ARRI Stabilized Remote Head: motorized pan-tilt head with active vibration compensation up to 150 Hz for cameras up to 30 kg. Features 8 kHz IMU, 60°/sec pan-tilt speed, and 0.01° positioning accuracy.
Technical Details
The current SRH-3 carries cameras up to 30 kg with a tare weight of 17 kg and achieves rotation speeds of up to 60°/second. The system uses brushless direct drive motors and 32-bit encoders for a positional accuracy of 0.01°. The integrated IMU samples at 8 kHz and compensates for vibrations up to 150 Hz. The head features mechanical end stops of ±185° (Pan) and +30°/-90° (Tilt). Power is supplied via 24V DC with a maximum power consumption of 350W. Control is via ARRI OCU-1 (Operator Control Unit) or via serial interfaces for motion control systems.
History & Development
ARRI developed the first Stabilized Remote Head in 2008 for the growing demand for stabilized aerial shots with helicopters and cranes. The SRH-1 could already carry a 15 kg payload and established ARRI's position in the high-end stabilization market. In 2014, the SRH-360 followed with continuous 360° rotation, and in 2018, the current SRH-3 with improved algorithm performance and higher payload. Integration into ARRI's Camera Access Protocol (CAP) has enabled seamless communication between head, camera, and lens for fully automated camera movements since 2020.
Practical Application in Film
Typical applications include helicopter and crane shots, where the head is mounted on Russian Arms, Technocranes, or helicopter mounts. Christopher Nolan's "Tenet" (2020) used SRH systems for complex chase sequences, while "1917" (2019) employed the head for seamless transitions between handheld and crane sequences. The head eliminates the typical "floating" of mechanical stabilization systems and allows for precise repetition of camera movements. Disadvantages include high power consumption, considerable weight, and the need for specialized operation.
Comparison & Alternatives
Unlike passive stabilization systems such as Steadicam, the SRH-3 offers active, electronic stabilization without operator influence. Main competitors are MōVI Pro, Ronin 2, or Newton S2, which are mostly designed for lighter cameras. For heavy film cameras from 20 kg upwards, the ARRI SRH-3 remains unrivalled. Alternative systems like Shotover F1 or GSS C520 offer similar specifications but cost significantly more. For static shots or controlled studio conditions, conventional remote heads without stabilization are sufficient.