SOOM, the first multifunctional camera tool developed by Sachtler, offers camera operators a series of modules that can be combined to optimise shots in almost any location or situation. Mike Steffl, a cameraman at the Bavarian Broadcast Corporation probably knows the SOOM system better than almost any other broadcast professional. He gave it extensive testing just a few weeks before its world premiere at IBC 2007 in Amsterdam, where he also presented the system to a rapt audience.

Mike Steffl, you were one of the first cameramen to test SOOM. How do you rate the system?

Mike Steffl: Sachtler has achieved a huge success with the SOOM system. Even though the system is very innovative, the company still paid attention to the key qualities of reliability, robustness and flexibility. At the IBC, I disassembled the SOOM into its individual components and reassembled it again countless times each day, and never had any problems or difficulties. I was totally impressed with the SOOM system.


Which of the system's features caught you by surprise? What distinguishes it from other tripod systems?

Mike Steffl: The system's flexibility, combined with its high stability and light weight, fascinated me from the beginning. But what really surprised me was the concept a camera support system combining a very tall, normal tripod, monopod and baby tripod. A tripod system that offers the SOOM's range of applications has been missing on the market until now. The awesome maximum lens height of 98.4" (2.5 m ), and the integrated function of the baby tripod are really impressive. No other tripod system offers this brilliant double function of the mid-level spreader, where It can be removed to serve as a baby tripod. Sachtler has virtually redefined camera support.

Are there any weaknesses or anything else that Sachtler's developers need to take into account for the future?

Mike Steffl: In the end there are always tiny modifications that can be made, the need for which arises from handling systems on a daily basis and using them in diverse practical applications. The SOOM system I presented at the IBC, however, was trimmed right down for the harsh realities of day-to-day production. The only tip I would offer is the need for wheels on the transport bag.

What kind of camera operators would you recommend the SOOM system to?

Mike Steffl: The SOOM system is exclusively designed for cameras up to around
13.2 lb (6 kg) in weight. These cameras are being increasingly used, for example, in the areas of (H)DV or Mini-DV, whether in the semi-professional field of wedding shoots, the professional field of documentaries and reports, or even as backup for the “heavyweight” cameras. I would especially recommend the SOOM for solo shoots. It's an ideal companion in all situations, with its high flexibility, low weight and maximum reliability, are decisive reasons for its success.



Additional modules in the SOOM series are already being developed. What's on your personal wish list?

Mike Steffl: My main wish would be to adopt the innovative double function – the mid-level spreader and baby-tripod rolled into one – for the complete range of Sachtler tripods. Whether or not this is realized will be answered by the Sachtler developers. At the 2007 IBC I often heard people discussing this possibility. I would like to see every professional cameraman checking the SOOM system out, as the operative range of small cameras – and their quality – is becoming increasingly interesting for all broadcasters.

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