CAME-TV Pro Camera Video Stabilizer Kit for Gimbals Launched

Camera Support

by Jeff LochMarch 19^th, 2021

CAME-TV has just released a pro camera video stabilizer kit that can be like a traditional Steadicam but also as a gimbal support to capture smoother and longer takes. Let’s take a closer look at it!

As time goes on, handheld gimbals are getting smaller, but they also can take more weight. For example, gimbals like the DJI RS 2 can take a maximum payload of 10lbs/4.5kg, and if you add the weight of the RS2 itself (2.86 lbs/1.3kg), you’re already carrying around 13lbs/6kg with one arm.

Of course, manufacturers created dual-handle brackets/support rings/easy rigs to help distribute your rig’s weight to both of your arms. Personally, I always felt that I used a lot of force trying to operate heavy setups and had a lot of arm/shoulder/back pains at the end of a 12 hours shoot.

We now start to see more and more configurations like the Tilta Float RS 2 that looks like the ARRI Trinity used to shoot the feature film “1917”. These gimbal setups help distribute your gimbal weight to your entire body while benefiting from the steadycam’s physic-stabilization and advantages.

Following that trend, CAME-TV has just released a new pro camera video stabilizer that can be used as a steadycam and a gimbal stabilizer.

CAME-TV Pro Camera Video Stabilizer Kit – Vest and Spring Arm

The CAME-TV pro camera video stabilizer consists of three main components: a vest, a sled, and a spring arm. It can take payloads anywhere from 2-8Kg, which is more than a fully-loaded DJI RS 2.

Let’s start with the vest that has nothing really different than a regular steadycam vest. The adjustable design can accommodate all body types and distribute the weight of your setup to your entire upper body. It looks quite comfortable, and you can adjust the arm connector’s height, so it is at the perfect spot for you.

The next part of the CAME-TV pro camera video stabilizer kit is the spring arm. The spring arm connects to the vest and will help smooth out unwanted movements as well as your footsteps.

Two versions of these spring arms are available: strong and light. The light version is rated for payloads from 2 to 6kg, and the strong version can take from 6 to 12kg. By default, CAME-TV ships its kit with the strong version, but you can ask them after purchase to change it for the light version.

CAME-TV Pro Camera Video Stabilizer Kit – sled

The interesting part of the CAME-TV pro camera video stabilizer kit is definitely its sled. Out of the box, it looks similar to handheld stabilizers like the Glidecam HD-series.

Indeed, you can mount any camera directly at the top of the sled (called the top stage) via a 1/4-20″ and/or 3/8-16″ mounting screw and use it as a handheld steadycam.

You can adjust the top stage back, forth, and sideways via fine-tune knobs. Under the top stage is a 15mm rod adapter that is height adjustable.

The gimbal can slide along the center post so you can achieve perfect balance.

Finally, at the bottom of the sled, you’ll find traditional counterweights for dynamic balancing. The CAME-TV pro camera video stabilizer kit comes with two 400g weights and two 200g ones. There is a built-in V-Mount wedge under the bottom stage, which means you can mount a battery directly to it. No cables are running inside the sled, so that this V-Mount battery will act more as a counterweight rather than just a powering solution.

What’s different?

The main difference is that you can mount your DJI RS 2 gimbal (or any other gimbal) directly to the top stage. An optional RS2-Base gives you access to one D-Tap 14.8V input and output port and one 14.8V DC input and output port.

With a gimbal on top of your steadycam you’ll be able to smooth out your shots, reduce fatigue, and capture much longer shots without ruining your back or arms.

Price and Availability

The CAME-TV pro camera video stabilizer kit is available now for $788.00. The base adapter with D-Tap for the DJI RS 2 is an extra $158.00. The sled comes in a bag, but there’s no included bag/case for the vest/spring arm.

For more information, please visit CAME-TV’s website here.

What do you think about this CAME-TV stabilizer? Did you ever mount your gimbal to a steadycam? What are your tips to reduce body fatigue when shooting with a gimbal for an entire day? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!