While efficiency and optimisation can be more easily achieved with software, it’s an age-old challenge for hardware - especially in photography and videography.
Cameras, lenses, and equipment can add up to a heavy load to cart around. It’s a massive problem that’s ripe for innovation. That’s where Schlepp has entered the scene with a pretty cool solution.
What is Schlepp?
Schlepp is a Berlin-based innovation from Rent One Photo Support, a team that has set out to shake things up with production carts. By dramatically reducing size and weight without sacrificing functionality, the SCHLEPP ONE Camera Cart is quickly gaining traction among imaging professionals following its launch on Kickstarter.
Solving a Common Industry Challenge
Since the camera was invented, filmmakers, photographers, and digital imaging technicians (DITs) have struggled with heavy, cumbersome camera gear and carts.
“Full-size carts typically weigh 30, 35, or even 40 kg or more,” Janosch at Schlepp says. “They can be an obstacle, especially on jobs where you're working alone or with smaller equipment.”
Recognising this massive gap and design opportunity, SCHLEPP ONE was designed to be 30-40% smaller and 50-75% lighter than conventional camera carts.
Weighing in at just 12.5 kg (27.6 lbs), it is the only camera cart that can be carried with a single hand or attached to a standard third-party shoulder strap. This makes it an ideal choice for photographers and videographers who need a portable yet professional workstation.
Kickstarter Success
Schlepp’s journey from concept to reality was anything but straightforward. Originally conceived as a DIY project in early 2023, it evolved into a fully developed product by the end of 2024 and opted to launch on Kickstarter shortly after.
“Developing a product can be very time- and cost-intensive. We faced many setbacks but also many successes,” Janosch recalls.
The first attempt at funding fell a little short of expectations, but lessons and persistence paid off: their second campaign was fully funded within an hour. From there, production commenced.
In addition to almost instant crowdfunding success, if there was any sign this innovation has been a hit, it’s the fact that Schlepp gained over 5,000 followers on Instagram in just three months, with more than 80% being actual imaging professionals.
Testing Espresso Displays for a Lighter, Smarter Workflow
One of the key insights from Schlepp’s product development process was the demand for integrated display solutions. Many users wanted to mount a 24” or 27” monitor onto the cart for tethering or real-time image review. However, most traditional monitors aren’t built for portability or to be used with different devices frequently. They also often added too much weight, counteracting the cart’s lightweight design philosophy.
That’s where espresso Displays came in:
“We recalled the lightweight design, ease of use, and high color accuracy of the espresso 17" Pro, and we were not disappointed.
“For mobile image monitoring, the Espresso 17” Pro is an excellent solution for clients, teams, and staff to keep everyone in the loop.
“After testing the espresso 17 display on over ten productions, the team found it to be an ideal match. That said, they also identified some areas for improvement: “An anti-glare version would be fantastic, and 800+ nits of brightness would be ideal for outdoor use. A slightly rougher satin finish could also make the display easier to handle on set.”
Lessons for Product Designers and Developers:
Schlepp’s journey is full of insights that other brands and creators can learn from!
- Identify a Real Market Pain Point – SCHLEPP ONE wasn’t just a clever idea; it was a direct response to a common industry frustration.
- Keep Your Product Aligned with Its Core Objective – They resisted the temptation to add heavy-duty features that would compromise portability.
- Crowdfunding is a Double-Edged Sword – While Kickstarter provided vital funding, the team learned firsthand that it requires intense planning, marketing, and resilience.
- Social Media Engagement Over Paid Ads – By focusing on authentic interaction rather than outsourced teams, Schlepp built an engaged, invested audience.
- Iterate Based on Real-World Testing – Schlepp’s hands-on approach to product development, including testing Espresso Displays, ensured that their cart met practical needs.
What’s Next for Schlepp?
With production in full swing, Schlepp is looking ahead to new accessories and product variations. A shorter version of the cart, designed for ultra-compact setups and travel productions, is expected later this year. The team is also establishing a 3D community for user-generated accessory designs, ensuring continued innovation beyond their own development efforts.
For imaging professionals, SCHLEPP ONE is more than just a cart—it’s a tool that solves a problem. It enables production professionals to work faster, more efficiently, and more easily.
Sometimes, shrinking a product is the most significant innovation of all. When things seem to be getting bigger, smaller can be a more effective way to innovate!
In production, the gear that a team has on set is critical to success, but so is the efficiency of carrying the right gear without overburdening your workflows.
Learn more about the awesome innovation and product development from Schlepp through their website and Instagram channel:
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