Methods for achieving ground-level camera shots with Steadicam rigs

2006Center Post forum

20 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.

DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.

Multiple techniques exist for capturing low-angle shots: extending posts, hardmounting to a dolly, long arm posts, and custom low-angle rigs each have specific advantages and trade-offs
Extending posts enable shots very close to ground level but become difficult to tilt without a dedicated tilt head, and longer posts lose rigidity
Hardmounting sacrifices flexibility but provides stability familiar to operators
Long arm posts are simple and inexpensive but introduce flex and make the arm unwieldy
A custom post replacement built from carbon fiber can extend approximately 5 feet and reach ground level with acceptable vibration characteristics when properly constructed with appropriate clamps and materials
Ground-level capability encourages operators to suggest such shots and allows quick setup, improving production value
Telescoping posts with modern carbon fiber construction can extend the full range from minimum to 6 feet in seconds without extra components
Non-telescoping extended posts avoid vibration issues but require 20 minutes and two people for installation

Ground-level shots with extended posts are difficult to tilt smoothly without a specialized tilt head
Extended posts make shoulder-mounting the sled impractical
Very low angles with extended posts reduce operator control compared to standard configurations
The low-mode cage on some camera bodies may limit how close the lens center can get to ground
Extended posts add weight to the rig, though carbon fiber construction minimizes this
Hardmount solutions are limited by the dolly configuration
A custom metal post built to curve downward has limited utility and is unsuitable for long-format work