2014Cameras (Film/Video/HD) forum
Mounting and balancing an Arri AMIRA camera on a Steadicam PRO sled
12 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The AMIRA can be mounted directly to a Steadicam dovetail without requiring special camera-specific plates, though this may result in a forward-heavy balance.
- The bottom bracket of the AMIRA features a rosette, mini rod holes, and shoulder pad and can be removed and repositioned to the top of the camera to lower the center of gravity by approximately one inch and provide top rod mounting.
- Using the Arri QRP-1 plate raises the camera height by about an inch and adds weight, which increases the post length needed for balance.
- The Cinematic Precision plate bridges the shoulder pad gap and mounts directly into a PRO sled without requiring additional intermediate plates.
- The BPA-3 bottom plate provides a lower profile without a rear support point, resulting in a lower center of gravity compared to other bracket options.
- Steel rods mounted on the camera help add necessary weight for Steadicam operation, as the AMIRA body itself is extremely light.
- Removing the electronic viewfinder to reduce post length and weight is possible but may cause the camera to require a reboot when the EVF is disconnected and reconnected.
- An on-board battery and wireless video transmitter add significant weight to the rear, increasing back-heaviness during operation.
- Custom power cables made off-camera can eliminate the need for heavier standard cables and reduce overall post length.
- The camera's very light weight means the balance setup can become front-heavy easily, requiring careful attention to plate selection and weight distribution.
Depends on
- Bracket and mounting hole specifications vary between different AMIRA units, and exact measurements were recalled from memory rather than documented.
- EVF removal and reinsertion may require camera reboots, and this procedure's full impact on camera operations remains unclear.
- The comparison between different plate options was based on limited hands-on experience with specific models.
- Results with different mounting configurations depend heavily on the specific lens package and additional equipment being used.