Sound blimp
Encyclopedia
A Sound Blimp is a housing attached to a camera which reduces the sound caused by the shutter
click, particularly SLRs. It is primarily used in film still photography, so as not to interfere with the shooting of principal photography
, and also in other situations where sound is distracting: theatrical photography, surveillance, and wildlife photography.
It is analogous to a suppressor
on a firearm.
It was invented by Irving Jacobson in the mid 1960s, and revolutionized film still photography by allowing stills to be taken during shooting, rather than after the fact.
One can make one using an existing camera case and a cable release; Pelican case
s by Pelican Products
are frequently mentioned.
A soft enclosure, the Camera Muzzle, is made by Sam Cranston; this is less effective than a hard enclosure, but significantly cheaper and easier to use; it is designed to be sufficient for most non-intrusive use, but not for demanding use such as film sets.
Nikon makes a leatherette soft camera case, the CS-13 (NIK446), which suppresses sound somewhat, but is designed primarily for the film advance of film cameras, and provides little effective suppression for digital cameras. A similar solution was Minolta's Insulation Case (6081-660, 43325-74196-8), primarily designed for film SLRs used at low temperatures, but also advertised to reduce camera sound.
Shutter (photography)
In photography, a shutter is a device that allows light to pass for a determined period of time, for the purpose of exposing photographic film or a light-sensitive electronic sensor to light to capture a permanent image of a scene...
click, particularly SLRs. It is primarily used in film still photography, so as not to interfere with the shooting of principal photography
Principal photography
thumb|300px|Film production on location in [[Newark, New Jersey]].Principal photography is the phase of film production in which the movie is filmed, with actors on set and cameras rolling, as distinct from pre-production and post-production....
, and also in other situations where sound is distracting: theatrical photography, surveillance, and wildlife photography.
It is analogous to a suppressor
Suppressor
A suppressor, sound suppressor, sound moderator, or silencer, is a device attached to or part of the barrel of a firearm which reduces the amount of noise and flash generated by firing the weapon....
on a firearm.
It was invented by Irving Jacobson in the mid 1960s, and revolutionized film still photography by allowing stills to be taken during shooting, rather than after the fact.
Construction
In construction, it is a rigid box, filled with foam, with holes for the lens and viewfinder, and switches so one can focus and release the shutter from the outside of the case.One can make one using an existing camera case and a cable release; Pelican case
Pelican case
Pelican cases, designed by Pelican Products, are molded plastic containers that seal with an airtight and watertight gasket. Pelican cases include a barometric relief valve made of Gore-Tex to prevent barotrauma to the case, during transportation, or when the air pressure in the environment may...
s by Pelican Products
Pelican Products
Pelican Products is an American multinational company that designs and manufactures flashlights and cases. Their products are used in many industries including military, police, firefighting and entertainment. Pelican has over 1,500 employees worldwide...
are frequently mentioned.
A soft enclosure, the Camera Muzzle, is made by Sam Cranston; this is less effective than a hard enclosure, but significantly cheaper and easier to use; it is designed to be sufficient for most non-intrusive use, but not for demanding use such as film sets.
Nikon makes a leatherette soft camera case, the CS-13 (NIK446), which suppresses sound somewhat, but is designed primarily for the film advance of film cameras, and provides little effective suppression for digital cameras. A similar solution was Minolta's Insulation Case (6081-660, 43325-74196-8), primarily designed for film SLRs used at low temperatures, but also advertised to reduce camera sound.
New Designs
In June 2011, AquaTech, a designer/manufacturer of professional photography products, entered the Sound Blimp market. Their Sound Blimp, based on a similar design to their water housings, is described as quieter, lighter, with more controls and better ergonomics than other available blimps. Independent anechoic chamber tests demonstrated a 98% reduction in noise emitted during camera operation. The AquaTech Sound Blimp supports a wide range of Canon and Nikon cameras and lenses and allows for control over playback, shutter/aperture, and back focus.External links
- Jacobson Photographic Instruments, inventors of the Sound Blimp
- Advanced Sound Blimp Sound Blimp designed for Canon digital cameras.