A camera support apparatus

Abstract

A camera support apparatus preferably to capture moving objects having a slider with guide path supporting a camera mount, the slider being rotatable with two degrees of freedom e.g. pitch and roll. A

Description

Technical field The present disclosure relates to a camera support apparatus. Some embodiments relate to a camera support apparatus comprising a rotatable base configured to rotate around an axle rotation axis, wherein the axle rotation axis is orthogonal to a slider rotation axis and offset from a slider axis along the slider rotation axis, the rotatable base such that the rotatable base and the axle are operable to rotate around the axle rotation axis together. Background A camera may be used to capture one or more images of an object of interest. A camera may be required to move when capturing the images of the object. For example, when the object is moving. Camera support apparatuses are used to support a camera when the camera is moving. A problem with existing camera support apparatuses is that they may not provide a user sufficient range of motion to capture the preferred images thereby limiting the images that can be captured of the object. A further problem with existing camera support apparatuses is that they may not provide a user with sufficient control of the camera. Existing camera support apparatuses may be time consuming for a user to program, may lack portability, and / or may be expensive. It is the object of the present invention to overcome one or more of the above referenced problems. Summary Some, not necessarily all, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a camera support apparatus comprising: an axle having a longitudinal extent along a slider rotation axis; a slider rotatably connected to the axle such that it is operable to rotate around the slider rotation axis, the slider extending along a slider axis orthogonal to the slider rotation axis, wherein the slider is configured to support a camera mount and defines a guide path which extends along the slider axis along which the camera mount is operable to slide; and a rotatable base configured to rotate around an axle rotation axis, wherein the axle rotation axis is orthogonal to the slider rotation axis and offset from the slider axis along the slider rotation axis, the rotatable base such that the rotatable base and the axle are operable to rotate around the axle rotation axis together. The camera support apparatus having a slider configured to support a camera mount may enable the camera support apparatus to support a camera and translate (i.e., move) the camera along the slider axis. A camera being moveable along the slider axis may provide unique images of an object of interest to be captured by the camera. The slider being rotatably connected to the axle may enable a camera supported by the camera support apparatus to be moved along the slider axis and rotated around the slider axis thereby providing further opportunities to capture unique images of an object of interest. The rotatable base and the axle being operable to rotate around the axle rotation axis together may provide the benefit of a camera supported by the camera support apparatus to be rotated around the axle rotation axis (e.g., in addition to being rotated around the slider axis and / or moved along the slider axis) thereby providing further opportunities to capture unique images of an object of interest. For example, movement (e.g., sliding, rotation etc.) of one or more of the slider or mount may provide movement of a camera mounted to the camera support apparatus in multiple dimensions. For example, the slider may be releasably fixed to the slider rotation axis and the slider may be angled to a vertical dimension of the camera support apparatus. In this configuration, the camera mount may slide along the slider in multiple dimensions (i.e., in the vertical dimension and another dimension). The rotatable base may comprise a rotatable base brake unit configured to releasably fix the rotatable base at an angular position around the axle rotation axis. The rotatable base brake unit may be configured to releasably fix the rotatable base at a pre determined angle around the axle rotation axis. The rotatable base brake unit may be configured to releasably fix the rotatable base at each of a plurality of pre-determined angles around the axle rotation axis. For example, the rotatable base brake unit may comprise one or more Hirth couplings. The rotatable brake unit being configured to releasably fix the rotatable base around the axle rotation axis (e.g., at pre-defined angles) provides a user of the camera support apparatus with increased control of the orientation of a camera mounted on the camera support apparatus. The rotatable base may be releasably coupled to the axle. The rotatable base may be releasably coupled to the axle via one or more clamps (e.g., one or more axle clamps). The rotatable base being releasably coupled to the axle may enable the axle (and any components coupled to the axle) to be removed (e.g., disconnected) from the rotatable base. This may enable the camera