ARRI has gotten into the stabilization game with its purchase of the Artemis line of camera stabilizers from Sachtler and The Vitec Group. That means ARRI has taken over sales of the Artemis Trinity stabilizer and Maxima gimbal, and will continue product development through a new business unit with an eye on further integration with ARRI's camera systems.

Trinity's original developer, Curt O. Schaller, has joined ARRI as product manager for camera stabilizer systems. The Trinity is manufactured in Munich, Germany, like ARRI's camera products.

The Trinity made a splash at NAB — after ARRI demonstrated the production version of the system for the press, some wondered aloud how much farther stabilization technology could be pushed. The Trinity combines a traditional camera stabilization rig with a new gimbal using 32-bit ARM micro-controllers for precisely controlled movement. A joystick attached to the gimbal handle controls the tilt axis, allowing smooth transitions between low mode and high mode in a single shot.

The ARRI Trinity in action at NAB. Source: YouTube/ARRIChannel

One aspect of the Trinity system that must have appealed to ARRI is its sturdiness. With a maximum payload of up to 66 pounds (the Maxima gimbal itself weighs about 12–13 pounds), it accommodates the use of heavier cameras and longer lenses. Because all of the mounting takes place on a ring around the camera, rather than in a box behind it, there is no limitation on camera length. That means the 35mm ARRIFLEX 235 can be used with the Trinity, as can the Super 16 ARRIFLEX 416. However, ARRI notes that an Alexa Mini makes for a much more compact rig.

The Trinity is expected to begin shipping this month. Watch the video below for more from ARRI about Trinity.