPro body, while providing a significant improvement to the video quality when shot with a lot of shaking.
Please note that I have not seen the device, I have access to the product photos and the SLICK stabilized video footages. I tried a GoPro camera for a few days while skiing, and the image stabilization is not very good., additionally we all know that optical motorized stabilization is always better, Sony (among others) proved it in a consumer camcorder a while back. So, I am assuming SLICK will be a useful accessory to have for extreme movie making.
SLICK is available for pre-order for $179 (early bird price) or $229 (regular price) on its IndieGogo campaign page, it weighs only 230 grams (0.66lbs) and fits any GoPro with waterproof or skeleton housing. According to SLICK, the battery last for 2 hours and can be charged with a standard USB cable.
Check the video comparison to see the benefits of using the SLICK stabilizer with a GoPro after the jump:
Ubergizmo Q&A with Thomas Agarate, founder, SLICK
Tell us briefly about you, when did you start the company behind SLICK?
I was always passionate about piloting aircrafts, I started my first company in the drone industry when I was 19. I was improving camera stabilization hardware on-board my drones. Then I joined an engineering school and opened my eyes. Everybody needs to stabilize his camera. So I brought this professional stabilization technology to mainstream by developing Slick at age 21: A plug and play product, easy to use, affordable and robust.
How can you back up your claim of delivering the “the world’s best GoPro stabilizer”?
The GoPro is used mostly for action sports. It’s robust, light and design. Slick is the only stabilizer that has a GoPro mount and carry the GoPro with its waterproof housing. Finally, the GoPro is used in the air, on the ground and beneath the waves, so does SLICK. Slick is the only stabilizer that is waterproof.
How long did it take for the R&D and the prototyping?
We started working on Slick at my Engineering school, in an office the school provided. I was attending classes during day, and working in the office at night. It took one year and a half to create and develop the final prototype.
Do you have any patent or patent-pending technology integrated in SLICK?
We don’t have any patent/patent-pending. Stabilization technology already exists, but no one has developed this technology for this specific usage. We simply made a smart case around 3 motors and sensors to get what action sports lovers really want.
Why GoPro is not doing it since image stabilization is THE feature most camera manufacturers improve each time on their new products?
It’s pretty clear that if GoPro release a stabilizer for their camera it would mean their camera is not very good and needs another accessory to improve it. GoPro works on the software stabilization, but it’s nothing compared to SLICK stabilization!
Thomas Agarate, founder, SLICK on the right
Key features:
- Weight: 230g / 0.5lbs
- Size: 10x10x8 cm / 3.9×3.9×3.1 inches
- Waterproof to a depth of 1m / 3ft
- Sensors: 3axis accelerometer, gyroscopes (3), magnetometer
- Motors: brushless DC (3)
- Battery: removable lithium polymer, 12V / 900mAh (2hour operation)
- Ports: micro USB (charging + updating firmware)
Filed in . Read more about Camcorder, Crowdfunding, Gopro and Video.