What the thread found

• The recommended approach is to start as a 2nd AC or camera trainee, gain experience, save for a used steadicam rig, take lessons from an experienced operator, then work as a camera and steadicam operator before considering Trinity systems.
• Arri recommends at least 4 years of steadicam operating experience before attempting Trinity work.
• Practicing with lighter-weight practice rigs is valuable for learning because the motor control skills developed on lighter systems transfer to heavier professional rigs.
• Skills developed on lighter rigs actually provide overtraining for normal-weight systems since lighter setups require greater precision to achieve stability.
• Being a camera operator first provides essential knowledge beyond just moving the rig, which is necessary for steadicam work.
• Spending time on film sets is the primary way to develop as a steadicam operator.
• Professional workshops with experienced operators provide dedicated training opportunities.

Depends on

• The timeline assumes access to experienced local operators for training and mentorship.
• Costs mentioned ($25-35k USD for a used steadicam rig) are specific to one person's budget planning and may vary by location and equipment choice.
• The recommendation about four years of steadicam experience before Trinity is based on manufacturer guidance, not personal testimony from the discussants.
• Practice equipment options (Aero Sled, pilot sled, Scout model, Glidecam) vary in availability and specifications.
• Lighter practice rigs do not perfectly replicate the physics of heavier professional systems, only approximate them.

Gear in this thread

Zephyrcatalog, Omega ARcatalog

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