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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

Zephyrcatalog

Parts

Follow Focus

Same gear or parts

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  3. 2026First stabilizer purchase: Steadicam® Elite (14 kg payload, integrated Volt 3) versus Rever Evo (higher payload) and used-market strategy.DisputedFacebookThe Steadicam Group
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