Syrp Genie Mini Review - Motion control device for time-lapse and video

[@bodkinsbestphotography]

Best review I've seen for this product. Most of the other videos I've seen are just bare bones sales pitches. Thanks!

[@biscuitsalive]

UPDATE!! 16th Feb 2016 -- After having a couple more issues with the unit Syrp are now sending me a replacement Genie Mini, So hopefully the new one will be perfect. I will update in the comments the results with the new one. (Note, Sryp are being very communicative and helpful :) )

[@markshirley01]

+biscuitsalive Thanks - great review - when will you receive a new genie - I'm putting off purchase until I know your new one works - is it a new product or have you been unlucky. your footage looks great and it does seem a lot easier thank hunking a motorized slider around. PS do you think it'll manage a verticle pan with a Nikon D750 and a small prime lens.

[@biscuitsalive]

+mark shirley Thanks Mark! It's actually sitting in the post office to be picked up. They want me to pay import duty again! So I need to go down there and figure out what they do with duty when I'm send in gone back. (Haven't had time yet, but may try to do that this after noon) I will definitely post here once I have tried the replacement unit. Although, if it helps, I haven't heard of many others having quite the same amount of minor issues that I have had. Plus I believe they have updated the app too. So fingers crossed.

[@biscuitsalive]

I paid for the duty ... a second time.... :( couldn't face the 'on hold music' on the customs and excise help line. should arrive tomorrow so i will check it out over weekend.

[@markshirley01]

cool thanks - is it possible to replace the battery in it if it becomes unable to charge - I hate built in rechargeable batteries.

[@biscuitsalive]

+mark shirley that's a bloody good question. I don't think so. But I know the rubber edge is pull off able. I will lift it up and look. Hadn't crossed my mind.

[@Nasarullahbaig]

The video was good with nice information and I like the great personality of your Father, may he live long..Aameen.

[@curtisjudd]

Looks pretty nice, thanks for the detailed review!

[@biscuitsalive]

Thanks. Could have been shorter and neater. But hey, one takes without notes is always a risk. :)

[@DanielNorrisEffects]

Nice Review mate, really good tests and in depth explanations. Love the magic round about ending :)

[@biscuitsalive]

Thanks Dan. I still find it hard to be a bit more brief and to the point when talking.

[@gersoncar1472]

I got an error, "Update failed at module 20" do you know how to fix that? I literaly took it out form the box and the porduct is not working, do you know how to fix it?

[@AhmedBehiry]

thanks so much for the review. this was really helpful. I just have one question.. what type of tripod head did you use for the vertical up tilt shot?.. and where can I get it from?

[@biscuitsalive]

Glad it's useful. I used a very old manfrotto two way angle head (no name on it so sorry hard to be specific) But any "lockable ball heads" will do the job. You will need either to put the main tripod to 90 degrees. Then the genie mini. Then the ball head. Or use two ball heads. One at 90 degrees then GM then other ball head. Or you do it yourself buy buying a cheap right angled bracket. (Like for a book shelf) and then get a couple of tripod mount sized screws/bolts. And using this in conjunction with your existing tripod. 2 Ball heads will give more adjustability of course to get it perfectly level. Sorry I can't be more specific. But the one I used is about 15 years old. And I don't think they make it any more.

[@biscuitsalive]

+‫أحمد بحيري‬‎ p.s. if you go to 22:04 you can see a photo of my set up... in case that helps further.

[@eyeweaver]

+biscuitsalive Thanks a million.. this was really helpful :)

[@eyeweaver]

+biscuitsalive again thanks :)

[@AhmedBehiry]

+biscuitsalive Thanks a million.. that was really helpful :) ..

[@uominipareti]

Thanks. Seems enough versatile also for vertical moves

[@sharkbyte1309]

While setting up a shot using the latest firmware update I have frequent crashes on a Samsung S4 Android 4.4.4. No crashes while recording yet. It would be great if the next software update included a protractor feature to set start and stop based on the position of my phone.

[@willlodge5386]

Good honest review. Thanks for taking the time.

[@willlodge5386]

+Will Lodge Quick question: Which UK dealer did you use? If you bought from abroad (direct from Syrp?) did you get charged import duty?

