NFL camera stabilizer type? at DVinfo.net

Troy Davis · November 29th, 2010, 12:03 PM

Hello,

Does anyone know what type of camera stabilizer system the video guys on the side lines of NFL games use? They usually cut to these cams when a play happens on the side line.

Thanks,
Troy

Don Bloom · November 29th, 2010, 12:31 PM

Since they are not supplied by the NFL but the operators, the rigs they use could be anything but my guess is most of them are mostly Steadicam name brand gear although there could be a mix of gear involved in each ops rig.

Charles Papert · November 29th, 2010, 02:02 PM

Pretty much the case Don. I believe I once heard that the Monday Night Football team carried their own Steadicam Ultra and just put the operator in it (may not still be the case). Most of what I've seen are Steadicam brand rigs and not particularly modified. Steadicam is the top brand name in live broadcast work although a number of the guys I know who do this are using older rigs like the EFP, and those are often quite customized.

For broadcast gigs including concerts I have been using my lightweight rig for the past few years with much success as it is highly configurable and as light as possible. I'm always a bit surprised when I see guys using full-size sleds to shoot athletics and other stamina-based shooting environments.

Anyone remember the XFL?? With Steadicam operators actually on the field during plays? that was a dark time...!

And here's a grimacer of a clip:

YouTube - Greame Richie Steadicam Accident

November 29th, 2010, 12:03 PM	#1
Troy Davis Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Raleigh,NC Posts: 263	NFL camera stabilizer type? Hello, Does anyone know what type of camera stabilizer system the video guys on the side lines of NFL games use? They usually cut to these cams when a play happens on the side line. Thanks, Troy

November 29th, 2010, 12:31 PM	#2
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	Since they are not supplied by the NFL but the operators, the rigs they use could be anything but my guess is most of them are mostly Steadicam name brand gear although there could be a mix of gear involved in each ops rig. __________________ What do I know? I'm just a video-O-grafer. Don

November 29th, 2010, 02:02 PM	#3
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	Pretty much the case Don. I believe I once heard that the Monday Night Football team carried their own Steadicam Ultra and just put the operator in it (may not still be the case). Most of what I've seen are Steadicam brand rigs and not particularly modified. Steadicam is the top brand name in live broadcast work although a number of the guys I know who do this are using older rigs like the EFP, and those are often quite customized. For broadcast gigs including concerts I have been using my lightweight rig for the past few years with much success as it is highly configurable and as light as possible. I'm always a bit surprised when I see guys using full-size sleds to shoot athletics and other stamina-based shooting environments. Anyone remember the XFL?? With Steadicam operators actually on the field during plays? that was a dark time...! And here's a grimacer of a clip: YouTube - Greame Richie Steadicam Accident __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com