Comparison of monitor arms for cinema cameras including PRO, XCS, MK-V, and Sachtler Artemis models

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Comparison of monitor arms for cinema cameras including PRO, XCS, MK-V, and Sachtler Artemis models

18 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.

DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.

What the thread found

The XCS arm features telescoping rods that allow adjustment of viewing angle and can accommodate dynamic balancing with batteries attached to the monitor.
The PRO arm is characterized by stiff construction and quick switching between regular and low mode positions, but does not support dynamic balancing.
The MK-V arm is made from perforated solid bar and provides stiff construction with minimal vibration, though attachment via split ring screws requires more effort than competing designs.
The XCS arm uses a Kipp handle and hinged bracket for easier removal from posts compared to split ring attachment systems.
The Sachtler Artemis bracket offers dual telescoping rods, adjustable monitor plates compatible with both TB-6 and LCD mounts, pan and tilt capability, and vertical height adjustment for weight distribution control.
The PRO arm includes an available extension adapter that repositions the monitor approximately 3 to 4 inches further from the post.
Some users reported slight vibration with the XCS arm when used with green screen monitors, though the carbon post reportedly did not transmit this vibration to the camera.

Depends on

Pricing and availability information is incomplete for some models.
The MK-V arm design may have changed since some users last evaluated it.
One user reported experiencing vibration with XCS and green screen combinations, though this may be weight-dependent.
Reports about the Betz arm are limited to secondhand accounts of previous owners.
Experiences are drawn from specific individual setups and personal preferences rather than controlled testing.