2014Steadi-Newbies forum
Selecting a steadicam system for a heavy DSLR cinema rig used in live event work
12 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- A Blackmagic Cinema Camera rig equipped with Redrock Micro cage, monitor, microphone, recorder, batteries, and follow focus can weigh between 24 and 30 pounds depending on configuration.
- The Merlin2 system has a maximum weight capacity below 24 pounds and may experience issues like camera plate slippage when used near or at its limits.
- Removing non-essential cage components, relocating batteries and recorders to external packs, and omitting matte boxes can reduce rig weight to approximately 22 pounds.
- The Steadicam Zephyr and upcoming M-1 were mentioned as potential options for heavier rigs, though the Zephyr was also noted to be close to its weight limit at 24 pounds.
- A sled-based steadicam may perform better in outdoor wind conditions compared to curve-based stabilizers.
Depends on
- The weight reduction discussed remains at the upper limit or exceeds the capacity of smaller steadicam systems.
- Specific carrying capacity and suitability of the Steadicam Solo for this weight class was not definitively established in the discussion.
- The M-1 system was described as forthcoming but not yet available at the time of the discussion.
- Whether a vest upgrade alone could serve as a temporary solution pending a heavier-duty arm purchase was not conclusively answered.
Gear in this thread
Parts
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