Review: eMotimo Cart

In this article I’ll introduce you to a new product from a familiar company, eMotimo. Last year I reviewed the eMotimo TB3 Black (Figure 1, below). This is a two-axis camera robot. It can do panning and tilting. It’s programmable and it also has a built-in intervalometer.

Figure 1. The eMotimo TB3 Black two-axis camera robot with a Canon 6D mounted on top. Click the image to see it at full size.

As video producers, we won't necessarily be using an intervalometer a lot, but intervalometers are great for moving a camera with smooth motion from point A to point B without involving large, heavy, expensive equipment. Intervalometers are relatively cost-effective devices that you can throw in a bag and take just about anywhere, or keep in a cabinet in your studio so you can pull them out when you need them.

In last year’s TB3 review, I looked at the robot with a 4-foot rail system from Rhino Camera Gear (Figure 2, below), which effectively adds a third axis of movement control, and is very similar to the new product we're going to talk about in this review. You'll see some of the differences later in this review.

Figure 2. The Rhino Camera Gear rails system featured in the TB3 review. Click the image to see it at full size.

Enter the eMotimo Cart

In this review we'll be focusing on the eMotimo Cart (Figure 3, below). This is a product the company introduced in early 2015. It’s similar to the Rhino rails system reviewed with the TB3 but with some key differences.

Figure 3. The 6D and TB3 rolling on the eMotimo Cart. Click the image to see it at full size.

First of all, the eMotimo Cart does not have to be tied to a specific place. It doesn't have to be used in conjunction with a tripod or feet. It’s got its own set of wheels and its own power. You can set an angle with the large nut shown in Figure 4 (below) to determine what kind of arc you want for your shot. You can go in a straight line or anywhere up to 90 degrees in either direction.

Figure 4. Set an angle for the Cart with the large gray nut above the front wheel using the angle markings below as a guide. Click the image to see it at full size.

Cart Construction

The construction of the Cart is high quality. It's built with aluminum. It's got a nice semi-matte black finish and it's easy to put together. Each wheel comes separate in the box, and then you've got the axle and the main body that simply go together with a couple of washers, o-rings for traction, and wing nuts.