Figuring out how to manage all of your equipment on the job can be tricky. With the right studio cart, though, you can quickly set up everything you need in an ergonomic position that supports your workflow.
Check out our tips for finding the perfect studio cart for film and lighting, photography, audio/video, DIT work, or digital tech environments.
Grip Studio Carts
Uses
You can’t film anything if you can’t see it, so lighting a set is hugely important. In fact, it’s so important that the act of setting up a light is organized into two separate departments: Grip and Electric. Folks in the Grip Department are responsible for the light stands and light modifiers. Electricians are in charge of the lights themselves, and the necessary cabling to run the electricity to power the lights.
Imagine a lamp being placed on a table. Grips would place the lamp itself in position, and install the correct lampshade. Electricians would screw in the light bulb and plug it in. Now imagine a set that needs 12 powerful lights, all on heavy stands, needing their own power source, with massive diffusion panels which are required to modify the light to suit the needs of the production. Hopefully now you can see why a high level of organization is necessary.
Equipment carts are made for grips in the film, lighting, and video production industries. These carts hold technical gear such as light stands and light modifiers for film production. They are meant to be a safe way to move and secure all the equipment you need between filming locations.
Features to Look For
It’s a good idea to choose a grip cart that is compatible with a variety of accessories. That way, if your workflow changes, based on the needs of the current production, you can add on whatever you need to get the job done.
You may want to look for a cart with:
- High payload capacity (e.g. up to 1000 lbs.)
- A large working surface
- Space for ergonomic access to a keyboard
- A reliable brake system
- Accessory mounting options
Recommended Models
The Apollo is INOVATIV’s most heavy duty design and can be an excellent choice for grips. It offers the highest payload capacity on the market, and the largest available working surface. We recommend this model as a grip cart for those whose workflows emphasize durability, payload capacity, and a need for a large working surface.
Camera Studio Carts
Uses
Camera carts allow cinematographers, camera operators, focus pullers, and other professionals to secure their equipment at the filming location. Depending on the type of work, they may need to be mobile and lightweight for easy travel, but they also need to be sturdy enough to hold equipment securely.
Features to Look For
You may want to look for a camera cart that has:
- A balance between mobility and payload capacity
- Enough working and storage space for all the equipment needed to get the job done
- A height adjustable shelf
- A brake system
- Ergonomic access to the top working surface for computer work
- Excellent camera, cable management, and accessory mounting options
Recommended Models
The Voyager EVO X is a lightweight, travel-friendly workstation that can support you wherever your craft takes you. We recommend it to photographers, camera operators, drone operators, and other professionals who value agility and versatility on set. With this cart, you can go anywhere and have multiple monitors, cameras, and laptops mounted and secured safely in minutes.
Sound Studio Carts
Uses
Sound carts are designed to hold all the audio/video equipment you need for mixing, film work, and other sound work, including monitors. Since users may need to move them in vehicles, sound carts are sometimes designed to pack down into smaller, more manageable segments.
Features to Look For
The best sound carts will include:
- A high payload capacity (e.g. up to 600 lbs)
- Flexible working space for all the equipment needed to get the job done
- Rack-mount storage capability
- Features that make it easier to load and unload from a vehicle
- Rear posts for mounting equipment
- Secured storage space
Recommended Models
The Deploy is designed for those seeking a mobile workstation for their rack-mount equipment. With three rear posts, an optional combo locking bottom drawer, a crossbar for mounting cable hooks and other accessories, and folding side wings to give you extra space when wanted while still allowing you to fit through doors, this is a great sound cart option for many people.
DIT Studio Carts
Uses
A DIT cart is set up to support a digital imaging technician in their workflow. It supports all the tools needed to help them better control image quality, manage files, apply color grades while on set, troubleshoot imaging problems, and generally manage your production work with ease and efficiency.
DIT carts usually include at least one monitor mount, cable management, space and storage for computer equipment, and space rack mount cases. They’re set up to hold your camera(s), computer, battery backup, data management tools such as card readers and hard drives, and any other equipment you use on the job so that it’s secure and always within easy reach.
Features to Look For
Every DIT cart is different, and only you can decide what features you need. We recommend choosing a DIT cart base model that is compatible with a variety of accessories so you can add on whatever you need, both now and later on.
You may want to look for a cart that also has:
- A high payload capacity (e.g. up to 600 lbs)
- A large working surface
- Space for comfortable access to a keyboard
- A height adjustable shelf
- A brake system
- Accessory mounting options
Recommended Models
The Echo is INOVATIV’s most stable design, created specifically for DIT studio work. It includes standard top and bottom locking drawers, an ergonomic keyboard shelf, permanent wheels, and an optional hydraulic brake system. We recommend this model for those whose workflows don’t require packing up.
If you need a more technical design, you may also want to consider the Deploy. This model is designed by a DIT for those who need a mobile workstation with more vertical space for rack-mount equipment. We include rear accessory mounts, an optional locking bottom drawer for secured storage, a crossbar for mounting cable hooks and other accessories, and folding side wings so you don’t have to choose between fitting through doors and having extra workspace.
Digital Tech Studio Carts
Uses
Digital tech carts are made to hold the equipment that digital techs use in commercial photo settings and other situations. This equipment may include a laptop with its own tripod stand, a high-res monitor, and plenty of other essential pieces of technology.
Features to Look For
Your digital tech cart should be able to securely hold all of the equipment you need for your workflow. We recommend choosing a digital tech cart base model that is compatible with a variety of accessories in case your equipment or desired capabilities change in the future.
You may want to look for a cart that includes:
- A balance between mobility and payload capacity
- A large working surface
- Space for comfortable access to a keyboard
- A height adjustable shelf
- A brake system
- Accessory mounting options
Recommended Models
The Voyager EVO X is a good choice for most digital techs. This agile design by INOVATIV includes a height adjustable top shelf, a flexible X-Top shelf with an open side for ergonomic keyboard access, INOVATIV’s premium braking system, endless options for accessory mounting and configuration, and ability to pack down to a thin 8.5” wide profile make the Voyager EVO X ideal for a digital tech who works both on-location and in-studio.
Where to Get Studio Carts for Your Film or Photography Needs
INOVATIV takes pride in building the most advanced studio carts on the market to provide you with equipment attachment flexibility, easy travel, and protection for your investments. Our carts are compatible with a wide variety of accessories for any function you can imagine.
We are seen as the iconic industry standard for high-performing, sleek studio equipment. Check out our Learn page to explore our unique studio carts and equipment.