Base plate of a camera rig system, connecting the camera to a tripod or shoulder rig via standard 15mm rod receivers.
Technical Details
Standard baseplates follow the 15mm rod system with precise 60mm spaced holes, featuring M4-standard threaded inserts. Carbon variants weigh approximately 200-400g, while aluminum versions range from 300-600g with a thickness of 8-12mm. Modern plates integrate ARRI rosettes (54-tooth standard) and quick-release systems like Manfrotto 501PL or Sachtler Touch-and-Go. High-quality models from Arri, RED, or Wooden Camera offer additional threaded holes for accessory mounting and anti-twist flanges.
History & Development
The 15mm rod system established itself as the standard for professional film cameras in the 1980s, originally developed by ARRI for their 16SR series. The first standardized baseplates emerged in the late 1990s with the advent of modular camera rigs. The breakthrough came in 2005 with the RED ONE, which also popularized the system for digital cinema cameras. Since 2010, quick-release systems have dominated the market, while additional 19mm rod systems were introduced in 2015 for heavier setups.
Practical Use in Film
In "Mad Max: Fury Road" (2015), George Miller used modular baseplate systems for rapid camera configurations between vehicle mounts and handheld sequences. The typical workflow involves mounting follow focus, matte box, and monitors via the rod interface of the baseplate. Advantage: Standardized compatibility between manufacturers and quick switching between support modes. Disadvantage: Additional weight of 1-2kg when fully equipped and potential vibration transfer with insufficient damping.
Comparison & Alternatives
The baseplate differs from a pure camera plate by its rod integration and from a cage system by its linear configuration. Modern alternatives include cage systems from SmallRig or Tilta, which offer all-around mounting but are less suited for quick release. For lightweight DSLR setups, simple top handle solutions suffice, while heavy cinema cameras prefer direct tripod mounting without a baseplate. The 19mm system replaces 15mm rods for setups exceeding 8kg.