What is the Steadicam filming technology in the A80?

steadicam - Ảnh 1. — Cinematographer Le Bao Han uses the Steadicam system at the National Day parade on September 2 - Photo: FBNV

At the recent parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2 at Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi , cameraman Le Bao Han made many viewers ecstatic with extremely impressive and "divine" scenes thanks to the application of Steadicam technology.

What is the Steadicam system?

Sharing with Tuoi Tre Online , Mr. Vu Thanh Quang, head of the Department of Information Technology and Television, College of Television (Hanoi), said that to perform impressive scenes like many people have seen, the performer needs a complete Steadicam system, including: armor plate, mechanical crane and central tower.

The vest helps distribute the weight of the camera over the entire body of the operator.

The mechanical arm (Arm) is the core part, acting as a mechanical arm with a spring and joint system, absorbing and eliminating all vibrations from the operator.

The central tower (Sled) is where the camera, monitor, battery and auxiliary equipment are mounted. This tower is designed to balance the center of gravity, ensuring that the camera always remains absolutely horizontal.

“The Steadicam works on physical balance and counterweights. When the cameraman moves, the forces acting on the camera are absorbed by the mechanical arm, keeping the camera in a static state.

This is completely different from traditional methods such as handheld cameras (which are always shaky) or cameras mounted on dolly/crane which are limited in space and flexibility," said Mr. Quang.

Notably, the scenes filmed at the recent parade not only used traditional Steadicam, but also incorporated a more advanced system, called ARRI Trinity.

This is a unique hybrid system, combining the traditional 3-axis mechanical Gimbal (for horizontal and vertical stabilization, anti-shake) and the 5-axis electronic Gimbal (enhanced angle control, allowing the operator to change the camera angle flexibly while maintaining absolute smoothness).

Mr. Quang explained: “This technology allows for smooth transitions from low mode to high mode in the same scene, which is difficult to do with traditional equipment.

For example, the cameraman can follow a soldier closely, then suddenly lift the camera up high to pan the entire formation, all in a single shot and without any sign of shaking or jerking.

Steadicam shooting requires skill, technique, physical strength and passion.

Regarding the skills to operate the massive Steadicam system mentioned above, according to the head of the Department of Information Technology and Television, College of Television (Hanoi), the operator needs to have many factors.

The first is technical and cinematic knowledge, such as understanding how to balance the camera, set technical parameters, and having the ability to feel space and frame composition.

Second is the skill of control which requires the coordination of the hands, feet and the whole body. The movements must be performed smoothly and decisively to create the smoothest shot.

The third factor is physical strength. A Steadicam system, including the camera, monitor and batteries, can weigh between 15kg and 30kg. The operator must carry this weight throughout the entire shoot, often for hours at a time. Therefore, good stamina and physical strength are essential to master the equipment and produce quality footage.

Worldwide , Steadicam is a standard and indispensable technology in the film, television, and advertising production industries. It has become so popular that most professional film crews have at least one Steadicam specialist.

“In Vietnam, this technique has been applied for many years. However, the number of cameramen capable of mastering professional Steadicam systems, especially heavy equipment, is still limited. To become a good Steadicam operator, in addition to investing in equipment, it requires a long training process, requiring perseverance and high passion,” said Mr. Vu Thanh Quang.

When was Steadicam invented?

The Steadicam is a mechanical camera stabilization system, invented by filmmaker Garrett Brown in the 1970s.

This technique was created to overcome the disadvantages of handheld cameras' vibrations and shaking, while allowing the cameraman to move more flexibly and freely than with a dolly or crane.

The Steadicam was first widely used in popular films such as Rocky (1976) and The Shining , with its long, dramatic camera shots.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/cong-nghe-quay-phim-steadicam-trong-a80-la-gi-20250904171627576.htm