'Camera GripTools' is a motion capture system as plug-in for MAXON CINEMA 4D.

Camera GripTools simulates a camera grip system approximating the possibilities of the real world solutions. It virtualizes the classic mounting systems from handheld and tripod to crane. Gadgets like an airplane and car mode are in the box too.

Started as camera motion generating software, GripTools has grown up, enabling you to capture all kinds of motion with a (growing) range of input devices. It has become a way to move not only cameras but all kinds of objects in a natural and very intuitive way.

With our experience in the field of film and television we feel that GripTools is an addition to the art of visualizing in 3D and will add more emotion and spontaneity to your stories. We hope you will enjoy it.

The concept

Camera GripTools is more than simply moving/rotating C4D objects with input hardware. It's in fact an intuitive, structurized system, that lets you control objects in different ways.

The main concept in Camera GripTools is the use of 'Control modes'. You choose a mode, and the C4D object will behave that way, no matter what device you use.
All modes can be used to control any object in CINEMA 4D, but some modes are specifically designed for use with CINEMA 4D camera's.

When you apply these Control modes on camera's, you can create stunning animations (camera position/rotation keyframe paths)!

Control modes

All versions of Camera GripTools offer these control modes:
[ click the titles to read more! ]   

 Handheld

The Handheld mode gives you 6 degrees of freedom = total control over the object or camera in CINEMA 4D. You can assign hardware axes (Position X,Y,Z, Rotation heading, pitch, bank).
The Tripod mode simulates a real world tripod; you can Pan & Tilt (and zoom) the object or camera in CINEMA 4D. By applying the Filter, you can finetune the motion just the way you want it, similar to the friction in a real tripod.
With the Dolly mode you can move the object or camera in CINEMA 4D along 'rails' (a spline track). Additionally, you can Pan & Tilt (and zoom) it as well. Each axes (for example the object's position on the spline track) can be assigned to your hardware.
The Crane mode simulates everything to create real crane shots. You can rotate the crane arm. You can set the arm length. You can Pan & Tilt the camera attached to the crane. And you can even mount the whole crane on 'rails' (a CINEMA 4D spline track).
The Helicopter mode gives an object or camera in CINEMA 4D the properties of a simple helicopter. You can turn, go up and down, and control the speed using any of your device axes.
Have fun flying over your CINEMA 4D scene! The plane mode gives you control over the plane by pitching & banking, and speed. It's relatively easy to fly once you've found the right axes assignment and get a feeling of scale.
The Car mode offeres a straightforward way to drive around your scene. You have control over speed and steering. Get that old steering wheel with pedals from the attic!
Do you ever had the feeling, when you looked in the viewfinder and wished you where able to float, just miraculously weightless? The Flying Platform makes this dream come true.

Just use it as a 'vehicle' for a camera or other object. The axes are: left/right, forward/back and up/down.

While the camera operator does another wonderful move, the grip flies the magic carpet. We find it very useful.
The Platform has two operating modes. By applying the steady filter(default), the motion is relative. Switching off the ‘Steady’ filters, or using the ‘Exponential’ filter, the position becomes absolute. By tuning the axes ranges with the slider in the TopDisplay, you can scale the motion to the scene.

More info here: www.frieslandav.com