support apparatus to be easier to transport. The rotatable base may comprise a rotatable base actuator configured to cause the axle to rotate around the axle rotation axis. The rotatable base actuator being configured to cause the axle to rotate may reduce the physical force required by a user to rotate the axle (i.e., semi-automate or automate the rotation of the axle). The axle may comprise an axle brake unit configured to releasably fix the slider at a predetermined angle around the slider rotation axis. The axle brake unit may be configured to releasably fix the slider at each of a plurality of pre-determined angles around the slider rotation axis. The axle brake unit may comprise a brake disc and a brake clamp. The axle brake unit being configured to releasably fix the slider around the slider rotation axis (e.g., at pre-defined angles) provides a user of the camera support apparatus with increased control of the orientation of a camera mounted on the camera support apparatus. The axle brake unit comprising a brake disc and a brake clamp may provide increased rigidity to the camera support apparatus when the camera support apparatus is connected to a support structure (e.g., the support structure defining a channel shaped to enable the slider pass through the channel). The axle brake unit comprising a brake disc and a brake clamp may enable the slider to be removably attached to the camera support apparatus (e.g., such that a user can more easily mount the camera mount to the slider). In some examples, the axle brake unit may further comprise the axle clamp. In other words, the axle clamp may be integrated into the axle brake unit. The axle may comprise a plurality of axle brake units. For example, the axle may comprise a first axle brake unit (e.g., comprising a brake disc and a brake clamp and / or an axle clamp) and a second axle brake unit (e.g., comprising a brake disc and a brake clamp and / or an axle clamp). In some examples, the first axle brake unit may be spaced from the second axle brake unit by the slider. In other words, the slider may be located between the first and second axle brake units on the axle. In some examples, the first axle brake unit may be located at a first distance from the slider and the second axle brake unit may be spaced from the slider (i.e., on the other side of the slider than the first axle brake unit) at a distance equal to the first distance. In other words, the first and second axle brake units may be symmetrically spaced from the slider. The axle may comprise an axle actuator configured to cause the slider to rotate around the slider rotation axis. The axle actuator being configured to cause the slider to rotate may reduce the physical force required by a user to rotate the slider (i.e., semi-automate or automate the rotation of the slider). The camera support apparatus may comprise a slider actuator configured to cause the camera mount to travel along the slider axis. The slider actuator being configured to cause the camera mount to travel along the slider axis may reduce the physical force required by a user to move the slider along the slider axis (i.e., semi-automate or automate the movement of the slider). The slider actuator may comprise a belt drive system. The slider actuator being a belt drive system may provide greater acceleration and velocity of the slider (e.g., in comparison to ball screw system). The slider may be substantially cuboidal in shape, the slider may comprise an upper surface, a lower surface, a front surface, a rear surface and two side surfaces; and wherein each of the side surfaces may have a greater surface area than each of the upper surface, lower surface, front surface and rear surface. The axle may be connected to the slider at a location on the slider that is substantially equidistant from the upper surface and the lower surface. The axle may be connected to the slider at a location on the slider that is closer to the rear surface than the front surface. The axle being connected in this manner may improve the control a user may have when moving the slider. The axle being connected to the slider at a location on the slider that is closer to the rear surface than the front surface may enable a camera mounted to the camera support apparatus to having alternative orientations when the camera support apparatus is mounted to a support structure. The camera support apparatus may comprise the camera mount and a camera orientation unit connectable to the camera mount, wherein the camera orientation unit may be operable to roll and / or pan and / or tilt relative to the slider. The camera orientation unit being operable to roll and / or pan and / or tilt may provide a user with greater opportunities to capture unique images of an object of interest. The camera support apparatus may comprise a camera orientation unit actuator configured to cause the camera to roll, pan and / or tilt relative to the slider. The camera support apparatus may comprise an L-shaped arm coupled to the camera mount, wherein the arm is configured to offset the camera from the slider axis. A first end of the L-shaped arm may be