Libra Head

Overview

The Libra Head (short: Libra) is a digitally stabilized 3-axis remote head for professional film and television production. It carries a camera and allows the operator to control it remotely via pan, tilt, and roll, while electronic stabilization compensates for shakes and vibrations. This enables smooth, controlled shots, even when the head is mounted on a moving platform.

For over two decades, the Libra has been a standard piece of equipment in the field of stabilized remote heads. The Libra III version, developed by Nick Phillips, received an Academy Award for Technical Achievement in 2000.

Technical Specifications

The following values are based on information from rental companies (Pro-Cam Rentals, Whites); individual figures may vary depending on the configuration and model generation.

Functionally, the fully digital system offers, among other things, frame repeatability, shutter sync, a vertical reference, and an automatic horizon function. Connection to a crane or tripod is typically via the standardized Mitchell/Moy mount.

On-Set Usage

The Libra is operated where the camera is not directly accessible to the operator or where smooth, low-vibration movement is required. Typical mounting platforms include cranes, dollies, vehicles, and helicopters. According to the manufacturer, it can carry almost any common film or HD camera system and is sometimes used with large formats (e.g., IMAX or VistaVision).

• Crane/Telescope Work: remote pans at the end of a crane, without an operator riding along.
• Car Rigs and Tracking Shots: stabilized shots from a moving vehicle or a support vehicle.
• Aerial/Helicopter: stabilized aerial shots on appropriate platforms.

The head is operated via joysticks, handwheels, or pan bars; accessories such as wireless systems and 3D adapters expand its range of applications. There is a risk of confusion with other stabilized remote heads such as the Scorpio (5-axis gyro-stabilized) or the Mini-Libra for lighter camera packages.