The Steadicam® Operator's Handbook

Starting and stopping

Two moments, when the camera starts to move and when the camera stops,are extremely important events in a shot. The move signals to the audience: “Things are changing!” The stop lets the audience know that we have come to something important. “Look at exactly this, will ya?”

Controlling the nature, precision, and timing of these starts and stops is a prime concern for all operators, and the Steadicam operator has enormous creative control over these moments.

 

Starting and stopping the sled:

The camera moves, then the operator ...