Steadicam has unveiled a new Volt system for their Zephyr. This is a pretty significant announcement as the more affordable Zephyr can now utilize technology that was only previously available for much more expensive Steadicams.
The Steadicam Volt System is a tool that provides Steadicam operators with horizontal stabilization, giving them the ability to easily transition between fully manual and auto assist modes. The Volt System seamlessly integrates into an existing sled, providing greater opportunity for content creation without jeopardizing stability.
The Volt system is unique in that it mounts directly to the gimbal, therefore adding no weight or height to the stage or base. Garrett Brown, Inventor of the Steadicam said “This is the most significant advancement in operating since the invention of the Steadicam over 40 years ago”.
Volt Key features
- Keeps sled in neutral balance: stays level when starting, stopping and cornering
- Operators can switch from full Volt auto assist mode to conventional operation with a push of a button
- No operating compromises
- Provides exact desired framing
- Fast and responsive
- Maintains level horizon
- Holds tilt angle
The new Volt system for the Zephyr is a completely new re-design. Previous Volt systems only worked for 2-axis (tilt and roll), but the new system works on all three axes so you get the ability to stabilize pan, tilt, and roll.
The Volt system literally turned up at the show halfway through the day straight from the factory. Tiffen doesn’t have any pricing or availability yet, but it should be available later in the year.