connectable to the camera mount and a second end of the L-shaped arm is connectable to the camera orientation unit. The use of the L-shaped arm may provide an alternative optical axis for a camera mounted to the camera support apparatus thereby providing a user with alternative opportunities for capturing unique images of an object of interest. The camera support apparatus may comprise a counterweight connected to the slider via one or more arms such that the counterweight is located closer to the rear surface than the slider rotation axis. The camera support apparatus comprising a counterweight moves the centre of mass of the camera support apparatus in a manner that may make it easier for a user and / actuator to move the camera support apparatus. The rotatable base may comprise one or more fixtures connectable to a support structure. The camera support apparatus may comprise the support structure. The support structure may comprise one or more tripods. The support structure comprising a tripod may enable the camera support apparatus to be easier to move by a user. The support structure may define a channel shaped to enable the slider pass through the channel. The support structure defining a channel that is shaped in this manner may provide greater support to the camera support apparatus as this may allow the axle to be supported in either side of the slider, thereby providing greater rigidity. This may particularly important when using a heavier camera on the camera support apparatus and / or when the camera is moving at greater velocities. Brief Description of the Drawings Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGs 1A and 1B illustrate an example camera support apparatus; FIGs 2A to 2D illustrate an example camera support apparatus; FIG. 3 illustrates an example camera support apparatus; FIGs 4A and 4B illustrate an example camera support apparatus; and FIG. 5A to 5D illustrates an example camera support apparatus. It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Detailed Description FIG. 1A illustrates an example camera support apparatus 10. The camera support apparatus 10 comprises an axle 20, a slider 30, and a rotatable base 40. The camera support apparatus 10 may be configured to support one or more cameras 70. The camera support apparatus 10 may be operable to move the camera(s) 70 when capturing one or more images of an object of interest (e.g., to a user operating the camera support apparatus 10). Cartesian co-ordinate axes 100 having x, y and z axes are illustrated in FIGs 1A and 1B. Each of the x, y and z axes defines a dimension. The y axis may be considered to be a vertical (i.e., a height) dimension. The x axis may be considered to be a horizontal (i.e., a length) dimension. The z axis may be considered to be a depth (i.e., a thickness) dimension. The axle 20 may be a shaft. For example, the axle 20 may be a rod such as a substantially cylindrical rod. The axle 20 comprises a longitudinal extent (e.g., length) along a slider rotation axis 22. As shown in FIG. 1A, the slider rotation axis 22 is parallel to the z-axis. In some examples, the axle 20 comprises at least part of an axle brake unit 24 configured to releasably fix the slider 30 at a pre-determined angle around the slider rotation axis 22. The axle brake unit 24 may be configured to releasably fix the slider 30 at each of a plurality of pre-determined angles around the slider rotation axis 22. In some examples, the slider 30 may comprise at least part of the axle brake unit 24. In some examples, the slider 30 and the axle 20 may comprise at least part of the axle brake unit 24. In some examples, the rotatable base 40 and the slider 30 may comprise at least part of the axle brake unit 24. The axle brake unit 24 may comprise a brake disc and a brake clamp. As will be discussed in further detail below, the brake clamp may be operable to clamp the brake disc (e.g., via one or more levers). The axle 20 and / or the slider 30 may comprise the brake disc. The rotatable base 40 may comprise the brake clamp and the one or more levers. In some examples, rotatable base 40 may comprise the brake disc. The slider 30 may comprise the brake clamp and the one or more levers. The axle 20 may comprise an axle actuator (not shown) configured to cause the slider 30 to rotate around the slider rotation axis 22. For example, the axle actuator may be configured to cause the slider 30 to move in a plane defined by the x-axis and the y-axis. The axle actuator may comprise one or motors such as one or more electric motors. The camera support apparatus 10 comprises a slider 30 rotatably connected to the axle 20 such that it is operable to rotate around the slider rotation axis 22. The slider 30 extending along a slider axis 32 orthogonal to the slider rotation axis 22. The slider 30 is configured to support a camera mount (e.g., a camera carriage) 34 and defines a guide path which extends along the slider axis 32 along which the camera mount 34 is operable to slide. As shown in FIG. 1 A, the slider 30 may be substantially cuboidal in shape. For example, the slider 30 may comprise an upper surface, a lower surface, a front