The Cineflex Heligimbal is a recently developed form of gimbal

Gimbal

A gimbal is a pivoted support that allows the rotation of an object about a single axis. A set of two gimbals, one mounted on the other with pivot axes orthogonal, may be used to allow an object mounted on the innermost gimbal to remain immobile regardless of the motion of its support...

 technology in the form of a motion-stabilized helicopter

Helicopter

A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally...

 mount for motion picture cameras.

The technology, originally developed by the military, provides an unprecedented degree of motion stabilization

Image stabilization

Image stabilization is a family of techniques used to reduce blurring associated with the motion of a camera during exposure. Specifically, it compensates for pan and tilt of a camera or other imaging device. It is used in image-stabilized binoculars, still and video cameras, and astronomical...

 and extreme telephoto capabilities to achieve “rock solid” aerial shots despite the vibration inherent in helicopter flights. The gyro-stabilized system works with the operator using a joystick from within the helicopter to control the camera movements.

• Impressive Heligimbal cinematography was seen in the initial episode (“From Pole to Pole”) of the 2006 Planet Earth
  Planet Earth (TV series)
  Planet Earth is a 2006 television series produced by the BBC Natural History Unit. Five years in the making, it was the most expensive nature documentary series ever commissioned by the BBC, and also the first to be filmed in high definition...
  
  BBC television series.

External links

• Roll test - Video at Vimeo showing a roll test with using a Cineflex Heligimbal.
• Norwegian sunrise - behind the scenes - Video at Vimeo with behind the scenes footage using a Heligimbal.