Robots (someday) Replacing Photographers: Et tu, Nikon?

[pRICE cUBE]

https://www.dpreview.com/news/9095845778...mera-robot

Nikon-owned Mark Roberts Motion Control has announced that it will release a new smaller version of its Bolt camera robot in April this year. The original Bolt is claimed to be ‘most advanced high-speed camera robot in the world’, and the so-called Bolt Junior aims to continue that legacy in a package that weighs less than half as much, is more capable of working in confined spaces, and costs less as well.

Offering 6-axis movements, the Bolt JR will have an arm’s reach of 1.2m/3.94ft and will be able to travel at up to 3m/9.8ft per second when running on tracks... all while carrying 12kg of camera equipment. Using the company’s Flair software to control the robot, users will be able to program a series of movements that can be repeated exactly, again and again.



With a 50-year legacy developing highly effective camera robotics, Mark Roberts Motion Control (MRMC) have developed Bolt Junior (Bolt JR)

The MRMC Bolt JR has been developed in response to customer need for a smaller, compact, more cost-effective version of the highly regarded high-speed MRMC Bolt Cinebot – the fastest and most advanced motion control rig in the world.

This high-speed, compact 6-axes camera robot arm has been specially developed for film studios, photographic studios and for table-top work where studio space and budget are a key criterion. Being small and lightweight, Bolt JR is also easily maneuverable and transportable.

But make no mistake… Bolt JR may be short on size and stature but packs a mighty punch enabling impressive camera robotic capability. Available in pedestal and on-track versions, the Bolt JR cinebot has an arm reach of 1.2 metres and can move high-speed on-track at over 3m per second with a camera payload up to 12kg.

Camera robots can empower the cameraman, motion control operator and photography director to get the camera exactly where it needs to be for unique tight camera angles, special effects and to capture all the action and drama.

Controlling and programming Bolt JR is quick and straight- forward using the MRMC Flair system. Bolt JR with Flair offers a wide variety of automated functions and precision repeat functions. For complete flexibility, Bolt JR can also automate lighting, trigger synchronised SFX timecodes, rig movement or model movement.

[C(-)ris]

More like photographers will need to learn a new skill to stay relevant. Someone still has to program and control it.

[hal]

cube - how long do think it will be until a guy with your skills (but young) will be UNABLE to get any photo job?

How long until there are no more photogs on the sidelines?

[pRICE cUBE]

hal wrote:
cube - how long do think it will be until a guy with your skills (but young) will be UNABLE to get any photo job?

How long until there are no more photogs on the sidelines?

With current technological development, maybe 20-25 years before these take over the 4 major leagues in the USA and high level events such as Olympics, World Cup Futbol.

[DP]

It's all coming down to software, IMHO. People take crappy pix on smartphones and it's turned into good images. I think the only photographers in the future will be artists.

[Ombligo]

pRICE cUBE wrote:
[quote=hal]
cube - how long do think it will be until a guy with your skills (but young) will be UNABLE to get any photo job?

How long until there are no more photogs on the sidelines?

With current technological development, maybe 20-25 years before these take over the 4 major leagues in the USA and high level events such as Olympics, World Cup Futbol.

I think it will be much sooner than that. Not because the robot will be better, but because the league can then control the imagery. Honestly I'm surprised one of the leagues hasn't shut down side line photography. They could put their own league shooters out and distribute the photos themselves for a fee. Another way to make profit and control the brand. The robots could do the same, it doesn't matter how good the images are if they are only images.

[Filliam H. Muffman]

Looking at the original post, I would have thought it was from 5 years ago. With a little CAM background, it should have either four bodies it can swap out preset lenses, or a dozen lenses on something like a RED body. Another option would be something like the cell phones with two dozen lenses.

[mattkime]

hal wrote:
cube - how long do think it will be until a guy with your skills (but young) will be UNABLE to get any photo job?

How long until there are no more photogs on the sidelines?

Heh, I think you're a bit off target regarding the pressures on the photography market.

Its fucking hard (for a lot of the wrong reasons) to break into the market and 'skill' does not take the number one spot. Much more to do with the decline in money in the hands of print media, combined with 'anyone can take a photo.'

Why would robots become photographers when they could be assembling cars?