This workshop on a Saturday in mid-September was not to be missed by anyone with interest in top-end drone technology, and camera gimbal stabilisation systems. Held at Studio 230 in Ponsonby Rd, there was a most impressive array of equipment on hand for display, demonstration, and hands-on participation. 

Notably featured were new products such as: DJI Inspire 2 drone, DJI Ronin 2 gimbal rig, Zenmuse X7 camera with Super35 sensor, DJI Masterwheels – a high precision electronic replica of the geared head system which are fully wireless remote control or cable, very heavy-lift drone systems for cameras like the Arri Alexa, very tiny drones at the other end of the scale, and displays by PLS, Imagezone and Mandy VFX.

Centre-piece of the workshop was a panel discussion featuring local experts and NZCS members Murray Milne NZCS, Rob Marsh, Jess Charlton, and Sam Peacocke. As well as local DJI rep Jonathon Kubiak and Jiajia (River) Chen from DJI Global. Jae Morrison led a wide-ranging discussion. Encompassing tips and tricks from seasoned professionals, new cunning ways to mount and utilise systems like the Ronin 2, requests for new features or improvements to DJI gear (dutifully noted by River, to take back to the R&D team in China!) and thoughts on how this new wave of technology has revolutionised the way we move cameras.