View Full Version : EX3 and Steadicam Pilot
GaryOldman
03-28-2009, 04:06 AM
Hello everyone, I've decided to get a Pilot for my EX3. I've already read several helpful articles online but I wanted to open myself up to the knowledge on these forums in case anyone has any advice as to which form of battery works best, what sorts of cords I need, etc. Any and all advice is appreciated!
Thanks
I can't help you but I am hoping you can help me. If/when you do get one, please let us know every thing you experience from first impressions to the longer term realities.
ryan brown
03-28-2009, 12:50 PM
I just received the pilot last week. Love it... the day after I got it, I had a 16 hour shoot and I used it the entire time. I really didn't think I'd be able to keep it on that long, but I did with minimal aches and pains the next day.
Anyway, I'd highly recommend opting for the battery pack and quick charger. I went cheap and just use double a battery's, and I quickly found out I shouldn't have. It uses TEN battery's in about 3 hours. I'm going to order the two battery's and charger after my next gig.
Other than that, you may want to just pick up a small video cable. It ships with one, but it's so robust and heavy it throws off the balance of the system with any movement. I got a small 3' video cable and it works much better.
-brown
GaryOldman
03-28-2009, 01:42 PM
GuyB, as soon as I get the whole thing set up I'll post my thoughts and some footage. Though if this is anything like my experiences with Steadicam JR, it's going to take some time to really fly it well.
Ryan, do you know how long the E7S batteries last? I know it comes with two, so I suspect it's got a decent life. And did you have to add any extra weights, or have trouble balancing with a mic attached? Thanks!
What are the AA batteries for? I thought they ran of VLock type batteries?
From a future proofing prospective, it would be interesting to know how much a pilot can take in practice (not just on paper). Could you put an EX3 on it? Anything bigger?
The one I've ended up with in my B&H wish list is the Flyer. From memory some have said the Pilot can take an EX1 but not with many accessories etc
devnull
03-28-2009, 05:47 PM
You can fit an EX3 on a Pilot, but you won't have much spare capacity for accessories. If you don't plan to add more than wireless audio and video it should do fine. Get the V-Lock version and run the EX3 from that too to save some weight.
I use a Flyer-LE with my EX3, and it's a great piece of gear. I'm slowly modifying it, adding power d-box and changing the battery hanger for better dynamic balance soon.
You should get Jerry and Laurie's book, it's very comprehensive - http://www.jerryholway.com/