Technical information

Cyclops is the ultimate POV ecosystem developed from scratch to redefine how POV is captured. Designed to be used on a range of productions from promos, commercials and feature films.

Our in-house manufacturing process allows us to constantly improve our product and service based on live jobs and user feedback. Also as no two shoots are alike we refrain from publishing exact product specifications.

Below you’ll find the most frequently asked questions regarding Cyclops. If you have any specific questions that relate to your production please drop us an email at contact@cyclopspov.com

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FAQ

  • Cyclops is a custom developed 3D printed unit that mounts directly to the camera’s lens. Via a uniquely developed optical element, what the user sees is directly reflected into the camera positioned above the unit. The camera sensor and the operators retina’s are at the same focal distance from the surface of the reflecting optics which virtually relocates the camera’s sensor between the operators eyes. Thus exactly what the operator sees is exactly what is captured by the camera.

  • The optical design of Cyclops delivers no loss of image quality.

    The only consideration is that the elements needs to be kept clean during operation when using higher T stops. The optics can be cleaned just like a standard lens front element.

  • The T-Stop loss is 0.3 stops

  • Cyclops is a complete POV rental ecosystem with each component designed is harmony. The two camera’s we currently support with Cyclops are Sony Venice (1 & 2) and Sony FX3. Our cameras have hardware specific to Cyclops therefore we do not allow third party cameras to be used.

  • Cyclops uses a custom designed filter trays that accepts standard 49mm screw in filters.

    Cyclops comes a full set of ND’s set into the filter trays along with an optical flat and UV.

    You can then add your creative filters into this filter tray to combine ND’s and looks, Tiffen now make their full range of PV size filters in 49mm. We stock a full range of these filters so you can match the look of your other production camera that use PV filters. You’re welcome to bring along your own filters, they must have a maximum outer diameter of 51 mm and a thickness of 5.7mm with no protruding details

  • The lens is a modified version of the Sony G Master 24mm 2.8. We've made many internal and external modifications to the lens to make it perfect for Cyclops.

    The lens has standard 0.8 gears for both iris and focus.

  • The basic rental package comes without a follow focus system. We like to leave the choice of LCS and motors to the AC as each has their preference. When using the FX3 package as a single operator unit one can use the eye tracking autofocus mode which performs extremely well for many use cases. However for full cinematic control we recommend using a wireless follow focus system. The lens has no hard stops for focus so the WCU must be able to set manual hard stops. The current units we recommend that have this functionality are the Tilta Nucleus M and Arri Hi-5. Cyclops accepts motors for both focus and iris mounted to 15mm rods that attach directly to the main cyclops body. The helmet has plenty of space and D-Tap ports on top for additional focus accessories such a Cine RT base.

  • The helmet comes with a selection of foam inserts, so now matter what your head size you should find a comfortable fit.

  • Being a padded helmet there is some muting of the outside world to the operator, that said it’s fine for close person conversations. We can also provide in ear coms that are compatible with the helmet for direct communication with the wearer.

    Some people use an Earbud in the helmet which is an affordable alternative and useful when only needing to speak with one person.

  • We rent the base package of Cyclops with a Vaxis Storm 3000 transmitter and dual receiver package. Teradek or alternative options are also available on request.

  • The base FX3 package weighs in at 4.6kg, and is perfectly balanced as the rear battery acts as the counterweight for the camera unit. The Venice 1&2 System is approximately 6.3kg.

    Additional gimbal weights are provided in the rental package to tune the balance if you add accessories.

    Cyclops is ready to fly and comes in a series of flight certified cases, all under 25kg

  • Cyclops comes as a complete ready to shoot package, whilst providing a degree of flexibility for productions. The transport case for Cyclops contains a unique Head-Plate to hold the unit whilst in transit. The H-Plate can be unscrewed from the case and attached directly to a production cart for easy access. The H-Plate also acts as a good place to store Cyclops whilst not shooting.

  • The camera, focus unit and wireless video are all powered via the rear mounted Gold Mount battery and D-Tap splitter. There’s are two extra D-tap ports for accessories.

  • Cyclops like any body mounted operator rig, such as Steadicam requires professional support on set. Our n person certification course will guide you through all the steps for the best experience. We recommend, as with Steadicam that a Grip accompanies the operator.

  • Whilst some glasses will fit within the helmet we recommend glass wearers use contact lenses for comfort whilst operating.

  • Stay tuned, Cyclops will be available for purchase in the near future.