What the thread found

• Operating zoom and focus simultaneously while controlling a Steadicam rig is technically possible but significantly more difficult than having separate crew members
• Carrying multiple cable types for different camera connectors allows flexibility when working on location with varying equipment
• Some broadcast sports operators successfully work alone using remote zoom and focus controls mounted on the gimbal, particularly in live TV situations
• The transition to HD formats made operator-controlled focus considerably more challenging due to reduced depth of field and increased sharpness requirements
• Having a focus assistant available reduces operator workload even if they are not exclusively dedicated to focus pulling
• Different broadcast environments have different staffing practices - some operators always use focus pullers while others routinely operate alone depending on sport and situation

Depends on

• The discussion spans union and non-union work with different standards
• Rates and market practices vary significantly by region and operator experience level
• The technical challenge of operator-controlled focus varies with camera model and lens type
• One experienced operator's practice in UK differs from typical US broadcast standards
• Most discussion participants emphasize this is not the preferred working method despite being sometimes necessary

Gear in this thread

BFD

Same gear or parts

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