Mounting ARRI Alexa Mini on a Movi Pro

Renting or owning a great camera like the ARRI Alexa Mini is only the first step of any great shooting experience. The second is building it up and accessorizing it. As far as accessories go, there aren't many that add more production value than the Movi Pro. This flexible, reliable, truly professional gimbal system is the answer to every smooth, sweeping shot your producer or client could ever ask for. So let us share a few helpful tricks to making the most of your gimbal.

The Movi Pro is a second generation stabilizer from FreeFly systems. It replaces the respected and innovative M5/M10/M15 series in one high-powered unit. This gimbal will be more than strong enough to carry your Alexa Mini with its 15-pound payload capacity. 

Trick #1 - Improved Top Lock

The first trick to mounting your Alexa Mini on the Movi Pro is in the locking mechanisms. The Movi Pro has a much simpler secondary lock on the top bar that adds peace-of-mind with almost no effort. Simply screw their dedicated quick plates onto the top and bottom of your Alexa Mini (you’ll probably need a cage), slide the camera into the bottom receiver of the Movi Pro, and then drop the top rails down to meet the camera. In this way, the top lock can meet the camera where it sits, making balance and security much easier to accomplish. 

Trick #2 - Batteries for Days

Look at those beauties, right up there by the top of the handle.

The Movi Pro features two large, hot-swappable, easily accessible batteries on the very top near where the rotation motor meets the handle. These can be used for more than the gimbal though. They are also capable of powering your camera, your monitor, your wireless unit, and anything else that accepts D-tap. With its 60amp power output, your Alexa Mini will be more than covered. 

Trick #3 - AutoTune!

If you have ever worked with a Ronin - even the R2 - you will probably be pretty skeptical of any gimbal that promises to tune itself. The original Ronin growls and stutters and tries its hardest, but you usually end up doing the balance yourself.  In fairness the Ronin R2 gets there, but it takes upwards of 30 seconds. On the Movi Pro, auto tuning is a snap. Use it to save time on lens swaps or accessory changes.