Weebill

I wonder if the lawyers for the Hasbro Toy company are on to this one? I thought I had seen that word before but I couldn't put my finger on it. Google turned up the answer - the Weebles were a tipping toy produced by Hasbro in the 70's for Playskool. They could be tipped over but rocked back upright as soon as you let go. Did this influence the designers of the Zhiyun Weebill Lab? It's a video stabilising rig that could conceivably be said to right itself as well. It also can be programmed to do a number of actions with a DSLR or mirrorless camera attached to it. Another suggestion that avoids the suits is that it is named after a small bird - and this is related to the fact that the same company makes a larger gimbal rig that is called a Crane. That's a nicer idea. In any case, it is a device for dedicated video shooters who want steadiness in shaky situations, the ability to pan and tilt to order, and the sort of ergonomics that allow people to suspend a hefty camera either out in front of themselves with a back handle or from above like a suitcase. Speaking of which, it comes in one - a rather swish foam case that looks as if it can take a licking and keep on ticking ( and a gold star to the person who can identify the product in that ad...). There are two rechargeable batteries and the appropriate block included - this is a powered unit after all with a number of control modes buttoned onto the back of the rear handle. It is an accessory that will require careful study to get the best out of. But every video that is smoothed by it will be closer to cinematic success. Just as well they didn't name it Womble...I've seen the entry in the Urban Dictionary and it sounds like real trouble...