[@biscuitsalive]

Thanks.

[@biscuitsalive]

+Will Lodge yes direct from Syrp. And yes got caught with import cost. Forget how much but factor that into your budget. (As I said in review, I think it's a bit pricey already)

[@IzoPix]

Excellent "real life review", 2 thumbs up for that! I was planning on purchasing this unit, but the price is a bit steep and the shipping cost to Sweden is a whopping 74$ so I think I will skip this and look for cheaper alternatives (although the Genie Mini is on top of my whishlist).

[@biscuitsalive]

Glad to hear it was useful. I try to be honest and thorough. (Tends to make the vids a. Bit long though :/ ) I think I will keep the genie mini. Few flaws. But offers some interesting options. I can image it would work well on a home made camera jib.

[@gabaktech]

is the replacement working fine now?

[@biscuitsalive]

Hi. It's arriving today. So I will do some testing over the weekend. And il update my comments with results hopefully Sunday eve. :)

[@gabaktech]

biscuitsalive ok thanks

[@markshirley01]

+biscuitsalive cool - I'm waiting on your outcome with the new one before I purchase :-)

[@biscuitsalive]

+mark shirley Hey chaps, so far the replacement is better. there seems to be less play in the actual turning, (so start and end of pan is less jerky) I have had only one minor app crash (they updated the app too) but i want to do a few more tests to give it total thumbs up. I need to do lots of different time lapse's and video pans at varied speed to really know if its perfect... and as you know setting up time lapse's takes time... i will do one bit UPDATE comment here as soon as I'm satisfied... but so far so good.

[@markshirley01]

+biscuitsalive dedicated to the cause :-)

[@liamgarvey33]

Can it be used as a star tracker for astrophotography? You set it up so you point at an object in the sky and it automatically moves at the correct speed to keep the object and sensor aligned for very long exposures at night? Or do you have to manually set the tracking speed, and the stepper motor in the device is able to handle any speed you like, or certainly the typical star tracker speeds?

[@mgml]

Helpful review but I don't understand setting the frame rate when doing a time lapse? I have an Emotimo TB3 where frame rate is irrelevent as long as the shutter is triggered when static. Is the frame rate selected on the mini purely to give you your playback time?

[@Northisbest]

Oh this is fantastic smooth no choppy 😊👍

[@swbgeez]

I am thinking of using the device for creating stitched images with DSLR. Is there an easy way to tell the device "Take picture, rotate x-degrees, take picture....,repeat y-number of times? Very detailed review, thank you for taking the time to make it.

[@biscuitsalive]

I hunk you would have to do the maths in terms of shots per time and set it off. Haven't tried this but I expect it would struggle to do such a small amount of shots in a time lapse. You may have to set off a self timed timelapse in camera (if your camera has this) And then setting off a video pan. This would be continuous movement so you will need a fast SS. But a time lapse every .5 of a sec and a medium speed video pan may do the job for a stitch. But expect some testing needed to nail the correct amount of overlap.

[@biscuitsalive]

*think. Not "hunk" :)

[@swbgeez]

biscuitsalive Thank you for your quick response. I think you've persuaded me to stick with the manual method provided by Nodal Ninja. I was hoping the factory provided for such functionality. It seems like it would be relatively easy for them to add to the application. You could just enter the focal length of your lens and it would calculate the overlap and number of photos required.

[@biscuitsalive]

+Stephen Bond agreed. There has been an update that I haven't looked into yet. So it's possible they have dabbled in stitch option. But fairly unlikely. With photoshops ability to stitch images that are just hand held snaps without much bother, it's unlikely many people will find the need to use a device for stitches. Unless it's for some scientific monitoring or map building or something like that. Some use where it has to be as accurate as possible.

[@robbyboyo]

Very nice tests.

[@biscuitsalive]

Thanks! Not a perfect thing. But opens a couple of doors for new types of shots.

[@robbyboyo]

+biscuitsalive I like it. Looks better than my egg timer

[@seawildearth]

When in video mode and panning and you want to record the reverse track to a nice pan, simply keep recording whilst the unit returns to the start point? One way of doing it simpler.

