The SR-1 in Action: Case Studies
New Perspectives with the SR-1 Small Robotic Head at the BLACK IRIS WEEKLY LIVE Concert
At the BLACK IRIS WEEKLY LIVE concert on September 2nd, 2024, the SR-1 Small Robotic Head paired with the Nikon Z 9 offered a new take on live filming. Here’s what DP Nobuhiro Kuroishi and Director emi had to say about using this setup.
Video director
Cinematographer (DP)
Q. How was shooting with the SR-1 Small Robotic Head at the BLACK IRIS WEEKLY LIVE Concert?
Nobuhiro Kuroishi:
The SR-1 truly transformed my shooting experience. Its compact size and quiet operation were perfect for the smaller venue, where larger camera setups tend to get in the way of the audience. I was really impressed with how discreet the combination of the SR-1 and the Z 9 was — it blended seamlessly into the stage without drawing attention away from the artists. We captured smooth, dynamic shots from various angles, including a moving shot on a slider, set up right in front of the stage, along with unique behind-the-artists shots using another SR-1 and Z 9 placed at the back of the stage. The pan, tilt, roll, and zoom functions offered incredible flexibility, and since it didn’t block the audience’s view, we could film without any interruptions — something much harder to achieve with a videographer.
emi:
As an editor, I was genuinely impressed by the SR-1's versatility and the way it smoothly transitions between fast and slow movements. It really gave us a range of dynamic shots that enhanced the final footage. We placed the SR-1 at the back of the stage, and its discreet design made it blend in perfectly, almost like it was just another stage light. This subtlety is perfect for capturing stunning stage shots without drawing attention away from the performers. I really feel this gear has changed the game for how we can film live events.
Q. How does the SR-1 Small Robotic Head and Nikon gear setup compare to your previous camera and equipment setups for similar live events?
Nobuhiro Kuroishi:
In the past, when shooting from the stage, I often relied on action cameras. The downside was that the image quality varied significantly between these action cameras and other cameras we used to film the event, which made editing a real challenge. This time, using the SR-1 with Nikon Z 9 cameras made a big difference. Since we shot the entire event with Nikon cameras, the footage was much more consistent. Plus, being able to control the SR-1 remotely made it easy to get a wider variety of shots by flexibly adjusting the camera movements. This consistency and variety won’t just make editing smoother but will also open up more creative possibilities during post-production.
Click the link below for more information on NX Field:
https://nps.nikonimaging.com/technical_info/nx_field/
Q. How do you see the SR-1 being used in future productions?
Nobuhiro Kuroishi:
One of the best things about the SR-1 is that it can be operated remotely, so a videographer doesn’t have to stay by the camera. This is also great for bigger events where you need eight or more cameras. Usually, having a videographer for each camera means you have several people constantly moving around, which can distract the audience. With the SR-1’s remote control, you don’t have that problem. I’m also excited about exploring how we can use it with technologies like Polymotion to track the subject from different camera positions in the venue, like from a high angle and more, all without needing a dedicated camera operator.
emi:
I’m excited about what the SR-1 can do for art direction. For example, when I’m working on music video shoots, which require artists’ concentration, they can be quite sensitive to their environment. Having videographers up close can sometimes throw them off. The SR-1 is perfect because it doesn’t get in the way of their performance. It also opens up cool options for overhead shots and trying out different angles. I’m looking forward to using it to add more variety and creativity to future projects.
The SR-1 Small Robotic Head Debuts at the 10th HBA/KOKUBU Cocktail Competition
The SR-1 Small Robotic Head, paired with the Nikon Z 9, was used to film the 10th HBA/KOKUBU Cocktail Competition 2024. Hear from Satoshi Nemoto, the event’s video switcher, as he shares his thoughts on how this setup performed.
Cameraman
Q: How did the SR-1 Small Robotic Head and Nikon Z 9 setup perform during the event?
However, thanks to the SR-1’s robotics, I was able to place a camera right on the stage for the first time. This was a game changer as I could capture unique angles in places that are generally hard to reach, such as close-ups of their hand movements and the drinks.
Q: What did you find most useful about the SR-1 during the competition?
Satoshi Nemoto: The biggest advantage was being able to place the SR-1 on stage, where a videographer can't stay for long periods of time. I could control its pan, tilt, and zoom functions remotely, as well as adjust camera settings. It let me capture shots from angles we’ve never had before.
Remotely controlling the SR-1 using NX Field.
Click the link below for more information on NX Field:
https://nps.nikonimaging.com/technical_info/nx_field/
For example, I managed to capture close-ups of the competitors mixing drinks from both sides of the stage. The shots showing the competitors’ hands as they carefully poured and garnished the cocktails were especially impressive. You could see every detail, from the precision of their movements to the vibrant colors of the drinks. These angles really brought the event to life. Plus, the SR-1 was so quiet that I could film without distracting the competitors, which made a big difference.
Q: How was the image quality of the Nikon Z 9 during the competition?
Satoshi Nemoto: The image quality was outstanding. Traditional video cameras often struggle with noise in low light, but the Z 9 delivered sharp, clear images with excellent depth and very little noise, even as the venue’s lighting dimmed. The fast lenses also produced a beautiful background blur, which really elevated the video quality. After seeing how well it performed, I’m inspired to use the SR-1 and Nikon Z 9 at other events, especially music shows, where I can capture unique shots in low-light conditions from high or overhead angles.
The SR-1 and Z 9 capturing stunning shots with exceptional image quality, even in low-light conditions.
