Swedish camera support system by Johan Hellsten that redirects camera weight (2–17 kg) from the operator's body to a hip belt via spring arms and bungee cords.
The system consists of a padded hip belt, adjustable back supports, and a sprung arm with a camera interface. The bungee cords generate a pulling force of 5-170 Newtons, depending on the model (Minimax for cameras 2-7 kg, Vario 5 for 5-17 kg, Cinema 3 for 10-17 kg). The spring arm allows vertical movements of up to 130mm and dampens abrupt weight shifts. The quick-release system enables camera mounting within seconds via standardized 1/4" or 3/8" threads.
Johan Hellsten developed the first Easyrig in 1993 in Stockholm for Swedish film production. Market launch occurred in 1998 after five years of prototype development focused on handheld-camera-intensive Dogme95 productions. In 2003, the system established itself internationally through its use on Danny Boyle's "28 Days Later." The Cinema series followed in 2008, specifically for digital cinema cameras, and in 2015, the compact Minimax model was released for DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
Camera operators primarily use Easyrigs for Steadicam-like movements without the complexity of gyroscopic stabilization. In "Children of Men" (2006), the system enabled Alfonso Cuarón's characteristic long-take handheld camera sequences spanning several minutes. The combination with electronic gimbals like the MōVI creates hybrid setups for complex camera movements. Typical areas of application include tracking shots, walk-and-talk sequences, and documentary filming where maximum mobility with controlled image guidance is required.
Unlike a Steadicam, the Easyrig does not eliminate camera movements but merely reduces the carrying weight. Modern alternatives such as the Flowcine Serene or Ready Rig offer similar weight relief with improved ergonomics. Electronic gimbal systems (DJI Ronin, ARRI Trinity) are increasingly taking over the stabilization function, while support systems like Easyrigs minimize physical strain. For static shots, tripods and dollies remain the first choice; for extreme mobility, drone systems are becoming more prevalent.
Als DoP schätze ich das Easyrig für lange Handheld-Sequenzen, da es Ermüdungserscheinungen verhindert, ohne meine kreativen Kamerabewegungen einzuschränken. Die Gewichtsentlastung ermöglicht präzisere Bildkomposition auch nach stundenlangen Drehtagen, allerdings muss ich die vertikalen Federbewegungen in meine Kadrierung einkalkulieren.
Das Easyrig gibt mir die Freiheit für spontane, intime Kamerabewegungen, die dem Publikum das Gefühl vermitteln, direkt im Geschehen zu sein. Besonders bei emotionalen Dialog-Szenen kann ich mit dem Kameramann schnell zwischen verschiedenen Blickwinkeln wechseln, ohne aufwendige Umbauten oder die sterile Perfektion von Gimbal-Aufnahmen.
Ein Easyrig-Set kostet zwischen 1.800-3.500 Euro und reduziert Drehtage durch schnellere Kamerapositionierung erheblich. Die Investition amortisiert sich durch eingesparte Gripkosten und reduzierte Ausfallzeiten wegen Kameramann-Ermüdung, außerdem sinken Versicherungsrisiken durch weniger schwere Hebevorgänge am Set.
1. Was beschreibt „Easyrig" am besten?
2. Zu welchem Department gehört „Easyrig"?
3. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?
The Lexikon is part of the Filmfarm ecosystem — alongside budgeting (FilmBalance), an industry magazine (FilmCircus) and crew networking (FilmCall, CrewMesh). One shared vocabulary for the whole production.