surface, a rear surface and two side surfaces. Each of the side surfaces may have a greater surface area than each of the upper surface, lower surface, front surface and rear surface. The surfaces of the slider 30 may define an internal cavity. In some examples, the slider 30 may comprise one or more supports located in the cavity to improve the structural rigidity of the slider 30. For example, the slider 30 may comprise a tube in the cavity configured to contact each of the inner surfaces of the upper surface, lower surface, and side surfaces. In some examples, the tube may directly contact each of the inner surfaces. In some examples, the tube may contact each of the inner surfaces via an intervening plate. The slider 30 comprising the tube may increase the torsional rigidity of the slider 30 which may be advantageous when the camera mount 34 is at an end of the slider 30 and / or a camera is mounted to a L-shaped arm on the camera mount 34. The slider 30 may be connected to the axle 20 via a through hole in the slider 30. For example, the slider 30 may comprise a through hole in the side surfaces of the slider 30. The axle 20 may be operable to extend through the through hole. Additionally, or alternatively, the slider 30 may be rotatably connected to the axle 20 via one or more bearings. The slider 30 may be operable to rotate relative to the axle 20. In FIG. 1A, the slider 30 may be configured to rotate in a plane defined by the x-axis and the y-axis. As shown in FIG. 1A, the axle 20 may be connected to the slider 30 at a location on the slider 30 that is substantially equidistant from the upper surface and the lower surface (e.g., in the y dimension). FIG. 1A shows that the axle 20 is connected to the slider 30 at a location on the slider 30 that is closer to the rear surface than the front surface (e.g., in the x dimension). The axle 20 being connected to the slider 30 at a location on the slider 30 that is closer to the rear surface than the front surface may advantageously allow a camera mounted to the camera mount 34 to be at a greater distance from the slider rotation axis 22 thereby providing additional opportunities for capturing one or more images of an object of interest. FIG. 1A shows that the slider 30 extends along the slider axis 32. The slider axis 32 is orthogonal to the slider rotation axis 22. FIG. 1A shows that the slider axis 32 is parallel with the x-axis. It should be understood that the direction that the slider axis 32 extends is dependent upon the orientation of the slider 30 relative to the slider rotation axis 22. For example, if a user rotates the slider 30 shown in FIG. 1A 90 degrees around the slider rotation axis 22, the resultant slider axis 32 extends is parallel to the y-axis and is orthogonal to the slider rotation axis 22. The guide path defined by the slider 30 may comprise a track. FIG. 1A shows a track on the upper surface of the slider 30. The track may be configured to limit the movement of the camera mount 34 along the slider axis 32 in a linear direction (e.g., only in a linear direction). The camera mount 34, as shown in FIG. 1A may comprise one or more wheels arranged to connect the camera mount 34 to the track. In other words, the wheel(s) and track are arranged such that the camera mount 34 is retained against the track. In some examples, the camera mount 34 may comprise one or more bearings arranged to connect the camera mount 34 to the track. In other words, the bearings and track are arranged such that the camera mount 34 is retained against the track. The camera support apparatus 10 may comprise a slider actuator 36 configured to cause the camera mount 34 to travel along the slider axis 32 (i.e., along the guide path). As shown in FIG. 1A, the slider actuator 36 may comprise a belt drive system. The slider actuator 36 may comprise a rack and pinion and / or a leadscrew. The slider actuator 36 may be configured to cause the camera mount 34 to travel along the slider axis at high velocities. High velocities may be greater than 0.25 meters per second (m / s), for example, 0.25m / s to 2.5m / s. The slider actuator 36 may be configured to cause the camera mount 34 to accelerate along the slider axis (e.g., at high accelerations such as 30m / s2). The camera support apparatus 10 may comprise the camera mount 34 and a camera orientation unit 38 connectable to the camera mount 34. The camera orientation unit 38 may be operable to roll and / or pan and / or tilt relative to the slider 30 and / or the camera mount 34. The camera mount 34 may be configured to support a camera 70. In other words, the camera mount 34 is operable to mount (e.g., connect) a camera 70 to the mount 34. FIG. 1A shows a camera 70 mounted to the camera mount 34 (via the camera orientation unit 38). As shown in FIG. 1A, the camera 70 may comprise an optical axis 72. The optical axis 72 may pass through the centre of the optical system of the camera 70. The camera orientation unit 38 may be configured to connect (e.g., directly connect) to the camera 70 such that actuation (rolling and / or panning and / or tilting) of the camera orientation unit 38 may cause