Sacthler artemis or Steadicam Scout

[Kirk.Attard]

Hi all.

Interested in buying artemis dv pro or steadicam scout.

Did anyone here have any experience with either of theses systems. Both seem pretty well built and similar price point. I'm leaning more towards the steadicam but thats just visual preference. Just wished to know if anyone used any of the systems.

My major concern is - is it ok to fly these systems loaded to their max capacity? Or is it always better to load the system a bit less.

 

[Scotty Baker]

My major concern is - is it ok to fly these systems loaded to their max capacity? Or is it always better to load the system a bit less.

Not good to load to max capacity. You will definitely notice a decrease in performance. Either the sled will be difficult to balance or the arm will be maxed out leaving you less maneuverability (or both). Not to mention the strain it puts on the equipment. The gimbals in particular are the most sensitive part and likely prone to failure by supporting too much weight.

My advice, look into getting the heftiest rig your budget will allow. That will give you more room to grow down the line... as well as to compensate for the extra gear you may want to add to the camera (matte box, cine lenses, etc.)
But it really comes down to your personal goals with the rig. If you want to be a Steadicam op, take one of the classes and find there you'll learn the kind of rig you want and get to try them out. You might want a system that is upgradable like the PRO or MKV.
If you primarily want a rig for your shoots to complement the camera you already have, then you can look at getting something that is less upgradeable like the Scout or the Zephyr. (I don't have experience with the Artemis)
I bought a used Steadicam Master Series (for about the price of a new Scout) and it's been great. It supports a fully loaded Red One or Alexa, no comprimises.

 

[Kirk.Attard]

Thanks Scotty - I think that is sound advice - Havent given much thought to a used stabiliser to be honest. worth looking into. I need to balance a scarlet with a clamp on mattebox and a cine prime. At most i'll have a wireless followfocus. Shouldnt be extremely heavy, but I think you'r right about the gimbal being stressed out. I had that concern too. shuldne

 

[Paramon Ivanovich]

Not good to load to max capacity.

max capacity on paper is the max capacity of the unit recommended buy the manufacturer, and guaranteed to work within safe limits without affecting hardware performance,
also, it's far enough from the physical max capacity of the components of the rig, such as gimbal;
Overloading rig - is a bad practice that dramatically decreases rig performance, and with time, leading to the gimbal bearings malfunction, but working at the manufacturer recommended max is perfectly fine,
in fact, unless i know it'll be a long shot, i always load my rigs to the max; it's a bit heavier to operate, but easier to keep that horizon straight,
right Scotty?