The DEFY Rhythm is a fully automated remote dolly system that can handle heavy payloads. It comes with a 100ft / 30.48m long track and DEFY claims that the whole system can be set up in less than 30 minutes.
You can adjust the speed, acceleration, and stopping point. The Rhythm can go as fast as 30mph / 48.28kph or as slow as 0.1 ft/sec.
This product has been in development for a very long time. DEFY originally posted up a video showing a Rhythm prototype four years ago! The Rhythm, up until now, could be used with third-party gimbals that could be mounted onto the Risers. Now, DEFY has introduced their own PTZ style camera options, as well as a specialized platform for attaching large-sized digital cinema cameras. More on this later in the article.
Rhythm uses its own Pulse controller which allows you to manually control the system or set pre-programmable repeatable moves. These moves can also be recorded and played back.
DEFY also claims that the system uses ‘whisper quiet’ motors so it can be used where audio recording is required.
The track is made out of aluminum and there will also be an optional curved version available. The track breaks down into smaller-sized pieces and you can adjust the feet to level it out on flat surfaces that may not be completely even. There is no restriction to the size of the track you can create.
Remote run times can be up to 10 hours utilizing 56V 16Ah high-capacity battery cells.
You can add a Digital Riser that can be adjusted in height from 22″ / 55.88 cm up to 48.6″ / 123.44cm. This Digital Riser can handle payloads of up to 50 lbs / 22.68 kg. The Riser is powered through the rest of the system and you can use the Pulse controller or an optional foot pedal to adjust the height.
There are also three different Fixed Riser’s available if you need to run heavier payloads. The 12″ Fixed Riser can handle payloads of up to 288 lbs / 130.6 kg.
With the Digital Riser, you can also suspend the track in an overhead configuration.
As the Rhythm utilizes its own 56V power system it can supply power to a variety of accessories. There are 48V, 24V, and 14V outputs available.
As far as safety is concerned, the Rhythm utilizes captive safety brackets so that an operator can digitally set an end stop anywhere along the track. There are also physical stops that can be positioned on the track as well.
Optional LIDAR sensors are also available that can detect if someone or something goes onto the tracks. If something is detected the Rythm will automatically stop.
As far as the weight is concerned, this is not a lightweight solution. The Rhythm Sled weighs 85 lbs / 38.55 kg without 48V batteries and the riser. The total weight of the Rythm track is 100 lbs / 45.35 kg (excluding the head, camera, wireless video or plug and play accessories). The Rhythm track in a custom road case is 150 lbs / 68 kg.
So what cameras can you use with it?
Well, I am glad you askled. DEFY has a couple of options available. Two of these options are their own camera solutions that look like large-sized PTZ cameras. These two options are the EX 250 and the EX 300. The other option is stabilized remote head called the EX 350 that can take large digital cinema camera set-ups.
EX 250
The EX 250 is a 3-axis stabilized head in a weather-sealed enclosure. It features a 1″ CMOS sensor with an integrated 25-600mm lens that has a variable aperture of F1.8-F2. The camera also features built-in ND filters with up to 4 stops. The camera can shoot 4K up to 30p and FULL HD up to 60p.
To control the camera you need to use the included EX Console. The camera also utilizes a full integrated FIZ unit that can independently control focus, iris, and zoom. You can also program the lens to make adjustments for complex moves.
The EX 250 weighs 15 lbs / 6.8 kg. It comes with a console in a Pelican 2950 case.
EX 300
The EX 350, just like the EX 250, features a 3-axis stabilized head in a weather-sealed enclosure.
The EX 300 features a 1″ Sony CMOS sensor with a global shutter and a claimed dynamic range of 12 stops. The camera can output 4:2:2 10-bit 4K at up to 60p. It also features an integrated 12x zoom.
The EX 300 weighs in at 35 lbs / 15.87 kg.
EX 350
The EX 350 is a 3-axis stabilized head that allows you to use large digital cinema packages.
The EX 350 weighs in at 35 lbs / 15.87 kg.
Control Console
The EX250, EX300, and EX 350 all come with a Control Console.
The Control Console features a 7″ touch screen and it allows you to do full wireless control of the EX 250, EX300, and EX 350.
Price & Availability
The DEFY Rhythm isn’t available yet and no information about pricing has been made available.
