Syrp Genie Mini II timelapse motion control device

New Zealand based timelapse hardware manufacturer Syrp has released the Genie Mini II, the second version of the popular Genie Mini.

The Genie Mini II is a hockey puck sized smart device that allows you to move your camera very slowly (either panning or tilting).

Buy the Genie Mini II here: https://geni.us/djOxf

It connects to your phone via Bluetooth and works with the Genie II app.

Watch the video below for an overview of all its functions or read on to find out what else you can get out of the Syrp Genie Mini II.

Syrp Genie Mini II features

The Genie Mini II may look similar to Genie Mini on the outside, but is loaded with features on the inside:

• Latest Bluetooth 4.2 technology: Providing a more reliable and faster connection with other Syrp devices and the Syrp smartphone app.
• USB-C – For charging and soon, for camera control (see below for upcoming features).
• Frame accurate motion: This is great for VFX shots where you need exact repeatable motion. (see the GIF below for reference)
• Multi-row panorama: Use the new Genie II app to sync two Genie Minis together (Pan Tilt). Simply specify the focal length and overlap for each image, shoot up to 5 rows and unlimited columns for creating high-resolution images.
• The above can be used to create Gigapixel photos.
• Set up to 10 keyframes and program more complex motion control movements allowing you to pan at different speeds and directions.
• Connect Genie Mini II to other Syrp products like the Genie II Linear, Pan Tilt or even other Genie Mini’s. Customise each axis separately for more advanced motion control movements.
• The Simple Setup feature allows you to adjust your smooth panning motion time-lapse or real-time video by using the simple dial user interface in order to quickly set up record time, shoot interval and final play time.
• In-app joystick control for setting start and end points. Use the onscreen joystick to move the Genie Mini II to the desired start and end point.
• WiFi will enable you to access future software features.

Advanced features that will be available via firmware updates in the future:

• Camera control: Control the camera's settings directly from your smartphone. Adjust exposure settings like ISO, shutter speed and aperture remotely.
• Time-lapse compiler: Process a time-lapse video directly on your device to see a time-lapse preview. You will even be able to share directly to Facebook or Instagram.
• Auto Exposure ramping: Shoot a day-to-night time-lapse using our built-in exposure ramping tool that automatically ramps exposure values.

If you'd like to learn how to do exposure ramping and how to shoot sunset or sunrise timelapses, check out my guide about that here.

Syrp Genie Mini II hardware specifications:

• Dimensions: 3.6 x 3.6 x 1.8″ / 91.5 x 91.5 x 46mm (LxWxH)
• Weight: 8.1 oz / 230 g
• Payload for panning: 8.8 lb / 4 kg
• Payload for tilting: 6.6 lb / 3 kg centered
• Battery life: Time-Lapse: 15 hours / Video: 6 hours / Charge time: 2 hours
• Movement speed: 360° in 33 seconds
• Hardware interface: Bluetooth 4.2 Low Energy, Wifi 2.4 Ghz, USB-C port, 2.5mm shutter control port
• Compatibility: Natively syncs with: Genie II Linear, Genie Mini II and Genie Mini (first edition). Syncs with: Genie (first edition) when combined with a Genie Mini (first edition).
• Threads: Standard 1/4″ thread at the top, with a 3/8″ hole in the bottom. The Genie Mini II comes with a 3/8″ to 1/4″ converter.

Comparing Genie Mini I and Genie Mini II

I've been getting a lot of questions on my gear account on instagram (www.instagram.com/matjoez_bts) about how the first version compares to the second version. This chart from the Syrp website shows the differences.

Pairing multiple Genie Mini II devices

If you have two Genie Mini II devices you can use the Syrp Pan and Tilt bracket to combine them into a two axis motion control device.

When set up and turned on, the devices automatically figure out their orientation (pan or tilt). This is reflected in the app.

It's very easy to set up a pan / tilt move using multiple keyframes (up to 10) in the Genie II app.

The Genie Mini II is also easy to pair with the Genie II linear. Check out my reviews of the Genie II linear as well as the Genie Pan and Tilt below:

matjoez.com/2018/10/01/syrp-genie-ii-pan-tilt-and-linear-motion-control-device-review/

Using repeatable motion

The Genie Mini II has a very accurate movement mechanism.

If you enable a keyframed move to be repeated, the device will repeat it in exactly the same way as the previous run.

If you record yourself during a few takes with repeatable motion it becomes very easy to duplicate yourself, as you can see below.

All you need to do is find the start and end of every motion sequence and layer them on top of each other. Then you apply a mask on the part of the video that you would like to retain. In this case I added two separate masks to the top two layers (the red outlines). All that is left is keyframing the beginning and end location of these masks to make sure they move along with the panning shot.

Where to buy the Genie Mini II and accessories:

If you purchase anything from the below links I might make a small percentage of the sale, at no extra cost to you. This is part of my income and helps me make more free content.

Syrp Genie Mini II – http://geni.us/djOxf
Syrp Pan and Tilt bracket – http://geni.us/k1us

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