NAB Perspectives: Tiffen Co.’s Steve Tiffen Aims To Extend the Life of the Steadicam Operator

The Tiffen Co, has elevated the phrase “new product” to another level. This year, the accessories-manufacturing company introduced the Steadicam Fawcett Exovest, an ultra-light exoskeletal Steadicam vest that transfers weight into anatomically appropriate areas and bridges areas that should not be loaded. On display this week at Tiffen’s booth, the prototype was completed on Friday.

President Steve Tiffen is on hand to discuss his company’s accessories for Steadicam.

“Dealing with outdoor situations, heat, [and] extreme climates, it’s a system that takes away the mid brace and allows your lungs to expand [and] puts the weight on your hips and your shoulders rather than on your ribcage area,” says company President/CEO Steve Tiffen. “[It will] probably extend the life of a Steadicam operator.”

Tiffen Co. has also announced new versions of the Steadicam Pilot and Scout Camera Stabilizer solutions: the Steadicam Pilot HD Series and Steadicam Scout HD-SDI. The Pilot HDMI model comes standard with a fixed aluminum post and pass-through HDMI cable; the Pilot HD-SDI model comes standard with an expandable carbon-fiber post. Based on a proven low-mass gimbal, it enables the operator to capture the fluid movement. No-tools precision camera stage establishes a solid base for the camera and facilitates smooth adjustment ease from side to side, plus front and back. In addition, the company modified its popular Merlin unit with a remote-control handle accessory that allows users to control focus using an HDMI cable.

As a manufacturer of broadcast accessories, Tiffen Co. must adapt to any new technologies developed by the broadcast industry. Not surprisingly, 4K is foremost on Steve Tiffen’s mind, particularly in regards to the company’s optical filters. The company has upgraded its testing equipment to prepare for 4K to hit the big time.

“You don’t even have to call the show NAB. It’s the 4K show,” says Tiffen. “[4K has] been coming, and those of us who’ve been ear-to-the-ground in the marketplace have been preparing our businesses to support the 4K technology, so, as an accessories manufacturer, that’s really critical for us. 4K technology is unrelenting, and you absolutely, positively have to have the best quality in the glass.”

He Continues, “We’re innovating new filters and new products to make sure that what’s required in this new technology area is available from Tiffen.”