2012General Discussion forum
Connecting a Sony camcorder to a Steadicam Master Film Cine sled for training
14 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- A complete Master Film Cine kit with sled, arm, vest and accessories at 8000 USD represents good value compared to market prices for used systems in good condition.
- Training can be conducted with a handheld camera weighing approximately 10 kg, with additional weight added to the cage to simulate an HD camera load.
- The sled monitor does not function in HD, so either the camera must be changed or a downconverter must be purchased if using HD equipment.
- SD signal cable connects from camera to the SD BNC input on the sled, with power supplied to both the sled and monitor.
- For A/V input connections, a standard cable compatible with cameras like the Canon 5D with separate video and audio connectors should be obtained.
- The sled has a CAMERA/VTR switch on the front body that must be turned to the camera position during operation, which is a common setup mistake.
- Formal training through workshops is strongly recommended, as operating a steadicam involves many techniques beyond basic setup.
Depends on
- The specific method of adapting a Sony A/V output camcorder to the sled was not fully detailed or tested in this discussion.
- The advice to add weight to the cage to simulate an HD camera is approximate and may require adjustment based on the actual camera used.
- The downconverter requirement for HD cameras was mentioned but not thoroughly explained.
- This discussion does not cover advanced operational techniques or troubleshooting.