When Sachtler's artemis camera stabilizing system first premiered at NAB 2001 in Las Vegas, it took the camera world by storm. With its innovative design and detailed construction, the system set new benchmarks in meeting the demand for top-quality high-definition applications - and still does! Back then, constructive advice from users quickly led to far-reaching innovations. Just one year later the Cine HD and Cine systems hit the market.

IDEAL FOR FILM AND VIDEO

One of the artemis system's key strengths is it's compatibility for both film and video cameras, an extraordinary feature, as the weight distribution of these very different cameras varies greatly. For example, the film camera's magazine makes it more rear heavy than a video camera, whose heavy zoom lenses tend to make it more front-heavy. This results in completely different counterbalancing needs. Sachtler meets these different needs through its unique and patented ‘dual dynamic balance'. It ensures that all cameras are optimally balanced, due to the arrangement of the rechargeable batteries, and especially the ability to freely position the third rechargeable battery and monitors. In developing the system, special attention was paid to the gimbal, the cardan joint, and the heart of any camera stabilizing system - the connection between operator and machine.

The gimbal features patented self-centering and fork suspension, whose absolutely friction-free handling soon inspires a great sense of trust in the product. Another innovation is the vest, which guarantees a perfect fit for men and women alike. Together with bag manufacturer, Petrol, Sachtler has developed a lightweight vest that can be adjusted while being worn. It has the standard American connection, so it can be used with systems from other manufacturers. The bridgefor the spring arm's connection is easy to change from left to right or vice versa. And advanced safety measures make it impossible for the bridge to break loose from the vest.

In close cooperation with NHK, a Japanese network in Tokyo, the artemis EFPPro had its Japanese launch in 2003. At that time, HDTV in Japan was already popular. It was therefore essential that the control monitor featured both a maximum-quality HD-SDI signal in and HD-RGB signal processing, without other components like a downconverter. Once again, the artemis' modular construction enabled Sachtler to quickly deliver the first models to NHK. Since then, the EFP Pro HD SDI has become a real ‘cross-over' model for film and TV. The artemis EFP is perfect as a relatively affordable introduction to the demanding professional class. This system is fully compatible with Cine HD, Cine, and EFP Pro HD SDI, but has only standard features for day-to-day broadcast operation. The newest member of the artemis family is the artemis DV Pro, which is particularly useful for the new generation of HD(V) cameras. Handling and design follow the same procedures and guidelines as e.g. the Cine HD. This system offers an ideal entry point to ‘weightless' operation and makes the later changes towards the larger artemis systems seem like child's play.