Kessler CineShooter+ Motion Control System Launched – Now Optimized for Unreal Engine

Camera Support

by Francesco AndreolaMarch 5^th, 2024

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Kessler Crane launched a revamped version of their popular CineShooter motion control system. For about the same price as its predecessor, the brand-new Kessler CineShooter+ packs a quieter gearbox, features a brighter OLED screen, and supports integration with Unreal Engine for tracker-less virtual production workflows.

Over the last 20+ years, American manufacturer Kessler Crane has made a name for themselves by producing all sorts of reliable camera support gear, from cranes and jibs to dollies, sliders, and motion control systems.

The first iteration of their CineShooter nodal pan and tilt head was first unveiled in 2020. If you’d like to have a complete overview of what this system is all about, make sure to watch this extensive interview we shot with Eric, CEO and founder of Kessler, around their original motion control head. But now, let’s take a look at what’s new with the “+” version!

What’s new with the Kessler CineShooter+?

The Kessler CineShooter+ is a motorized pan and tilt head that can be pre-programmed to create dynamic, repeatable camera movements. The head itself weighs about 2.4kg/5.4 lbs and can withstand a camera package with a weight ranging from 6.8kg/15 lbs up to 22.6kg/50 lbs.

While the overall form factor has remained pretty much unchanged, the gearbox that drives the system has been completely redesigned from the ground up. The company opted for a modified helical planetary design that should provide 40% more power, quieter operation, and negligible backlash (< 0.01°). The maximum pan and tilt speeds are claimed to be 387°/s and 175°/s.

On top of that, sitting next to the physical joystick, we can find a larger OLED display that is brighter compared to the previous model. Although I couldn’t find the exact brightness of the screen, it is said to be easily viewable even in daylight conditions. The UI has also been revised.

Just like the original CineShooter, the “+” version can be used in a standalone configuration or mounted on a dolly, slider, or jib to create complex camera movements. Additionally, it is compatible with other Kessler motion control products, like their Second Shooter Pro, Lens Control Motor, Digital Control Center, and Power Blok.

When it comes to controlling the system, you are spoilt for choice. Indeed, you can use the onboard controls, the CineShooter+ Remote App (iOS/Android), game controllers (including PS4 and XBOX), inertia wheels, or the proprietary kOS software. Moreover, you get access to a long list of shooting modes, such as timelapse, looping, fast or quiet motion, Freemotion™, stop motion (including integration with Dragonframe), and more.

Unreal Engine integration via kOS Premium software

With virtual production on the rise, the biggest innovation brought by the CineShooter+ is its ability to communicate with Unreal Engine for a tracker-free workflow. This means that camera trackers are no longer needed on set since the system can seamlessly transfer data (such as values for pan/tilt/roll, camera motion, and focus) directly to the virtual production software.

The biggest caveat, however, is that this type of workflow requires the paid Premium version of Kessler’s proprietary kOS motion control software, which is available for Mac, PC, or iPad OS. You can find an in-depth tutorial on how to set up the UE integration here.

Price and availability

The new Kessler CineShooter+ is available in two different bundles – Standard or Macro. The former is recommended for most applications, while the latter is suitable for macro cinematography when audio is not a big deal. Both flavors share the same official retail price of $3,200.

The Lite version of kOS is completely free of charge, while the Premium variant normally costs $9.95/month, $99.95/year, or $199 for a perpetual license. However, with the purchase of a CineShooter+, you will also get 1 free year of kOS Premium.

For more information, please visit Kessler Crane’s website here.

Have you ever shot using a Kessler CineShooter? What do you think of this updated version? Do you think it can simplify your virtual production workflow? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!