A sound blimp is a specialized housing attached to a still‑camera or motion‑picture camera that attenuates mechanical noises generated by the device, such as shutter click sounds on single‑lens‑reflex (SLR) cameras and motor noise from film‑or video‑recording mechanisms. The primary purpose of the blimp is to prevent these sounds from being captured in the audio track during filming or from disturbing subjects in environments where silence is required.
Design and construction
Typical sound blimps consist of a rigid, insulated enclosure—often a box filled with acoustic foam—with apertures for the lens, viewfinder, and control mechanisms. The housing permits external operation of focus and shutter release via cable releases or built‑in switches, allowing photographers to manipulate the camera without opening the enclosure. Soft‑sided variants, sometimes called “camera muzzles,” provide a lighter, less expensive alternative but generally offer reduced noise suppression compared with hard enclosures.
Historical development
The concept is reported to have been introduced in the mid‑1960s by Irving Jacobson, though some sources flag this claim as disputed. Early commercial implementations were produced for film cameras and later adapted for digital SLRs and mirrorless models as demand grew for silent on‑set photography.
Applications
- Film still photography: Sound blimps enable photographers to capture high‑resolution still images during principal photography without interrupting the production with audible camera noises. This is particularly valuable when shooting in controlled sound environments or during live performances.
- Theatrical and wildlife photography: In situations where any extraneous noise could startle subjects—such as stage productions, animal behavior studies, or surveillance—sound blimps help maintain a quiet presence.
- Broadcast and video production: When camera operation coincides with on‑location sound recording, the blimp reduces wind‑induced microphone artifacts and motor hum.
Commercial examples
- Rigid enclosures built from Pelican cases are frequently repurposed as sound blimps, often modified with foam padding and custom cable releases.
- Nikon’s CS‑13 (NIK446) leatherette soft case offers modest noise reduction primarily for film‑advance mechanisms of older film SLRs.
- Minolta marketed an “Insulation Case” (model numbers 6081‑660, 43325‑74196‑8) designed for low‑temperature operation that also advertised shutter‑sound suppression.
Related terminology
The term “blimp” in aviation refers to a non‑rigid dirigible; the photographic “sound blimp” should not be confused with this usage. In some contexts, “camera muzzle” denotes a soft‑sided sound‑reduction enclosure.
Overall, the sound blimp remains an essential accessory for professionals requiring silent camera operation across film production, wildlife documentation, and other noise‑sensitive photographic disciplines.