SoloShot - Anyone thinking of getting this?

[kande04]

I get useful video by setting up two cameras, which I find much easier (and more economical) than setting up a tracker. I do have good quality Sony video cameras, though. I bought one new and another exactly like it used, and they’ve held up and continue to record good quality video. I use them almost every day, and started recording my rides probably 10 years ago, so they’ve gotten a lot of use.

I did buy a less expensive Sony HD camcorder because I thought it might be useful for shows, but it takes crappy video (much smaller file size) so I almost never use it.

[horsenrider]

Which one is best for shorter shots?

I would like a system that I could do shorter distance shots with. For example, as a way to show close up’s of a riders position or ???
Does anyone know the difference between the distances for the Solo Shot and Pixio.

So withpPixio we would always need to have those 3 stakes plus a tripode and with Solo Shot it is just one that holds the camera?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[Cowgirl]

I spoke to Soloshot today. They told me that an update is coming next week. The time frame is still to start shipping in March, but it is in order of preorder date so you might not get it until June if it ships this time. The pixie is looking more attractive to me…

[Cats_and_horses]

I just received my PIXIO and it works like a charm! At the same time I can see on the Soloshot FB that they are not sure what they will ship at the end of March hahaha… crazy management… promises promises promises… and still nothing about indoors capability, except that the indoor accessory will be shipped later!!! What about people who will receive their SS but not the indoor accessory ???

[DownYonder]

I placed an order for the Pixio system last summer after talking to someone at one of the barn clinics that used it to video their rides. They liked it a lot, but said the delivery times were getting longer and longer. In doing some other checking around, I learned that the gadget has gotten so popular, they haven’t been able to keep up with production to meet demand. Part of the reason is that professional videographers are jumping on the bandwagon, and some of them have ordered multiple sets - esp. if they have a thriving business and do a lot of competitions/clinics, sales videos, etc. Orders for multiple systems are eating up the inventory, and one individual told me that “professional” orders were going to the head of the line, esp. if for multiple sets and if from repeat customers. Not sure where she got her info, but she does some free-lance work for a professional videographer who uses the systems, so I am assuming it came from that source.

I ended up canceling my order in the fall as I just got too uncomfortable with the expense combined with the long wait for delivery.

[Drsgqn]

You may want to redo your order… I ordered one in late December and got it within a week. Great system!

[visorvet]

I got impatient and ordered a Pixio late Thursday night, and it was shipped with a DHL tracking number by noon on Friday.

[flight]

visorvet, I see you have a soloshot2 but got the Pixio. I’ll be interested to hear what you think of the pixio, I’m still waiting for the soloshot3.

[visorvet]

Sure thing, flight. I haven’t canceled my Soloshot3 order - that’s the device I really want and I’m hanging in there. But I’m giving the Pixio a whirl in the meantime because I can only ride indoors for the next few months and I really need some feedback on my riding sooner rather than later - coming back from some injuries and my strength, position, and muscle memory have gone to rot. If it’s not all that and a bag of chips I’ll send it back, if I really like it I guess it will be hard decision time. God help me if I end up with both.

[Snowdenfarm]

visorvet, I will also be interested in your experience with Pixio.

[yankeeclipper]

From the website.

Shipping Update
Most of our time and resources have been spent getting the SOLOSHOT3 standard Base, Tag and OpticX cameras across the line. Shipping time frames for the standard Bases have been significantly delayed this past year, as many of you are aware of. Although the Pro shares the same Tag, and the Pro+65 also share the same Optic65 camera, the delay in the standard Base has caused a ripple effect on completion of the Pro Base as well. Pro orders are now expected to ship summer of 2017. Our manufacturing partner believes we can start shipping earlier but given our past underestimations, we would like to err on the side of caution and give you, our loyal and valued early adopter, the necessary information to plan accordingly.

[SnicklefritzG]

Have they released an official statement on the indoor accessory? I can’t find anything recent on their website or FB page

[visorvet]

I talked with them on FB regarding the indoor accessory. It won’t be ready for the March shipping date, BUT if you’re not happy with the full rig once you finally get the indoor accessory they will happily take everything back for a refund. So in essence your return period doesn’t begin until all the pieces are in your hands.

[MR1]

I sent a quick note to the SS info team yesterday, checking on the indoor accessory status (per visorvet’s comment). As usual, they replied right back in less than 24hrs. Here is the info I got:

"There is a possibility that the Indoor Accessory may ship out slightly behind the OpticX Camera Bundles. If that turns out to be the case (we’re not certain just yet), we would honor your 30-day return policy – 30-days from the day you receive your Indoor Accessory (seeing that you purchased the SS3 specifically for indoor use). This way you get to try out your SOLOSHOT3 indoors, worry free!

We really appreciate your continued patience and support – I know it’s been a long pre-order (you’ve been with us since day 1!), and I can assure you our team is working around the clock to ensure SOLOSHOT3 is something you will be proud to use!"

