About two years ago we were introduced to the first version of SoloShot: a video camera accessory that uses a transmitter to communicate with a receiver and automatically pan a camera by tracking a waterproof tag on the target of the shot. The product was of great interest to surfers but it had a major limitation: it could not adjust vertically and horizontally while panning. While this was a huge limitation, when I was introduced to the first version of the SoloShot I was immediately smitten with it. I imagined how I could use it as a shooter on three different television shows I worked on which had limited budgets and small crews. We put it to use in the field immediately.

Fast forward a couple of years and we have the SoloShot2! This new version fixes the vertical and horizontal panning limitation and allows complete freedom of movement. This makes the SoloShot2 more compelling for other sports such as football, soccer, and motocross but for indie filmmakers who want to shoot solo or don’t have the resources to hire a second shooter for shots that require tracking and panning.

The base has a battery life of 8 hours, and the remote has a battery life four hours. I would assume that this would be suitable for any day’s shoot. But if necessary, you could buy an additional receiver to get the most of the base.

You can also attach an additional module to the SOLOSHOT2 – The SOLOSHOT 2 Camera Controller (sold separately) whose function is to perform automatic zooms. The SOLOSHOT2 supports all tripods and a huge inventory of cameras on the market.

The most basic SOLOSHOT2 pack, which includes the base and the receiver, lists for $399. We prefer the Camera Bundle at $649 since it saves you $150 off individual elements if purchased alone.

If we gave ratings at GeekBeat.TV this product would certainly be in the top ten that we’ve reviewed. It’s ridiculously easy to set up, performs well out of the box and brings much more value than any other product I’ve ever purchased with a $399 price tag. I don’t want to give the good folks at SOLOSHOT any ideas, but they could sell this for twice the price and no-one would think any worse of them for it – it’s that good!