sync sound cameras (bnc)

[vinsteadi]

Hey steadicam ops,

Please do let me know which cameras are mostly used and preferred by the steadicam ops in and around America if there is a sync feature sound film?

I know that Arri 35-BL is a sync sound film cam but Arri 35 has 5 BL models (BL 1, BL 2, BL 3, BL 4 & BL 4s) out of these 5 which model will be preferred on the steadicam considering the weight factor, dynamic balance and the static balance. I think BL 1 should be okay but I just had to take everybody’s input. What do you guys say?

I think Arri 535 would be anytime preferred than the BL’s. Is that right? Is the moviecam a sync sound camera?

Too many questions right!!! These queries were lingering on the back of my mind. Anyways lets end this right here.

Till then bye and fly safe.

Regards,

Vinny

Bombay, India

(Master series film steadicam Operator/Owner)

www.vinsteadi.biz

[Michael Stumpf]

Of the BL's you'll prefer the BL3 when taking everything into consideration. BL1's and BL2's won't make the sound guys happy. BL-4 and BL4s fly nice and solid, but it takes a toll on you. I, like nearly everyone else here, avoid flying a BL4 or BL4s at any cost.

 

535B is highly prefered to the BL's, but is a major jump up in rental price.

 

Moviecam is a fanastic sound camera. One of the quietest (Compact). It's only about a pound less in weight than the 535B when both are in Steadicam mode.

Flies really nice.

 

Moviecam SL is extremely light and therefore easy on your body, but isn't the best for quiet situations. Still considered a sync sound camera, but the sound guys will pick up the camera noise on tight interiors when the boom guy or actor is close to the camera. The SL in many ways is TOO light and like an Aaton 35 mm or 16mm easily gets blown about in even the lightest wind. You have to pay more attention to your horizon with it.

 

The Millenium XL is a great camera to fly. Lightweight (yet not too light) and quiet. But it's EXPENSIVE to rent, and only the top level shows will get that camera for you.

 

The new Arricam's do well too. I haven't flown the Arricam LT yet, but did fly the Arricam ST (studio) in Steadicam mode on the feature I just finished. It's about 1/2 pound lighter than a Moviecam Compact. The only negative I found was that the LT (Lightweight) Steadicam magazines don't work on the Arricam ST. So flying the 1.5 pound heavier ST mags makes the Arricam ST very backheavy. There's only one place to mount your dovetail plate, unless you only tie it down with one screw and it's WAY forward on the camera. This forces you to push the camera way forward on your DonkeyBox (or stage) and also roll your Fore and Aft adjustments nearly as forward as it goes.

 

I called ARRI about this and asked, "why on earth on a brand new camera (not yet 2 years old) would you NOT make the mags interchangeable between the ST and the LT?" After an excuse or so, they told me they have an adapter that will "solve" that problem. But they only had a prototype that they wouldn't give me. Then I asked, "will this adapter sleeve push the mag further back?"

I was told, "yes about an inch or so."

 

So, that won't solve the balancing issue, because even though you will be able to lose 1.5 pounds in weight, it'll be pushed further away from the already back heavy camera. Oh, well.

 

I look forward to being able to use the Arricam LT on a job sometime. I was told by a couple of people who have flown it that it flies really nice, and is perfect in weight.

 

Hope that my personal insight helped. Others, I'm sure have more to add.

[vinsteadi]

I thank you michael for your fantastic advice.i really appreciate it.

Till then bye,fly safe and do take care... ;)

 

Regards,

Vinny.

(master series film steadicam owner/op.)

Bombay, India

www.vinsteadi.biz