How does a steadicam work
Introduction to Steadicam Components
Steadicam is a tool comprised of various component parts that work together seamlessly. At one end, there's the steadicam operator who manipulates the machine, while at the other end, the camera moves smoothly through space.
The Steadicam Vest
Beginning with the operator, the first component is the Steadicam Vest. This vest attaches over the operator's shoulders, around their torso, and snugly to their hips. Some vests utilize combinations of Velcro and clips, while others employ binding straps. The vest should be tightened to provide a secure fit, akin to a firm bear hug, ensuring it remains stable on the operator and doesn't shift during movement.
The Steadicam Arm
Located on either the front near the chest or the back by the hip is a socket block, which receives the steadicam arm. The steadicam arm features a male socket block that securely mounts into the female socket block on the vest. This block offers adjustable settings, akin to tuning a guitar, to ensure the arm sits correctly. Inside the arm are typically 2 to 4 springs connecting different bone sections to hinges and the socket block, functioning similarly to a balanced arm lamp, which inspired Garrett Brown to invent the isoelastic arm.
The Gimbal & Post
At the arm's end is the arm post, a small rod protruding vertically. The gimbal handle is mounted on the arm post, held in place by gravity. Though a safety pin can be used in extreme situations, the rig's weight usually suffices to keep it secure on the arm post. The gimbal handle connects to a gimbal featuring ball bearings allowing free rotation in three axes: pan, tilt, and roll. This gimbal typically comprises three or more bearings to enable this movement. The pan bearing, resembling a donut with a space in the middle, is attached to a sleeve, the sleeve has a clamp on the bottom. The steadicam post inserts into this sleeve, through the pan bearing, and clamps down.
Bottom Stage
Beginning at the bottom of the post, there's a steadicam monitor bracket in front and a battery bracket behind. Both brackets are typically mounted on a rod system, allowing for sliding and tilting to aid in balancing and viewing. The monitor attaches to its bracket and yoke, while batteries are mounted to the battery bracket. Integrated power cables extend from the battery bracket into a junction box, distributing power throughout the rig. Lower electronics include outputs for powering the steadicam monitor and other accessories like tally lights, recorders, and electronic levels.
top stage
Cables run up the hollow steadicam post to the top stage, delivering power to the camera and transmitting video to the monitor. The top stage comprises an upper junction box, distributing power to the camera and additional accessories such as low mode monitors, wireless video, and teleprompters. Above or behind this junction box is a precise control mechanism for adjusting the platform's position, featuring knobs for fore/aft and side-to-side adjustments to achieve fine balance. On XCS-style rigs, these controls are typically located on the bottom stage. Surrounding the balancing system is a locking and sliding mechanism that interfaces with a steadicam dovetail mounted beneath the cinema camera.
Conclusion
This setup encapsulates the basic functionality of a steadicam, but there's much more to explore, including balancing techniques, movement with the apparatus attached, and operational tips and tricks for achieving smooth and precise shots. Garrett Brown's vision for the Steadicam was multifaceted. Among his goals was ensuring the machine operated silently. Despite the camera and monitor requiring batteries, he aimed for the Steadicam to function even without power. Remarkably, he achieved this and much more. In doing so, Brown bestowed upon us the invaluable gift of the Steadicam.