I was part of the original 50% off preorders & mentioned that the indoor piece was one of the biggest selling factors for me in committing early (that, and the faster setup).

Additionally, tonight we just got a manufacturing update - still on-track to ship in March (for us early preorders)…will ship first to the distribution center in the US, then to customers. They are still waiting for “certification” (which I assume is related to import taxes to the US and/or some type of ISO regulation for the hardware).

[MR1]

P.S. Here’s a quick video from the SS CEO that was part of tonight’s update
https://youtu.be/Zsi4XyRgLjU

[shall]

I’m not interesting in sponsoring development, so shipping needs to happen within a few days. Pixio sounds like it has an actual, indoor version of the product shipping, but maybe not. ? Soloshot 3 strung me along for 6 months which is where I cancelled my order. It’s the time value of money. I’ll pay for a shipping version of the product. In 6 months, a better value product could be available. There is no need to commit to a non-existent product.

[visorvet]

Received my Pixio unit but won’t have a chance to use it until tomorrow. Initial impressions:

1. Lower-grade plastics give poor impression of durability compared to my SoloShot2, which is a tank. I think all of the pieces will need to be handled much more carefully. The hinged platform on which the camera sits looks as though it could snap off in a stiff wind. The 5-port USB charger is of very cheap construction with an offset between the slots and the faceplate - at first I couldn’t get anything to plug into the slots at all, which was not confidence-inspiring. Eventually I found that I can do so by angling the connector a specific way as I plug it in. In my view this is ridiculous for a $750 system; I’m sure I’ll be buying a replacement charger quite soon.
2. The up side of #1 is that the entire kit is considerably lighter.
3. The watch strap was a major pain in the arse to install on the tag, and I broke all my fingernails in the process. They should consider shipping this with the strap attached.
4. No armband included, which was a surprise and a major disapppointment. There is no claim on the website that it is included, but as my SoloShot2 came with one I assumed that would be the case. Not only is this an extra expense, but I hate to think what shipping a 10-cent (actually $15-ish) elastic strap from France will cost. Sigh. Presumably I would have noticed this while ordering if it hadn’t been 2am.
5. Firmware update of all the pieces was easy to complete. The user guide says you can’t use a micro-SD card over 32GB but it seemed to work fine with my 64GB card. With luck this is a good omen for the actual function of the system.
6. Two year warranty. I can’t be bothered to check the SoloShot3 deets but I’m assuming only 1 year.
7. No auto-tilt to follow 3D action, much shorter range over which the system can be used compared to SoloShot. Zero problem if all you want to record with it is ringwork, but it is much less versatile for non-equestrian applications compared to SoloShot. This won’t come as a surprise to anyone that did their research on the system before purchase.

[visorvet]

Blech - not sure why my post is duplicated. Apologies to all.

Received my Pixio unit but won’t have a chance to use it until tomorrow. Initial impressions:

1. Lower-grade plastics give a poor impression of durability compared to my SoloShot2, which is a tank. I think all of the pieces will need to be handled much more carefully. The hinged platform on which the camera sits looks as though it could snap off in a stiff wind. The 5-port USB charger is of very cheap construction with an offset between the slots and the faceplate - at first I couldn’t get anything to plug into the slots at all, which was not confidence-inspiring. Eventually I found that I can do so by angling the connector a specific way as I plug it in. In my view this is ridiculous for a $750 system; I’m sure I’ll be buying a replacement charger quite soon.
2. The up side of #1 is that the entire kit is considerably lighter.
3. The watch strap was a major pain in the arse to install on the tag, and I broke all my fingernails in the process. They should consider shipping this with the strap attached.
4. No armband included, which was a surprise and a major disapppointment. There is no claim on the website that it is included, but as my SoloShot2 came with one I assumed that would be the case. Not only is this an extra expense, but I hate to think what shipping a 10-cent (actually $15-ish) elastic strap from France will cost. Sigh. Presumably I would have noticed this while ordering had it not been 2am after a hard day.
5. Firmware update of all the pieces was easy to complete. The user guide says you can’t use a micro-SD card over 32GB but it seemed to work fine with my 64GB card. With luck this is a good omen for the actual function of the system.
6. Two year warranty. I can’t be bothered to check the SoloShot3 deets but I’m assuming only 1 year.
7. No auto-tilt to follow 3D action, much shorter range over which the system can be used compared to SoloShot. Zero problem if all you want to record with it is ringwork, but it is much less versatile for non-equestrian applications compared to SoloShot. This won’t come as a surprise to anyone that did their research on the system before purchase.

[HunterMarc]

I would love to get one…way to much $$$$.

[visorvet]

For sure - that $750 doesn’t include a camera, and adding a 4K camcorder on top of that adds about another $1K.
I paid $500ish for the SoloShot3, which includes a 4K videocam. Assuming it ever materializes it is less expensive for sure. But the Pixio exists now, which is certainly a point in its favor!