2013Video Assist and Video Accessories forum
Self-operated focus and zoom on a Steadicam rig during live production
13 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Multiple focus pulling approaches exist for single-operator Steadicam rigs: motorized attachments (Stanton, J7, Bartech) mounted to the lens or gimbal arm depending on camera type
- Internal focus servo lenses on broadcast cameras can be controlled by remote devices, but large-sensor cameras like the C300 present challenges due to shallow depth of field
- Having an assistant control zoom via transmitter can provide more responsive handling than gimbal-mounted zoom controls which some operators find jumpy
- Mounting a zoom motor to a Steadicam gimbal arm may create discomfort and reduced efficiency when two separate operators are needed for zoom and focus
- Successful single-operator focus pulling on S35 sensor cameras requires careful lens selection and positioning technique
Depends on
- The Microforce V+F3 unit described was not clearly resolved as suitable for the specific application
- Effectiveness depends heavily on camera type, lens internal servo capabilities, and whether the lens has motorized focus capacity
- Production constraints may override technical best practices when budget or equipment availability is limited
- Single-operator focus on larger sensors with shallow depth of field is more difficult than on broadcast cameras with greater depth of field