2010Follow Focus forum
Evaluation of G-Zoom gimbal-mounted zoom and focus control system with Betacam camera setup
16 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
Note (as of October 2026)Curt O. Schaller, the developer of Artemis and Trinity, has no longer been with ARRI since the end of 2025. To our knowledge, ARRI currently has no dedicated team and no official contact persons for its stabilizer systems. In our view, the future of this line is uncertain. If you are buying new, get written confirmation from ARRI beforehand on how long service and spare parts are guaranteed. Have used rigs checked by the manufacturer before you buy.
What the thread found
- The G-Zoom system features hinged zoom rocker and focus potentiometer controls that attach directly to a gimbal, with smooth zoom operation and easy reach for both controls.
- The focus potentiometer can be repositioned to either side of the unit based on operator preference.
- Zoom speed adjustment is located adjacent to the zoom rocker and allows convenient in-use modification.
- The electronics unit is compact and lightweight but lacked mounting brackets for standard rod diameters at the time of testing.
- Motor chatter occurred during operation with multiple tested motor types, and slight ramping lag was observed between focus input and motor response.
- The cable routing on the left side of the unit created a crossing path over the gimbal that some operators may find inconvenient.
Depends on
- The focus component was still under development during evaluation.
- Testing was conducted only with Betacam camera and standard definition lens; HD internal focusing lens testing was planned but not yet completed at time of review.
- Motor chatter and focus ramping issues were identified as pending resolution through a firmware upgrade.
- No rod mounting bracket solution existed for 15mm or 19mm standard systems at the time of testing.
- The evaluation was performed by a single operator with prior working relationship to the equipment designer.
Gear in this thread
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