Are you a photo booth company or event planner looking to add the captivating power of a robot such as the OrcaVue Glambot to your event services? With demand for high-quality, slow-motion video experiences on the rise, robotic camera services have become a must-have at events ranging from corporate activations to private parties. While cinematic robotic systems might still be out of reach for many, the OrcaVue Glambot offers an accessible, professional-grade option that can elevate your event offerings without breaking the bank.
Not all robotic camera systems are created equal. Before you invest, here are 12 critical questions to ask to ensure you choose the right robot for your photo booth business.
Table of Contents
How long does it take to set up?
Many robotic camera systems require hours of setup time, which can add significant labor costs and complexity to event operations. The OrcaVue Glambot, however, sets up in under 5 minutes directly from its road case, allowing you to maximize productivity and focus on delivering an exceptional guest experience. Most other systems require tools and the know-how to assemble multiple parts.
What is required to calibrate or “home” the robot?
If footage is to be considered show stopping, it must accurately capture and frame event guests. This requires the arm to be in a “known” position.
The OrcaVue Glambot was engineered to perform this calibration in 20 seconds! Simply press the home button on the arm and return it to the stored position. Green LEDs tell you when it is in place. Never done it before? Have questions? Consult the display screen for convenient pictures and instructions.
Equally important is telling the guest where to stand. The OrcaVue Glambot has built in laser pointer that removes all the guess work and shows you the exact spot. Simply choose the laser button on the display during setup or during production; the arm will extend and display a small red dot on the floor. We recommend marking it with a piece of tape. Again, this takes less than 20 seconds. But it is a critical step for ensuring consistent, guest-pleasing videos.
What is the reach of the robot arm?
What makes robotic footage look so incredible is the ability to smoothly and quickly move a camera over a considerable distance. The greater the distance the arm can move from the start of the recording to the end, the more stunning the footage. Many companies sell mini cobot arms that can only move a camera a few feet.
The OrcaVue Glambot boasts an industry-leading horizontal reach of 5′-6″ or an 11′ span. It can reach as high as 8′-9″.
Is shipping included in the price?
Shipping costs for large equipment can add up quickly. The OrcaVue Glambot includes free shipping to commercial addresses in the continental US, ensuring you receive an accurate, all-in price with no hidden costs.
Does the OrcaVue Glambot come with a road case? How do I move it?
Road cases are event-industry standard containers that ensure safe travel for technical equipment as it is transported. Robots are expensive and need this type of protection. The OrcaVue Glambot is shipped in a road case that not only protects the robot, but also allows it to be used immediately after the road case is removed.
Does it fit in a small SUV?
Before purchasing a robotic camera system, such as the OrcaVue Glambot, be sure to consider how you will transport it from event to event. Unless you are planning on renting a box truck each time, you’ll want to measure the available space in the back of any vehicle you plan to use.
The OrcaVue Glambot was purposely designed to fit on the back of a Toyata RAV4, America’s most popular small SUV. Its road case measures only 48”L x 20“W x 28”H.
What cameras can I use?
High-end cinematic robotic systems typically use expensive, heavy-duty cameras that offer exceptional video quality but require a team of technicians to calibrate and operate as well as a very large budget, which can easily exceed $50K for the camera alone.
Photo booth robots, such the OrcaVue Glambot, typically use action cameras like the GoPro, striking a balance between quality and cost. These cameras offer unparalleled auto-focus and anti-shake capabilities, allowing the robot to be set up and operated by a single attendant. This dramatically reduces the cost of having a robotic camera system at an event but still produces high-quality 4k footage for guest to share.
DSLR and mirrorless cameras are usually not recommended for use with photo booth robots because their internal auto-focus and stabilization systems can struggle to keep up with the quick arm movements characteristic of the shots that often create the most captivating footage.
Was the robot designed for videography?
Buyer beware! A number of small photo booth manufacturing companies have quickly created a product simply by purchasing a Chinese-produced robotic arm that was designed to manufacture electrical parts, and attaching that arm to a base produced in the United States. Many of these robot arms were designed for factory work and not to move smoothly from point-to-point, meaning footage captured using these arms may come out shaky and unusable. If you are considering purchasing a robot arm that looks like a plastic pretzel or is clearly bolted onto a base, be sure to ask to see footage that was actually captured with that robot arm.
Unlike these models, the OrcaVue Glambot is purpose-built for smooth, cinematic camera movements. This design ensures professional-quality footage with no unwanted shakiness or instability.
Is the manufacturer based in the United States?
If you’re purchasing in the United States, ask the manufacturer where it is located and if it maintains a complete inventory of all the parts. Equally important is finding out where the arm would be serviced. If the arms are being purchased from overseas, there is a good chance that the manufacturer will not be able to fix the robot easily and will need to send it back to the real manufacturer for repair–if they are able to fix it at all.
OrcaVue Glambots are assembled in the USA from domestic and foreign parts. We keep a complete inventory of all parts on hand.
What is the warranty?
Before purchasing, be sure to ask the manufacturer about their warranty policy, if they keep an inventory of parts on-hand, and what their process will be if you need to have your Glambot repaired.
The OrcaVue Glambot comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty. Because OrcaVue builds its products in the US, we have a complete stock of parts. OrcaVue also offers a dedicated support team that is available weekdays from 9AM to 5PM EST.
Does the manufacturer have a history of creating and supporting products in the United States?
OrcaVue has been a trusted name in the event industry for over 10 years and is widely known for its innovative 360 photo booths and robust support for event professionals. The company spent over two years developing the OrcaVue Glambot to ensure it meets the same high standards of quality and reliability expected by the industry.
Does the manufacturer also work in the event industry?
If a manufacturer is also in the event service business, as is the case with some manufacturers, they may become your competitor too. Be sure to know who you are buying from and don’t readily purchase a product from a company who also competes against you!
Conclusion
Investing in an OrcaVue Glambot can set your photo booth business apart, offering a unique and in-demand service that attracts high-end clients and generates shareable social media content. By asking the right questions, you can ensure that you choose a product that is not only high-quality but also easy to use and maintain.
For more information on the OrcaVue Glambot visit the OrcaVue Glambot product page and learn how offering an OrcaVue Glambot as one of your services can help your photo booth business stand out from the competition!