a corresponding actuation (e.g., change in orientation) of the optical axis 72 relative to the slider 30. The camera support apparatus 10 may comprise a camera orientation unit 38 actuator configured to cause the camera to roll and / or pan and / or tilt relative to the slider 30. The camera orientation unit 38 actuator may comprise one or more motors (e.g., one or more electric motors). In some examples, the camera support apparatus 10 may comprise an L-shaped arm (not shown in FIG. 1A) coupled to the camera mount 34, wherein the arm is configured to offset the camera from the slider 30 axis. A first end of the L-shaped arm may be connectable to the camera mount 34 and a second end of the L-shaped arm may be connectable to the camera orientation unit 38. As shown in FIG. 1A, the camera support apparatus 10 may comprise a counterweight 50 connected to the slider 30. The counterweight 50 may be connected to the slider 30 via one or more arms such that the counterweight 50 is located closer to the rear surface than the slider rotation axis. In some examples, the one or more arms may be rigidly connected to the slider 30. In other words, the one or more arms are connected to the slider 30 such that movement of the slider 30 causes corresponding movement of the counterweight 50. In some examples, the one or more arms may be moveable relative to the slider 30. For example, the one or more arms may be connected a rail located on the slider 30. The rail may be located on an underside surface of the slider 30. The one or more arms may be moveable along the rail, thereby allowing the (moveable) counterweight to move relative to the slider 30. In some examples, the moveable counterweight 50 may be moved (e.g., driven) via the slider actuator 36. In an example in which the slider actuator 36 comprises a belt drive system, the slider actuator 36 may be configured to move the moveable counterweight 50 via a belt reduction from the belt of the belt drive system. The belt reduction may correspond with the ratio between the mass of a camera 70 mounted on the camera mount 34 to the mass of the counterweight. For example, if the mass of the counterweight 50 is twice as much as the mass of the camera, the belt reduction may be 2:1. In other words, if the mass of the counterweight 50 is twice as much as the mass of the camera, then the counterweight 50 may move half the distance that the camera moves. In some examples, the belt drive system may comprise a belt, a first pulley, and a second pulley. The first pulley and the second pulley may comprise teeth configured to influence the belt reduction (e.g., via the teeth having one or more sizes). The camera support apparatus 10 comprises a rotatable base 40 configured to rotate around an axle rotation axis 42. The axle rotation axis 42 is orthogonal to the slider rotation axis 22. The axle rotation axis 42 is offset from the slider axis 32 along the slider rotation axis 22. The rotatable base 40 such that the rotatable base 40 and the axle 20 are operable to rotate around the axle rotation axis 42 together. The rotatable base 40 may comprise a rotatable base brake unit 44. The rotatable base brake unit may be configured to releasably fix the rotatable base 40 at an angular position around the axle rotation axis 42. The rotatable base brake unit 44 may be configured to releasably fix the rotatable base 40 at a pre-determined angle around the axle rotation axis 42. The rotatable base brake unit 44 may be configured to releasably fix the rotatable base 40 at each of a plurality of pre-determined angles around the axle rotation axis 42. For example, the rotatable base brake unit 44 may comprise a Hirth coupling. The rotatable base 40 may be releasably coupled (e.g., by a user without using tools) to the axle 20. For example, the rotatable base 40 may be releasably coupled to the axle 20 via one or more clamps 60a, 60b (i.e., one or more axle clamps 60a, 60b). FIG. 1A illustrates a camera support apparatus 10 comprising two clamps 60a, 60b. Whilst the illustrated example shows that the rotatable base 40 may be releasably coupled to the axle 20 via one or more clamps 60a, 60b, it should be understood that any suitable means for releasably coupling the rotatable base 40 to the axle 20 could be use. The rotatable base 40 may comprise a rotatable base actuator 46 configured to cause the axle 20 to rotate around the axle rotation axis 42. The rotatable base actuator 46 may comprise one or more motors (e.g., one or more electric motors). In some examples, the rotatable base 40 may comprise one or more fixtures connectable to a support structure. The one or more fixtures may comprise one or more male and / or female portions that correspond with one or more male and / or female portions on the support structure. The camera support apparatus 10 may comprise the support structure. The support structure may comprise a tripod. In some examples, the support structure may define a channel shaped to enable the slider to pass through the channel. The support structure may comprise a first leg and a second leg. The channel may be defined at least in part by the first leg and