Production Glossary
Steadicam
A Steadicam is a mount for motion picture cameras which provides a level of stabilization during shooting. The Steadicam gives the camera operator the ability to film the action of a scene without creating bounce, jerk, or shake to the shot.
The Steadicam was invented by Garrett Brown. It was launched into the filming industry in 1976, and eventually produced and licensed by Cinema Products.
Two types of Steadicam elicit the same result, but offer a different scale of filming. One type of Steadicam is essentially a glorified tripod. These are most notably used on sound stages or studio back-lots to shoot larger scale scenes. Placed on a stand with hydraulics, this Steadicam allows the filmmaker to get behind the camera to ensure focus and angle without having to exert energy to physically maintain the weight of the camera itself. This way the camera is able to move around easier and smoother, restricting the bumping or shaking of the operator.
The second Steadicam is a device that is attached to the cameraman, and is most often used with small, handheld cameras. These cameras are utilized, not only for movies, but for television and news productions as well. By withdrawing the motion of the operator, more difficult and strenuous shots are able to be captured, all the while maintaining the steadiness of the camera.
More specifically, the Steadicam is comprised of a camera, battery pack, monitor and harness. The harness that is worn by the camera operator is attached to the arm of the Steadicam by a gimbal (a support system that allows rotation around a single axis). The camera is affixed to one end and a counterbalance, usually the battery pack and monitor, connects to the other end. If the armature of the Steadicam is set appropriately, the cameraman should be able to let go of the camera completely without it moving from its position. Directional pressure is applied to the gimbal in order to move the camera in the desired direction.
CC image courtesy of Dalbera on Flickr
