The folks at Chicago-based Zacuto sales and rentals have developed a solution for all of the herky-jerky video being shot with the variety of available compact HDV cameras. These cameras are mainly designed to be handheld, but after mounting ancillary production gear (matte box, monitor, light, battery, etc.) their ungainly, front-heavy weight often results in unsteady shots or quick pans that can make viewers nauseous.
Steve Weiss and Jens Bogehegn, company founders and former DPs, said they spoke to many HDV users who said that they can only hold the camera out in front of them for 15 to 20 minutes. These HDV cameras are too heavy to be handheld, but don’t have enough back weight to be shoulder mounted. What was needed was a lightweight camera support rig that placed most of the weight load on your shoulders.
The company now offers version 3 of its Zacuto Universal Baseplate System-made of aircraft-grade aluminum, it weighs less than two pounds-that works with any HDV camera. It’s available in four separate configurations (Docu, Cine, Studio and Handheld) to help carry the weight in different shooting situations. The baseplate also works with all camera accessories and adapters, like the Redrock M2.
The uniquely designed Baseplate System includes supports in the front and long rods that extend out the back to balance the camera weight evenly across the shooter’s body, or on a tripod. It accommodates battery, lights, handgrips, shoulder pads, and a variety of other pieces of gear, all mounted to the baseplate unit. The shoulder pad can be mounted on lightweight rods or on an integrated Sachtler-Cartoni wedgeplate as its base. A quick-release lever on the front is also planned, to enable users to move quickly and easily from pod mount to handheld configuration.
"The solid workmanship and attention to detail and quality made my transition from the film world that much easier," said Andy Kuepper, a San Diego-based DP. "The Zacuto Baseplate sold me with its innovative use of the rods behind the camera. I don't know how you would attempt to use a high-end on-board monitor without the solid support that a Zacuto Baseplate offers."
Zacuto started as a rental company in 2000 but has since begun manufacturing its own support products at its facility in Chicago. All Zacuto products are made in the U.S. and carry a lifetime warranty.
Thus far the reaction from shooters has been very positive. Zacuto also offers a rent-to-own program, where entire camera packages, including the Baseplate rig, are financed through the company. The $25,000 package includes your HDV camera of choice, specially designed travel cases, matte box, tripod, HD monitor, hard drive and more.
For more information, visit www.zacuto.com.