Among the innovations showcased at Camerimage this year, Polish company HD Air Studio stands out with an ingenious solution for Steadicam operators. In a market where technological developments are often incremental, their new gyro-stabilized head offers a concrete solution to the two major challenges in Steadicam operation: system balancing time and maintaining camera level.
We discovered this company at a small booth where HD Air Studio has developed an elegant solution with their Cyclo Modular Head, a gyro-stabilized head that maintains camera horizontality similar to the ARRI Trinity, but this time on a single axis (therefore not offering Trinity’s javelin mode, which allows horizontal penetration into tight spaces such as vehicle windows).
The level orientation can also be programmed using an optional joystick, and a touchscreen allows adjustment of all dynamic movement characteristics. Furthermore, perfect column balancing would no longer be necessary, as the gyroscope-driven head continuously compensates for level, allowing the Steadicam to be fully deployed in just 25 minutes.
The Cyclo Modular Head can accommodate large cameras up to the Alexa 65. It weighs 5.94 kg with all optional modules installed (4.15 kg for the empty head), which represents a significant weight increase compared to a basic Steadicam, on which it must be mounted (Steadicam not included). It can support cameras up to 22 kg and perform 360° rolls.
Another clever innovation lies in its stabilized monitor mount, which keeps the monitor permanently horizontal during movement, providing great comfort to the operator.
Two French operators have already equipped themselves with the system: Stefano Forlini and Aymeric Colas.
The head is marketed at €35,500, but will be exceptionally offered from November 29th to December 6th at €28,800 for Black Week. A nice Christmas present to consider.
https://hdairstudio.com
Photo captions:
– Teddy Albert from UCO testing the Cyclo Modular Head
– The touchscreen allows adjustment of numerous parameters and head movement programming
– The monitor stabilizer maintains monitor level in all positions
