Steadicam

One of the best filmmaking tools, and an industry standard is the Steadicam. I've worked with the Master Series EDTV, and ProVid models, and love them both (though I preferred the ProVid vest). In the best tradition of innovation established by Steadicam inventor Garret Brown, Tiffen has continued development to greatly expand their line, and now includes many models designed for the new, lighter digital cameras.

Here are some links to the best sites with Steadicam info and related material:

Tiffen Company

- These are the folks who manufacture the Steadicam. Tiffen is known as the world’s leader in filters for the motion picture, television and still photography industries. It also manufactures and/or distributes Kata bags, Crystal Image Software digital camera accessories, Davis & Sanford tripods, Domke professional camera bags, Saunders Easels, Saunders/LPL Enlargers, Silver Pixel Press and KODAK Books, Stroboframe flash brackets, and several other important photo accessory lines. And now in development partnership with Garret Brown, they've created the new Ultra Line of Steadicam Products designed to handle a full range of film and video cameras.

Steadicam Operators Association

- This is the main professional organization for Steadicam Operators specifically.

Society of Operating Cameramen

- The Society offers a wonderful resource of information and support for camera operators, which is the category Steadicam Ops are placed under by the union. As stated in their mission statement, "The principal purpose of the S.O.C. is to recognize and nurture excellence in the field of camera operation and, secondarily, in the allied camera crafts, and to encourage development of both technology and production methods which will help our members achieve that excellence."

Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers

- Shaping many of the industry's standards and advancing the technology of filmmaking and motion-imaging in general, SMPTE is one of the premiere organizations in the industry.

A.M.P.A.S.

- The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. This is the movie industry's preeminent professional organization.

American Society of Cinematographers

- The society's membership provides education and outreach to the community of filmmakers, and creates the camera "bible", the Cinematographer's Manual, a vital on-set resource. It also publishes a fantastic magazine, American Cinematographer, that is well worth the read.