the second leg. The support structure defining the channel may have an O-shaped cross-section. The O-shaped cross-section may be defined by the first and second legs, the axle, and a base of the support structure. The inventor has found that the O-shaped cross-section may provide increased structural rigidity which is especially useful for high speed and / high acceleration camera movements along the guide path. In some examples, the support structure may comprise a base comprising an elongate member extending vertically from the base. The axle 20 may be connectable to the elongate member (e.g., at the distal most end of the member). The elongate member may comprise a tube such as a scaffolding tube. A scaffolding tube may provide the advantage of enabling a user to create a bespoke support structure. In some examples, the support structure may comprise ballast. In some examples, the support structure may comprise one or more recesses configured to receive ballast (e.g., aggregate material). In some examples, the ballast may be integrally formed with the support structure. The support structure may comprise one or more folds such that the support structure folds into a smaller volume thereby improving the transportation of the support structure. In some examples, one or more components of the camera support apparatus 100 may be releasably attached to one another via one or more fasteners (such as one or more bolts). In some examples, the camera support apparatus 10 may comprise one or more struts (not shown in FIG. 1A). The one or more struts may be operable to connect (e.g., directly connect) the support structure and the slider 30. The one or more struts may improve the stability of the slider 30 relative to the support structure. In some examples, the camera support apparatus 10 may comprise a first strut and a second strut. The first strut may be connected to a first sidewall of the slider 30. The second strut may be connected to a second sidewall of the slider 30. Each strut may comprise an elongate slot and connector (different from the slot). In some examples, the strut may be connected to the support structure via the elongate slot (e.g., via a male portion extending from the support structure). The strut may be connected to the slider 30 via the connector. The strut elongate slot may be greater in size that the male portion. This enables the slider 30 to be able to rotate relative to the axle 20. In some examples, connections of the first strut and the second strut to the slider 30 may be offset (e.g., along the length of the slider 30 and / or the height of the slider 30). The inventor has found that these connections being offset in this manner may provide improved stability of the slider 30 relative to the support structure (e.g., in comparison to a first and second strut that are not offset), particularly when the slider 30 is oriented vertically (as shown in FIG. 5C). As described above, the slider 30 defines a guide path which extends along the slider axis 32 along which the camera mount 34 is operable to slide. FIG. 1B shows the camera support apparatus 10 of FIG. 1A in which the camera mount 34 has slid (i.e., moved) along the slider axis 32. As shown in FIG. 1B, the camera mount 34 has moved in the negative x-dimension. Due to the connections between the camera 70, the orientation unit 38 and the camera mount 34, movement of the camera mount 34 has caused corresponding movement of the camera 70. As shown in FIG. 1B, the camera support apparatus 10 may comprise a belt drive system 36. In use, a user may wish to move the camera 70 from the location of the camera in FIG. 1A to the location of the camera 70 in FIG. 1B (e.g., when capturing one or more images of an object of interest). A user may actuate the belt drive system 36 (e.g., via a controller). The actuation of the belt drive 36 may cause the camera mount 34 (and the camera 70) to move from the first location (shown in FIG. 1A) to the second location (as shown in FIG. 1B). FIGs 2A-2D illustrate an example support apparatus 10. The camera support apparatus 10 comprises all the features of the camera support apparatus 10 shown in FIGs 1A and 1B. The camera support apparatus 10 shown in FIGs 2A-2D further comprises a support structure 200. The support structure 200 shown in FIGs 2A-2D comprises a tripod. The rotatable base 40 may comprise one or more fixtures (not shown) connectable to the tripod 200. The one or more fixtures may comprise one or more male and / or female portions that correspond with one or more male and / or female portions (not shown) on the tripod 200. As best shown in FIGs 2B to 2D, the camera support apparatus 10 comprises an axle brake unit 24. The axle brake unit 24 shown in FIGs 2B to 2D comprises a brake disc 242, a brake clamp 244, and a lever 246. The brake clamp 244 may be operable to clamp the brake disc 242. Actuation of the lever 246 (e.g., by a user) may cause the brake clamp 244 to clamp the brake disc 242. The brake clamp 244 clamping the brake disc 242 may prevent and / or limit the rotation of the slider 30 around the axle rotation axis 22. FIGs 2B-2D show the camera support