IBC, Booth #11.F60

Eching / Germany, IBC 2010 – Sachtler, a Vitec Group brand, presents the Video 18 S1 and Video 20 S1 fluid heads at the IBC 2010. Two classics in the industry are experiencing their relaunch: the newly named S1 derivative fluid heads are the latest models of both legendary Sachtler ENG / EFP heads Video 18 and Video 20. They now have a 16-step counterbalance, as the focus during their further development was on making the balancing system even faster and simpler, an important feature especially for classic use of the heads in news or field production. Due to their expansive payload range both new heads are also suited for the use with DSLRs shooting HD Videos, such as Canon‘s 5D Mark II or 7D. 

Broadening the range of counterbalance by four or six steps enables extremely fine tuning which is valued by camera users. Additionally, the payload range of the Video 20 S1 has been expanded: just like the Video 18 S1, it is highly suited to cameras starting at two kilograms instead of seven. Both heads now have a Boost Button for a quick payload range shift and are therefore compatible with a large range of cameras. That way they are not only suitable for the conventional usage in the ENG and EFP areas with digital and HDV camcorders. Due to their heavy mass in comparison to the camera the tripod heads enable precise panning.

The Dakar Rallye challenge

New features such as a considerably more ergonomic control for the counterbalance and new parking positions for spare camera screws are aimed at making life even easier for the cameraman. Sachtler still relies on seven grades of drag for their heads, each horizontally and vertically. The self-illuminating Touch Bubble now only requires one battery. Of course the fluid heads have the well-proven Sachtler Speedbalance technology, a Touch & Go plate and tap holes for the viewfinder extension adapter. The heads have already passed tests under hard conditions with excellent results: the Dakar Press Team worked with the Video 18 S1 fluid head while they were documenting the Dakar Rallye – the S1 has already done justice to the Video 18's reputation as the number one News head.

The fluid heads are available.

 Technical Details Video 18 S1

 Technical Details Video 20 S1

 Press Pictures