The Steadicam was invented in 1975 as a mechanical way of stabilizing video cameras. In 2013 Freefly introduced the Movi, an electronic gimbal that basically made your average Steadicam obsolete. Since then the price of electronic gimbals has plummeted to a level that the average consumer can actually afford. That hasn't stopped Sachtler from creating a hybrid stabilizer that costs $45,000.
Last week we reviewed the new Ronin M, DJI's smaller version of their standard Ronin stabilizer. At just $1400, it's some really incredible technology that can actually be afforded by the majority of filmmakers. Cinema 5D recently got to check out a stabilizer on the other end of the spectrum, the Sachtler Tinity. The gimbal portion of this monster is called the Artemis Maxima and can be used hand held but it can be seen in this video being used with the Tinity Steadicam.
Why is this thing so expensive? For one thing, it's ultra heavy duty. It can hold up to 66 pounds of weight. Also, they claim it is able to switch lenses without rebalancing the unit. That sounds too good to be true until you hear the price; around $45,000 for the Gimbal, Steadicam, the arm, and vest. I'll wait a couple of years until it drops below $2000 like the Ronin before I jump on this bandwagon.
To learn a little be more about this over the top product, check out the extended video below.
Hint hint... "Consumer" isn't the only market segment. This tool is obviously engineered for professional use. I wouldn't compare it to end-user gadgets like Movi. That's like comparing an Arri rig to a Canon 5D. C'mon, you know better, Lee!
Obviously this thing is for Hollywood. Maybe my sarcasm didn't come through.
Damn it!
Ok. Will have my sarcasm detector fine-tuned.
I just cashed out my 401K and ordered.it.
Looks like a new take on the MK-V/Omega Revolution head:
http://www.mk-v.com/?page_id=2388
Yeah, I'm not wearing that thing... I'll gladly pay someone else to punish THEIR spine. :-)
Nice !!!
I thought of the Revolution head too, absolutely amazing piece of gear. in comparison to which the 45K is quite cheap. Maybe we finally see some more of these in the operator pool now that they become a bit more affordable. I do not envy any of those operators though, that's some insane workout.
Isn't it called "Trinity"? At the end of the clip he's saying the "Maxima" costs 15.000$. Where's the price for the Trinity coming from?
I thought he said he wanted the entire system to be below 30,000 British pounds (45k)
I'll never buy or rent a steady cam without putting it on first. I made that mistake once and rented one that killed my back after 3 min.
Needless to say that is a pretty cool one, I wonder how many raspberry pi's and brushless motors I have laying around and if I could make a smaller DSLR version for myself.
This is the critical factor that separates a genuine Steadicam from a bad knock-off. I've seen both experienced operators with poorly-designed knock-offs, and inexperienced operators improperly setting up genuine Steadicams, and causing themselves all sorts of back problems.
yeah the knock offs are not worth anything if there is pressure on the back.
I'm Steadicam certified (Zephyr/Scout/Pilot) and, yes, actual Steadicam rigs are better than Glidecams and other knockoffs, but don't kid yourself... even when setup and operated properly, lugging 40+lbs at arms length all day is going to take a toll.
Of course, maybe I'm just a wimp...
Point of order please. Garret Brown invented the Steadicam for Motion Picture Cameras...NOT video. Panasonic came out with a new smaller camera about the time he invented it and it took off.
Don't forget to add another $30k+ for the steadicam to mount it on too :)
Not too expensive, been looking for what to do with my other liver and my postcode lottery winnings. Sweeet.
I've been working with "Gimbals" I.E. remote heads, for 20 years. The Scorpio Head, Cineflex, (both of which I operate) and Libra have a replacement cost of around $400,000. If you could put an Alexa, Angenieux 19-90, and still have it solid, with a weight of under 15lbs, this is bargain.Larry McConkey needs to design a set of wireless control wheels like he did for the Movi. This looks more robust, and has a pretty good pedigree: Sachtler/Arri