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Tiffen has introduced a device aimed at owners of single handled gimbals like the DJI Ronin-S that allows them to connect their device to a Steadicam vest and arm to add extra stability. The Steadicam Steadimate-S is said to make holding single handle gimbals much easier too, so operators will be able to use them for longer without tiring.
Tiffen already markets the Steadicam Steadimate, which is designed for dual handled gimbals such as the DJI Ronin, and this new model works on the same principles but for single handled devices. The Steadimate-S consists of a bracket and a pair of counter weights. The bracket attaches the gimbal to the arm of the Steadicam vest and the weights ensure the gimbal remains upright. The gimbal then becomes part of the vest and benefits from the z-axis stabilization of the Steadicam arm as well as the x/y-axis stabilization of the gimbal’s own gyro head. The company says this arrangement helps to eliminate the ‘bounce’ often seen in footage shot with single handed gimbals in walking shots.
Users have a choice of two kits to suit the weight of their set-up. The Steadicam Steadimate-S 15 System comes with the A-15 Steadicam Arm and Scout Vest and can be used with up to 6.8kg / 15lbs of kit, while those with camera/gimbal combinations that weigh up to 13.6kg / 30lbs will need the Steadimate-S 30 System that uses the A-30 Arm and Zephyr Vest. The Steadimate-S will also be available on its own for those who already have a vest and arm.
No prices have been released yet, but the existing Steadicam Steadimate for twin handled gimbals costs from just under $ 1700 with a vest and arm, or $ 500 on its own. For more information see the Tiffen website.
Press release:
THE TIFFEN COMPANY DEMONSTRATES NEW STEADICAM STEADIMATE-S AT NAB 2019
Newest Camera Stabilizer Designed for Seamless Use with the DJI Ronin-S®
The Tiffen Company, the leading manufacturer of imaging accessories for the consumer/professional imaging and the motion picture and broadcast television industries, announces today the addition of the Steadimate-S to its Steadicam line of camera stabilizers.
Presented for the first time at NAB 2019, the Steadicam Steadimate-S offers camera operators increased freedom, endurance, and creative opportunity when working with single-handed motorized stabilizers like the DJI Ronin-S®. By pairing a single-handed stabilizer with a body- worn stabilizer the DJI Ronin-S can be operated for hours with minimal physical fatigue while maintaining a wide range of vertical movement and adding full panning ability and “low-mode” operation.
Users can minimize or completely eliminate the bouncing image effect that often occurs when using single-handled stabilizers as the Steadimate-S provides x-axis and y-axis stabilization while the Steadicam arm provides z-axis stabilization. The addition of the Steadimate-S easily and affordably transforms single-handed motorized gimbals into professional video stabilization systems.
“The Steadicam Steadimate-S is a new, elegant solution designed to add stability, operational comfort, and panning ability to single-handed stabilizers that are popular with camera operators,” said Andrew Tiffen, SVP of Marketing, The Tiffen Company. “We look forward to debuting and demonstrating this latest camera stabilizer in our booth at the NAB Show next month.”
The Steadimate-S comes standard with a post block and balance pin that fits arms with 1/2″ posts. The weight capacity varies depending on the single-handed stabilizer, arm, and vest being used. The Steadimate-S adapter can be purchased on its own for use with existing arms and vests, or as a complete kit available in two weight classes. The Steadimate-S 15 System comes with the A-15 Arm & Scout Vest and offers a 15 lbs./6.8 kg weight capacity, while the Steadimate-S 30 System comes with the A-30 Arm & Zephyr Vest and boasts a 30 lbs./13.6 kg capacity.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)