Equipment investment strategy for steadicam operators regarding HD downconverters

Gear

ZephyrCan I fly my Alexa or RED on a Zephyr?389

Master SeriesIs a used Master Series rig worth buying as a first big rig?191

BFDHow do I power my BFD receiver from my camera or sled?186

VoltCan I retrofit a Volt onto my existing sled or gimbal?168

ArtemisHow do I power my camera and accessories from an Artemis sled?166

MDRWhere can I mount my Preston MDR on my rig?143

ModulusIs there a Modulus option for HD wireless video?141

G-70Will my G-70 fit my vest, gimbal or sled?126

FI+ZCan I control iris and zoom wirelessly, not just focus?60

HU3Where can I get my HU3 repaired, refurbished or repainted?60

CineLiveHow do I pack and case my CineLive rig for transport?54

G-70XHow does the G-70X compare to Pro Titan, Xarm and other arms?46

Trinity 2Is Trinity 2 SUP 3.0 firmware safe to install or buggy?46

Ultra VestWhich vest should I choose for my body size, comfort and operator type?39

2009Video Assist and Video Accessories forum

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

A downconverter enables standard definition equipment to work with HD cameras and represents a cost-effective alternative to replacing monitors and transmitters.
The Decimator downconverter costs around 400-435 dollars, making it an affordable investment compared to HD monitor and transmitter upgrades which cost several thousand dollars.
Steadicam operators can request additional rental fees for downconverters from production, with typical daily rates around 100 dollars matching rates for comparable devices.
Production companies often attempt to avoid paying rental fees for downconverters and may falsely claim the steadicam operator is responsible for providing this equipment.
Steadicam work quality can be significantly compromised when downconverters malfunction or are unavailable, making equipment ownership economically justified.
Cheap power connectors on some rental downconverters can cause soldering damage over time, creating intermittent connection failures.
Some RED camera owners do not include downconverters with their equipment packages despite offering them as complete setups.

Discussion centers on practices in North America and UK markets during 2009 when HD adoption was becoming standard.
The economic argument assumes steadicam operators can charge rental fees or request producer-supplied equipment, which may vary by market and experience level.
Power connector issues mentioned are specific to certain rental house downconverters and may not apply to all models.
Claimed two-week payoff periods for Decimator rentals are anecdotal and dependent on job frequency.