2011General Discussion forum
Weight management and mounting solutions for RED EPIC cinema cameras on Steadicam rigs
15 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The RED EPIC camera body is light enough that ballast weight must be added to achieve proper balance on a Steadicam Master Series arm, requiring up to three batteries and potentially additional weights to reach the arm's working weight range.
- A realistic total weight for a fully equipped RED EPIC setup includes approximately 7 to 9 pounds beyond the camera body itself to account for lens, matte box, filters, focus and iris motors, cables, and mounting plates.
- Using an Arri light dovetail plate allows quick swaps between studio head and Steadicam without requiring a human tripod stand, making the workflow more efficient.
- The Arri dovetail system, particularly when paired with a PRO plate instead of an XCS plate, adds minimal height while enabling fast transitions between different camera configurations and support systems.
Depends on
- Experience described is from 2011 testing with early RED EPIC prototypes and may not reflect final production specifications.
- Weight recommendations are based on individual operators' experience and may vary depending on arm type, lens selection, and specific rig configuration.
- No technical specifications or part numbers are confirmed for the Arri dovetail solutions discussed.
Gear in this thread
Parts
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