[@biscuitsalive]

It returns to start point at top speed. Not speed you have set. So wouldn't work if you were trying to manage speed of pan.

[@seawildearth]

Up the FPS and slow in post? All work arounds but I've always found your work needs to be addressed before the manufacturer takes note and solves the issue, if at all.

[@peetre]

Thanks, nice job. A few times you write, Right to Left, but it was really Left to Right. "Hi" to dad. Tell him to stop smoking, it killed my dad!

[@biscuitsalive]

peetre yep I spotted that typo R to L. Surprised no one spotted it till now. (I'm real bad for typos, sorry. )

[@biscuitsalive]

peetre he won't quit! Bought him vape etc. stuck in his ways now.

[@massapix]

Hi, thanks for this usefull post, professional made! Thanks for the examples in the end.🖒🖒

[@waydejensen01]

Great review, thanks for all your efforts. I do have a question on use - While you use your mobile app to control the Genie, does it need to remain next to the Genie during the record time? I'm guessing it does as I doubt there is any logic inside the Genie. Again great review.

[@biscuitsalive]

No, thats a common question, (i should have covered it in the review) if you lose connection with your phone it just gets on with doing what you last instructed it to do. so you can go to the pub for a pint, take your phone, and it should carry on with the lapse for you.

[@waydejensen01]

I all for the pint part - Thanks...

[@nitsan]

Great review, thanks. Subbed. How is the new unit? and is the App working better now?

[@fotobesten]

Hi, can i use it as a motor on a slider? can it rotate continius in a speed i decide?

[@hot2me654]

Does the Genie Mini need to stay connected to you device (iphone)? or after you program and start the time lapse can you turn off the phone?

[@biscuitsalive]

Good question, should have covered that. You can disconnect phone or walk away out of range and it seems fine. It just keeps going on with its pan. Sometimes when you reconnect it can freeze the app on phone. But the actual timelapse seems to keep on going ok. (So possible you can't pause a ongoing lapse if phone freezes, but your already started lapse should be ok)

[@biscuitsalive]

Look in the video description for timecode shortcuts guys, this will save you time if you are looking for a particular section.

[@sb4photos]

good video thanks.. I'm curious to know how it would go using nikons in camera time lapse instead of the syrp intervalometer set up. guess it would be a slow video mode and fast enough shutter to counter?

[@biscuitsalive]

Scott Belzner yes u can just choose "continuous" so it doesn't start /stop. So it would work as long as shutter isn't slow.

[@TheAgam96]

Can i use the time lapse mode without the cable? Because my Olympus camera have an internal time lapse program and i don't think there is a cable for Olympus camera.

[@biscuitsalive]

TheAgam96 yes you can. But you won't be able to sync up start stop with shutter. So long exposures (nighttime etc) will have subtle motion blur from the base movement during shot.

[@drbdrbrobertdrbdrb]

Very good review, to the point and informative, well done! I have one questions about the device. I'm looking to shoot day to night motion time lapses of the milky way. I have interval shooting built in in my sony a6400, with very nice slow exposure ramping built in. For this reason I would like to use the in-camera time lapse function, instead of triggering the camera with the Genie Mini. Is it possible to program the Genie Mini in such a way, that you have full control over when it moves and stops moving during your time lapse, even if it doesn't have a connection to the camera? As an example: Say I take 30 seconds exposures with a 40 second picture interval, can I program the Genie mini to move, hold still for 35 seconds (just before and after exposure) and move within 5 seconds? Especially when the camera and the Genie mini are not communicating with each other, because I use the in-camera app, does the Genie provide control like this? Thanks a lot in advance, I hope my questions are clear :)

[@contactojaime]

Very usefull. Thanks so much. Can i ask you, please, share what setting you use for the highway and the cathedral timelapeses? I mean, your interval and your shutter speeds for this. Thanks so much.

[@biscuitsalive]

I can't actually remember exactly. But it was prob 1 sec exposures with a one second interval. Be warned though, 1 sec intervals can be too much for some cameras for raw. I was mostly shooting jpg as it was only testing. Shoot in raw if it's an important shot.

