The Ultimate Guide to Steadicam: History, How It Works, and When to Use It

The Steadicam changed the game. With it, filmmakers could suddenly glide through rooms, up stairs, and across entire sets with smooth, floating camera movement — no dolly tracks or cranes required. Invented in the 1970s, it still remains a favorite tool for capturing immersive, cinematic shots. Whether you’re making a small indie film or a blockbuster, understanding how the Steadicam works — and when to use it — is a key part of any filmmaker’s toolbox.

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