2004Operating forum
Managing multiple camera cables tethered to a Steadicam operator during HD production
22 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Holding cables in the gimbal hand while operating reduces swinging and tangling once the shot begins
- Cable can be looped and secured to the arm or vest with cable ties and small clamps to distribute weight and prevent snagging
- Single BNC SDI cables perform adequately for HD monitoring despite claims otherwise, and thin flexible BNC cables can work well on set
- Iris and focus pulls should be handled with dedicated wireless systems like Scorpio or Preston rather than relying on camera menus during shots
- Using wireless audio transmission instead of hardwired sound cables allows better audio quality in post and reduces operational burden
- Operators who refuse cable work risk being sidelined in favor of less capable platforms like dollies
- Cooperative attitude toward technical demands, even when difficult, builds professional relationships better than complaining before attempting the work
Depends on
- Advice is from early 2000s HD production on cameras like Sony F-900
- Some suggestions about lightweight BNC cables were disputed regarding signal integrity
- The effectiveness of cable management techniques varies depending on individual operator hand size and rig configuration
- Wireless equipment options and costs have evolved since the discussion date