[@biscuitsalive]

+biscuitsalive one second in between I mean. So 2 sec interval. One sec exposure. But give it a bit more room than that if you have the time. Less chance of things getting out of sync.

[@contactojaime]

+biscuitsalive Thanks! Best regards

[@johncarter591]

How are you finding the Panorama side of the App? I'm finding that side of the App to be very unreliable!

[@renyanagawa8192]

Which ball head and tripod did you use for your vertical tilt time lapse? Awesome video keep it up :))

[@biscuitsalive]

I use a very old manfrotto 460 2 way angle head. And an old unilock tripod for anything where I need it side ways. Probably better gear for he job. But just what I have knocking about.

[@DeltadronesBr]

Awesome review! Thanks!

[@grrrrr80]

i just got my genie mini. how do you adjust the speed of the pan? the panning on the timelapse i did was too fast. I using lighroom and lrtimelapse for post-processing.

[@biscuitsalive]

Hi. Simply adjust the playtime to a longer duration. The speed of turn is going to depend on how far the thing rotates. And the amount of shots in your time lapse. So just juggle with the miners until you get a longer playtime duration.

[@biscuitsalive]

And you can make it faster than minimum in post. But you can't slow it down without making the playback frame rate slower. Anything much slower than 24 FPS will probably not look very smooth. And you may notice the individual steps.

[@iPhanman]

Does this only do circular pans? Can it do horizontal moving pans or do I have to get the Syrp Genie and the Magic Carpet?

[@biscuitsalive]

+PhanaticFilms yes the genie mini only spins, but can combine with another one for pan and tilt... or combine with the main syrp genie for slider movements and cable slides.

[@iPhanman]

biscuitsalive Ok thanks for the kinds reply. Really appreciate it. I'm looking for a horizontal/spinning pan device for my GoPro.

[@biscuitsalive]

many cheaper options ok for gopro, one of the main advantages of this is the shutter control... which you can't use on go pro

[@iPhanman]

biscuitsalive But for DSLRs, this is the best option for panning, etc.

[@biscuitsalive]

its certainly a good option... but i won't claim the best, it depends on what you need it for. remember for go pro you have little control of shutter, so a basic unit will probably do a decent job for you... also maybe look for a waterproof option too if you want to leave it outside for many hours without worrying about rain etc.

[@mindcrimeVT]

great small device! is this compatible with FUJI XT-1 or FUJI XT20 cameras?

[@JamaWest]

Great video dude, what software do you use to put your lapses together?

[@biscuitsalive]

JamaWest thanks! If I'm doing something properly (commercial work) then I would use after effects to give me more options. But for average KZbin stuff then I would just use premiere. (I use adobe for everything)

[@biscuitsalive]

JamaWest also. If I needed even more control (e.g. For HDR or stacked shots,) then I would use lightroom.

[@tonnyhoevers1847]

Question, is the camera takaing the pictures as single shots or as a clip, or both in timelapsemode

[@biscuitsalive]

always best to use stills, and RAW if possible for time-lapse, higher quality and more control... this may help - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpipYZ2nYtSed6M

[@tonnyhoevers1847]

Thanks, that is what I always do, but wasn’t sure ik that was possible with the genie mini. Another question, does the rotating stop when taking A picture or does it goes on rotating?

[@biscuitsalive]

Tonny Hoevers there is 2 options. Stop take move. Or continuous move. So u can do long exposures and not get motion blur

[@tonnyhoevers1847]

thanks great that is what I'm looking for. I order one, thank you so much

[@steefanvj]

I know this might seem like a stupid question. But can you actually turn off the Genie Mini? Mine just seem to be blinking endlessly?

[@biscuitsalive]

If unturned off the Bluetooth on your connected device this seems to do it

[@steefanvj]

+biscuitsalive alright I'll give it another go. thanks!

[@oupekha]

Wow! You just give the answer to every single question. Very nice. Thank you for the details. How is it so far? Still have problem with starting and ending position?

[@biscuitsalive]

They replaced my unit. But it's still not perfect. So I think there is some limitations to the gearing. So the start and end just have some small jerk. Not perfect. But still a handy device if u work within its limitations. (But it should be cheaper)

[@StudioOCOMA2D3D]

biscuitsalive this is the problem: the price!!! I think is really too expensive!!!