apparatus 10 in three separate configurations that illustrate the rotatable base 40 and the axle 20 rotating around the axle rotation axis 42. FIG. 2B shows the axle 20 in a horizontal configuration. FIG. 2D shows the axle 20 in a vertical configuration. FIG. 2C shows the transition of the axle between the horizontal and vertical configurations. FIG. 3 illustrates an example camera support apparatus 10. The camera support apparatus 10 comprises the features of the camera support apparatus 10 shown in FIGs 2A-2D. The camera support apparatus 10 further comprises an L-shaped arm 300. As shown in FIG.3, the L-shaped arm 300 is coupled to the camera mount 34. A first end of the L-shaped arm 300 is connectable to the camera mount 34 and a second end of the L-shaped arm 300 is connectable to the camera orientation unit 38. The L-shaped arm 300 is configured to offset the camera 70 from the slider axis 32. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 3, the L-shaped arm 300 is configured to align the optical axis 72 of the camera 70 with the axle rotation axis 22. The camera support apparatus 100 may be configured to releasably fix the optical axis 72 of the camera 70 with the axle rotation axis 22. It should be understood that whilst FIG. 3 illustrates an L-shaped arm 300, the camera support apparatus 10 may comprise any arm 300 suitable for aligning the optical axis 72 of the camera 70 with the axle rotation axis 22. FIGs 4A and 4B illustrate an example support apparatus 10. The camera support apparatus 10 comprises all the features of the camera support apparatus 10 shown in FIGs 1A and 1B. The camera support apparatus 10 shown in FIGs 4A and 4B further comprises a support structure 400. The support structure 400 shown in FIGs 4A and 4B defines a channel 402 shaped to enable the slider 30 to pass through the channel 402. The support structure 400 comprises a first leg 404 and a second leg 406. As shown in FIGs 4A and 4B, the channel 402 is defined at least in part by the first leg 404 and the second leg 406. The support structure 400 defining the channel 402 comprises an O-shaped crosssection. The O-shaped cross-section is defined by the first and second legs 4004, 406, the axle 20, and the base of the support structure 400. The rotatable base 40 may comprise one or more fixtures (not shown) connectable to the support structure 400 defining the channel 402. The one or more fixtures may comprise one or more male and / or female portions that correspond with one or more male and / or female portions (not shown) on the support structure 400 defining the channel 402. FIG. 4B shows the camera support apparatus 10 of FIG. 4A in which the slider 30 has been rotated around 135 degrees (clockwise) around the axle rotation axis 22. When moving from the configuration shown in FIG. 4A to the configuration shown in FIG. 4B, part of the slider 30 and the counterweight 50 have passed through the channel 402. FIGs 5A to 5D illustrate an example support apparatus 10. The camera support apparatus 10 comprises all the features of the camera support apparatus 10 shown in FIGs 4A and 4B. The camera support apparatus 10 shown in FIGs 5A and 5B further comprises a first strut 510 and a second strut 520. FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of the camera support apparatus 10. FIG. 5B shows a side view of the camera support apparatus 10 of FIG. 5B (in the same configuration as in FIG.5A). FIG. 5C shows the camera support apparatus 10 of FIGs 5A and 5B where the slider 30 has been rotated around the axle rotation axis 22 by 180 degrees. FIG. 5D shows the camera support apparatus 10 of FIGs 5C where the slider 30 has been rotated around the axle rotation axis 22 by 90 degrees (clockwise). The features of the camera support apparatus 10 shown in FIGs 5B to 5D represent features that are obscured by another feature of the camera support apparatus 10. The features shown in dashed lines have been included have been included for clarity purposes. The struts 510, 520 are operable to connect (e.g., directly connect) the support structure 400 and the slider 30. As shown best in FIG. 5A, the first strut 510 is connected to a first sidewall of the slider 30. The second strut 520 is connected to a second sidewall of the slider 30. The first strut 510 comprises an elongate slot 512 and a connector 514. The second strut comprises an elongate slot 522 and a connector 524. As shown in FIGs 5A to 5D, the first strut 510 is connected to the support structure 400 via the elongate slot 512 (e.g., via a male portion 516 extending from the support structure 400). The first strut 510 is connected to the slider 30 via the connector 514. The second strut 520 is connected to the support structure 400 via the elongate slot 522 5 (e.g., via a male portion 526 extending from the support structure 400). The second strut 520 is connected to the slider 30 via the connector 524. As best shown in FIGs 5B to 5D, the connections 514, 524 of the first strut 510 and the second strut 520 to the slider 30 are offset. The connections 514, 524 are offset along 10 the length of the slider 30 and the height of the slider 30. 15

