2012Monitors forum
Monitor selection and mounting for Steadicam rigs, particularly regarding brightness requirements and weight considerations
14 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Monitors with brightness below 300 nits are generally insufficient for Steadicam work in outdoor or mixed lighting conditions, with most professionals using monitors rated at least 800 nits or higher.
- A 9-inch monitor is typically too heavy and large for practical Steadicam operation, causing front-heavy rig imbalance, reduced arm lifting capacity, and mounting stability issues.
- Custom cable assemblies connecting Steadicam connectors to standard broadcast connectors like XLR and BNC require specialized cable builders familiar with Steadicam-specific connector standards, as multiple pinout variations exist.
- Adding deliberate weight to a Steadicam rig can improve inertial characteristics by shifting the balance point forward, which can be accomplished through small lead weights positioned where needed rather than relying solely on batteries or built-in accessories.
- High-resolution or high-quality monitors can attract unwanted production oversight during operations, as crew members may request playback viewing, which interferes with Steadicam operation.
- Mounting an external monitor like the Marshall Transflective or comparable model via HDMI can provide accurate exposure and color temperature information for DSLRs in HD, avoiding the need to unplug rig cables to check camera monitors between takes.
- The Marshall 6.5-inch transflective monitor offers superior performance in daylight conditions compared to larger alternatives, while the 7-inch Marshall provides better value with 16:9 aspect ratio and DSLR-specific features.
Depends on
- This discussion focuses on standard definition Steadicam rigs and may not apply fully to modern HD or 4K setups.
- Specific brightness and monitor recommendations are based on 2012 technology and requirements.
- The discussion includes anecdotal experience with specific DSLR models like the Canon 5D Mark II and 7D, which may not represent all camera systems.
- Weight and balance considerations vary depending on individual rig configurations, arm types, and operator preferences.