[@CaptainRoar]

What do Syrp say about the jerky movments? Will they replace?

[@biscuitsalive]

They were a little vague responding to my direct questions. :( but they seemed to be admitting that my experiences are what is to be expected from the device. So no offer to replace. And they said my review was honest and fair.

[@DatHirschi]

Do I have to left the beside after starting a timelapse or can I go drinking coffee?

[@_Roger_77]

Hi,sorry you can tell me that music is that of your video?Thanks :-)

[@biscuitsalive]

Hi, I made this ages ago, and cant remember now. but i know it was one of the free KZbin tracks, so if you hunt through the avalable ones... you may spot it. kzbin.infomusic

[@_Roger_77]

Thanks ;-)

[@BillKlipp]

Are you familiar with similar products like the Radian2 or Astro? If so How might you compare contrast?

[@biscuitsalive]

Bill Klipp sorry. I have seen those but not used them. So my opinion wouldnt be that useful on that comparison.

[@IgorSyvets]

Great review! Does it work when you've started a timelapse and walked away with the phone (no connection with the app)?

[@biscuitsalive]

Yes. Carries on going Sometimes fiddly to reconnect. But this just means a restart on app. If u need to stop time lapse.

[@TruePreView]

Great review, thanks for sharing! I have just uploaded a review of the machanical Sevenoak 360 time lapse mount. It seems that this mount provides a lot more versatility.

[@El-Tel63-Terry.]

Great review, nice bit of Chris Zabriskie music too 👍🏻✌🏻😉

[@Fredruiz622]

Nice very helpful!

[@leehargreaves7473]

Looks like a well thought-out gadget BUT for £250 it needs to be super-smooth or people will stick to using an Egg-timer and gaffer tape.

[@biscuitsalive]

I agree. The replacement unit is a bit better. The middle of pans are fine. Just the start stop I still don't trust entirely. I would do a update video with the replacement. But the difference isn't huge. For the night time time lapse enthusiast only I think. Casual timelapser should save his money.

[@benburton3496]

Programming makes the lurch. The other fade out was fine.

[@dee1380]

snatching one

[@MrFordShelby]

Cool product, many opportunity in the app, but very expensive. I rather bought a TurnsPro for 99$.

[@SurvivalRox]

nice but I'll stick with my £3 kitchen timer...

[@biscuitsalive]

+SurvivalRox yes, I can understand that. :)

[@PatrickGuerrisi]

I like it but its very expensive

[@OrlandoStreets]

Looks really nice, but, $249. Whoa.

[@biscuitsalive]

i agree.. should be about £100... p.s. have a look at my use for it as a motor for a motion control slider. (does give it a bit more value) - recent upload on my channel.

[@ShutterMafiaStudios1]

you want the mansion and want to pay for the mini house. judge it by what you get for the $. you want the full size for the price of the mini. thats why they have multiple versions. this is alot of bang for your buck. it is limited but has alot of options.

[@biscuitsalive]

ShutterMafia still think it's a little over priced. :/

[@ShutterMafiaStudios1]

your right.it is. i just got mine a few days ago and tested it just once so far. not bad. i use it on my nikon d4's. i am testing some mods i did to it. i would get 2 of them but like you said, a bit pricey. your video is great. thanks for making it. i will post some of my test shots with it soon. i would like to get the big one but $$$$. happy shooting biscuitsalive!

[@biscuitsalive]

Cool, i have subbed, will track your progress.... have a look at my video using the syrup mini with a reel of fishing line to make a motorised slider... (on my channel, wasn't that long ago in my recent videos)

[@ShutterMafiaStudios1]

sweet! i subd to your ch also. i will look up that video you mentioned. i will do some more testing today. thanks!

[@prabhakarrao4922]

Good review. Very noisy unit. Below average build quality. My one has quite a bit of start and stop jitter. Not buying Syrp again. Way overpriced for the low quality.

[@derekhackert4585]

"Syrup"

[@subseeker]

Over-priced trash once again.