Syrp 2-Axis Motion Control Hands-On Review

Syrp is just about to release the Genie Mini as an addition to it’s family of motion control devices but I got my hands on one early to test it out and share with all of you.

First off, what is the Genie Mini? It is a pocket-sized motor for panning time lapse and video shots controlled by a phone app. Add it to the Syrp Genie motor and you have a smooth, 2-axis move that will bring your time lapse to the next level.

Full disclosure here, this is a paid sponsorship but I am going to tell you my true thoughts on these Syrp products and how they have worked for me.

My favorite thing about this motion control system is just how easy it is to setup. Put your Genie or Genie Mini on a tripod, add a camera on top, plug it in and you are ready to capture side to side panning movement.

The Genie has an easy-to-use menu on the back. The same menu is available for the Genie Mini through a phone app available on iOS and Android.

For a dolly move, snap the Genie onto a slider. It will work on any slider or rail system but I have been using it with the Syrp Magic Carpet because, again, it is so easy to set up. Add the Mini into the mix though and this is where that 2-axis move I mentioned earlier comes in. The Genie Mini screws on to the top of the Genie and now you have the ability to both dolly and pan through the movement. The whole unit can be controlled from the menu on the Genie.

I saved the best for last. The best part about this setup is the affordability. We have seen setups similar to this for 1- or 2-axis moves but they were so expensive. This setup is not in that world. Added to the Magic Carpet slider and you can have an entire motion control system for about $1500.

I was initially concerned with the height of the whole unit. The Genie, Genie Mini, a ball head mount and the camera all sitting on a slider seemed too tall. I haven’t experienced any issues with this in using it, though. It is all very secure and the camera did not wobble or shake during the time lapse. I don’t know what the weight limit is here, but it worked fine with a Canon 5D Mark III with a 24-70mm lens.

The only other issue I had was to noise of the motor. It is a bit loud if you are trying to record audio so this setup would not be ideal for an interview setup but there are certainly work arounds for that.

I cannot wait to get out and use it some more and really recommend that you check out the Genie Mini, Genie and Magic Carpet. Let me know what you think of these pieces in the comments below. Keep those cameras rollin’ and keep on clickin’.

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[CharlieSillVO]

Dern cool JP!!! Love your style of delivery! You always make me laugh...your natural sense of humor shines!

[luttekikker]

I own the normal Syrp Genie and use it on a cheap Sevenoak slider (60 cm and 80 cm). The magic carpet and Syrp Genie mini looks great! I might save up for them to get the set complete. I never thought about the video recording when using the play/preview, so that's a great tip to remember! The only thing that is tricky is the built in Bulb Ramping function, it does not work well imo since it follows a certain fixed exposure trajectory and not the real life situation when it comes to lighting.

Great video (loved the end when you are both dancing behind the slider, I do that as well lol...because I get cramp otherwise in my feet after standing there next to my camera for hours).

[montrealfilmguy]

I lost it at syrup.Jaye P cracks me up.

[RogerChua]

i noticed some juddering with the time lapse of the mountains. is it from the device or was it some other source?

[UtaDaniel]

the best thing in my opinion about this product is that your moves are only limited by the lenght of the rope.

[doubledark]

Hi JP. could you please tell me what cart you're using (seen at 4:56)? Cheers

[justinsinye]

this will be cool for astrophotography

[kenmarcou]

Can you do Parallax moves using the Genie for Linear motorized movement down the slider track and the Genie Mini for panning? How would you do it? Also, how would the Genie work with an Edelkrone slider which doesn't have fixed ends and is a longer slider than it physically Is.

[bacuspacesu]

Hi can i use dffrent slidef brand not the slider of genie mini?

[Nonyabizness]

will the box pan and slide on the slider?

[comafilm]

Thanks for the video ! it helps a lot, , but I have already made a time laps with video shooting not pics, ,and i think i got a problem there, i dun really like the material and i dun know the exact reason why the video has some noise and something like grains, ,specially with the beach water moving !! how can i solve that ???, ,I want to send you exact photo so if you can provide me with an email would be so great, thanks !

[ayang]

I use mine mainly for video. Can you do a programmed parallax move with the Genie and the Mini combination?

[natrix]

Hey Y'all, I've spent lots of time trying to get my brand new syrp genie one to connect to an iphone(six different phones and 2 ipads actually) and it keeps failing the required update. Can I download the FW and install it manually or something? Would love any help as I've bought this for a client and I need it to work for them but sadly the product is completely unusable out of the box. Got any tips? I've already tried reaching out to syrp and manfrotto, and as of thursday last week, both companies have stopped responding to my emails and messages on social media. Would love any help I can get from anyone's got some suggestions!

[derekhackert]

"Just throw it on there!" Throwing it on there costs $300