As I mentioned in my review of The Death and Return of Superman, my interest in visual storytelling began early. Although I initially pursued comic book artistry, my path shifted when my family acquired a video camera during a vacation to Florida. This marked a transition from aspiring comic artist to aspiring filmmaker. Now, some 30 years later, I continue to work in directing and cinematography. When the opportunity arose to evaluate the AK4500 from FeiyuTech, I eagerly accepted.
Upon unboxing the AK4500, I was immediately impressed with its robust and premium feel. The included case is well-suited for transportation, keeping all components organized. However, the separate packaging for the follow focus module and extension feels somewhat inconvenient. While not a major drawback, integrating these parts into the main case would have enhanced the overall user experience. In lieu of a printed manual, a quick start guide is included, directing users to the comprehensive instructional materials available through the companion app (iOS and Android), which includes clear and helpful video tutorials.
The design of the handle, which also functions as a fold-out tripod, is another well-executed feature. After mounting and balancing my camera, I proceeded with testing. The system is thoughtfully designed, with individual arm locks to simplify the balancing process. While numerous settings are available, achieving basic functionality is straightforward and can be accomplished within approximately ten minutes. Integrating the follow focus and related components will naturally require more setup time. The complete rig, including the camera, has a considerable weight, which can become tiring during extended handheld use, even with two-handed operation. The video below showcases a brief test conducted with the AK4500 and my Canon 750D.
Beyond standard camera stabilization, the AK4500 offers advanced capabilities. It can function as a stationary rig controllable via smartphone or the follow focus unit, the latter providing a control scheme analogous to a Joy-Con for the Nintendo Switch. While a useful feature, I occasionally observed some minor jitter, which was correctable in post-production using software such as After Effects. Furthermore, the AK4500 allows users to program custom movement paths at variable speeds, enabling time-lapse sequences and even functioning as a simplified motion control rig for visual effects applications.
The primary drawback encountered was the gimbal’s susceptibility to corrosion upon exposure to light rain. This suggests a sensitivity to moisture that necessitates thorough cleaning after outdoor use. Another minor inconvenience lies in the design of the included case, which requires re-balancing the gimbal after each disassembly for transport. While not a critical issue, a more practical case design could streamline the setup process.
In conclusion, the AK4500 remains a compelling tool for filmmakers. While priced at approximately 8 500 SEK, it delivers a fluid and user-friendly experience coupled with a comprehensive feature set. We will continue to integrate it into our productions on our Youtube channel, so stay tuned for future videos. In the meantime, the video below provides a detailed overview of its various functionalities.
