SteadiHub
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

Master Seriescatalog

Parts

Dovetail Plate

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