Commercial Pan and Tilt Rig - eMotimo PT

Hey Dan,
Thanks for taking and look and your comments.

You are correct - the current version is panning about 3 inches off node (for most DSLR's) and tilting at the base of the camera (probably a couple inches). To go on node, everything has to get bigger. I have built a larger version to see if this is feasible using similar manufacturing methods and things look promising. For the larger form factor, everything (bearings, shafts, gears and support structure) has to increase in size which also drives up expense. For those working out of a studio, the size, and weight increase probably wouldn't be an issue, but my initial target was to get something as small and light as possible.

I have also wanted to try stitched panoramas or "sphere-oramas". I haven't done that much research on the topic, but how much does being a few inches off node affect the result?

Are you looking for tilt functionality too, or would a single axis on node rig work for you?

Best regards,
Brian

Nathan,
Thanks for the comments and the questions!   I have omitted the espresso maker and the voice activated navigation system to save on cost.   :)

In all seriousness, my goal with the rig was to make it feature rich for the price and do what the big boys (read big price tag) do for a much lower cost.    I did this by using off the shelf parts where I could where it didn't compromise quality.    This drives my costs for parts and assembly down.     What you are missing from some of the expensive rigs is capacity for larger setups.   eMotimo PT works great with most DSLR setups, but won't handle a fully kitted up rig with LCD's and Matt boxes or a Red or Panovision camera.    If you have those sort of cameras - you probably aren't my target market anyway.   I am creating for the common man, woman, and monkey who have some great cameras and want to extend their creative options.     The rationale was to make:
1)  An extremely portable rig that can be hiked anywhere (the unit without camera and battery is less than 3 lbs!)
2)  An extremely easy to use rig.   No laptop is required and reading the instruction manual is optional.   Most people just follow the prompts from the LCD and use the Wii-Nunchuck to program their first move in a few minutes after opening the box!   Really - it is that easy.    You might have missed it but, check out the setup video here on the eMotimo site.  
3)  A feature rich motion control (MOCO) solution.     Just one of the things eMotimo PT can do is moving timelapse.    Beyond that, it is position sensitive so it allows you do quite a bit more than pan and tilt heads that are DC motor driven.    While DC motors are powerful, without feedback they have no ability to repeat a shot.     You can get close, but it won't be exact.   eMotimo PT users steppers to keep the motion exact so you can repeat you shots to do overlay shots or even composites.  Check out what Steven Poe from IzmoStock said about the eMotimo PT - you can also see some other Pan and Tilt solutions out there:
http://www.izmostock.com/2011/07/motion-control-time-lapse-equipment-review-2/
Give me a ring if you have any questions - you can find my contact information here:
http://www.emotimo.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4&Itemid=7
Best regards,
Brian