2012Steadi-Newbies forum
Comparison of Steadicam Archer 2 and Action Cam RebelPro rigs for professional rental work
14 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The Action Cam RebelPro costs approximately 6000 dollars less than the Steadicam Archer 2 while offering similar functional capability for camera work.
- The Action Cam arm can support up to 77 pounds with a boom range of 37 inches and operates smoothly, though it lacks the hydraulic feel of more expensive professional arms.
- The Action Cam sled design uses open 19mm rods and an open central post rather than enclosed top and bottom connectors, allowing easier cable routing but requiring workarounds for certain setups.
- The Action Cam's lack of built-in sled electronics means lighter weight that can be adjusted by swapping carbon rods for steel ones when needed, rather than carrying fixed weight.
- The Action Cam comes with a back-mounted vest rated for 100 pounds that some users find comfortable but note it is wider when passing through narrow doorways.
- The included Swit monitor with the Action Cam package is too dim for outdoor use.
- Users reported 4+ years of reliable field use with the Action Cam in demanding conditions.
- The Action Cam can be upgraded from RebelPro to RebelElite model with minimal additional expense.
Depends on
- One experienced observer noted the Action Cam design seemed less refined than established Steadicam and PRO products, though this represented a single impression rather than systematic testing.
- The Action Cam arm bottoming out behavior was described differently by different users, with conflicting accounts of smoothness.
- The price comparison assumes specific models from 2012 and current pricing may differ.
- One user mentioned difficulty adapting arms between different vest systems due to different post sizes.
- User comfort with the back-mounted vest varies based on individual body type and doorway clearances on specific shoots.