Claims

1. A camera support apparatus (10) comprising:an axle (20) having a longitudinal extent along a slider rotation axis (22);a slider (30) rotatably connected to the axle (20) such that it is operable to rotate around the slider rotation axis (22), the slider (30) extending along a slider axis (32) orthogonal to the slider rotation axis (22), wherein the slider (30) is configured to support a camera mount (34) and defines a guide path which extends along the slider axis (32) along which the camera mount (34) is operable to slide; anda rotatable base (40) configured to rotate around an axle rotation axis (42), wherein the axle rotation axis (42) is orthogonal to the slider rotation axis (22) and offset from the slider axis (32) along the slider rotation axis (22), the rotatable base (40) such that the rotatable base (40) and the axle (20) are operable to rotate around the axle rotation axis (42) together.

2. The camera support apparatus (10) of claim 1, wherein the rotatable base (40) comprises a rotatable base brake unit (44) configured to releasably fix the rotatable base (40) at an angular position around the axle rotation axis (42).

3. The camera support apparatus (10) of claim 2, wherein the rotatable base brake unit (44) is configured to releasably fix the rotatable base (40) at a pre-determined angle around the axle rotation axis (42).

4. The camera support apparatus (10) of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the rotatable base brake unit (44) is configured to releasably fix the rotatable base (40) at each of a plurality of pre-determined angles around the axle rotation axis (42).

5. The camera support apparatus (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the rotatable base (40) is releasably coupled to the axle (20).

6. The camera support apparatus (10) of claim 5, wherein the rotatable base (40) is releasably coupled to the axle (20) via one or more clamps.

7. The camera support apparatus (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the rotatable base (40) comprises a rotatable base actuator (46) configured to cause the axle (20) to rotate around the axle rotation axis (42).

8. The camera support apparatus (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the axle (20) comprises an axle brake unit (24) configured to releasably fix the slider (30) at a predetermined angle around the slider rotation axis (22).

9. The camera support apparatus (10) of claim 8, wherein the axle brake unit (24) is configured to releasably fix the slider (30) at each of a plurality of pre-determined angles around the slider rotation axis (22).

10. The camera support apparatus (10) of claim 8 or 9, wherein the axle brake unit (24) comprises a brake disc and a brake clamp.

11. The camera support apparatus (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the axle (20) comprises an axle actuator configured to cause the slider (30) to rotate around the slider rotation axis (22).

12. The camera support apparatus (10) of any preceding claim, further comprising a slider actuator (36) configured to cause the camera mount (34) to travel along the slider axis (32).

13. The camera support apparatus (10) of claim 12, wherein the slider actuator (36) comprises a belt drive system.

14. The camera support apparatus (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the slider (30) is substantially cuboidal in shape, the slider (30) comprising an upper surface, a lower surface, a front surface, a rear surface and two side surfaces; andwherein each of the side surfaces has a greater surface area than each of the upper surface, lower surface, front surface and rear surface.

15. The camera support apparatus (10) of claim 14, wherein the axle (20) is connected to the slider (30) at a location on the slider (30) that is substantially equidistant from the upper surface and the lower surface.

16. The camera support apparatus (10) of claim 14 or 15, wherein the axle (20) is connected to the slider (30) at a location on the slider (30) that is closer to the rear surface than the front surface.

17. The camera support apparatus (10) of any preceding claim, further comprising the camera mount (34) and a camera orientation unit (38) connectable to the camera mount (34), wherein the camera orientation unit (38) is operable to roll and / or pan and / or tilt relative to the slider (30).

18. The camera support apparatus (10) of claim 17, comprising a camera orientation unit (38) actuator configured to cause the camera to roll and / or pan and / or tilt relative to the slider (30).

19. The camera support apparatus (10) of claim 17 or 18, further comprising an L-shaped arm coupled to the camera mount (34), wherein the arm is configured to offset the camera from the slider axis (32).20.The camera support apparatus (10) of claim 19, wherein a first end of the L-shaped arm is connectable to the camera mount (34) and a second end of the L-shaped arm is connectable to the camera orientation unit (38).

21. The camera support apparatus (10) of any of claims 17 to 20, further comprising a counterweight (50) connected to the slider (30) via one or more arms such that the counterweight (50) is located closer to the rear surface than the slider rotation axis.5 22. The camera support apparatus (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the rotatablebase (40) comprises one or more fixtures connectable to a support structure.

23. The camera support apparatus (10) of claim 22, further comprising the support structure.1024. The camera support apparatus (10) of claim 23, wherein the support structure comprises a tripod.

25. The camera support apparatus (10) of claim 23, wherein the support structure defines 15 a channel shaped to enable the slider pass through the channel.

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