Heavy-duty gimbal supporting cameras up to 15kg, enabling stabilized shots with large cinema cameras and long lenses.
Technical Details
The MōVI XL weighs 2.7 kilograms and supports cameras from the RED Epic to the Blackmagic URSA. The three motors (Tilt, Roll, Pan) operate with 32-bit ARM processors and achieve an angular accuracy of ±0.02 degrees. The system runs on 14.8V Lithium-Polymer batteries and offers up to 12 hours of operating time. Maximum rotation speeds are 360°/s in Pan, 180°/s in Tilt, and 90°/s in Roll mode. Remote control is handled via the MōVI Controller with a range of 300 meters over proprietary 2.4 GHz radio.
History & Development
Freefly Systems introduced the first MōVI system at NAB in 2013, after founder Tabb Firchau and his team had worked on gimbal technology for years. The MōVI XL was released in 2014 in response to the demand for higher payloads for professional cinema productions. Vincent Laforet already used the first MōVI prototype for his short film "Möbius," demonstrating the technology's cinematographic potential. In 2016, Freefly received a Technical Achievement Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Practical Use in Film
The MōVI XL enables complex camera movements without a crane or Steadicam operator, such as the famous 360-degree turn around Ryan Gosling in "La La Land" (2016) or the fluid transitions between handheld and gimbal shots in "Birdman" (2014). Typical workflows include balancing the camera before shooting, calibrating the motors, and programming movement profiles via the MōVI app. The advantages lie in its immediate readiness and reduced crew size, while disadvantages include limited battery life and susceptibility to electromagnetic interference from LED lighting.
Comparison & Alternatives
The MōVI XL is positioned between the smaller MōVI M5 (2.3 kg payload) and the heavier MōVI Pro (6.8-15.9 kg). Direct competitors include the DJI Ronin 2 (13.6 kg payload) and the Stabilite Volt (9 kg). While the MōVI XL impresses with precise motor control and intuitive operation, the Ronin 2 offers higher payloads at a lower cost. For handheld work with medium-weight cameras, the MōVI XL remains the first choice; for heavier setups with cine lenses, the Ronin 2 is more suitable.