Over the years I have owned and operated many of the classic and current Steadicam systems. At present I have Archer and Flyer LE sleds, with a choice of arms and vests depending on the shoot. Both have been upgraded by my team to improve dynamic balance, power distribution, HD signal strength and versatility.
This is a superb medium weight Steadicam system, capable of smaller cameras like Sony PXW-Z280s, right up to broadcast cameras like PXW-750s, and even digital film heads like my Sony FX6, FX9, RED cameras, & even Arri Alexa Mini LF kits with big cine lenses!
The Archer has two HD video lines, multiple power options, the superb Tiffen tilt head, and 1.5″ post & gimbal which are soon to be Steadicam Volt ready!
When it first arrived: Steadicam Archer SE HD, with Sony PXW-FS7, Sigma f1.8 lens, Chrosziel mattebox & Convergent Design Odyssey 7Q monitor recorder.
Now – upgraded! Steadicam Flyer SE 4K with Arri Alexa Mini LF, Zeiss Superme lens, Arri wireless lens control, wireless video (on the back), Atomos Shogun 7 monitor & backup recorder.
Since buying the Archer sled, I was a little disappointed by the fixed spar across the bottom, which did not have many power or video options, nor any real ability to adjust for dynamic balance. So I called my pal Steadi Seb J and we came up with a new junction box for the bottom of the sled which has 7 power outputs, three battery plates, two SDI lines (which will take 4K RAW from the camera) and a dual 15mm rail system to allow a lot of travel and adjustment for the monitor and pivoting battery hanger!
