MagiqCam Video Camera Stabilizer --Is this good?

[BLUESPIDER]

What do you guys think of this? Is it worth it? Pookie where you at?


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=21165&item=7519303238&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

[pookie_old]

Well, as with all things....it depends.

remember, you get what you pay for.

The MagiqCam is a good "basic" stabilizer. If you're looking at using it for a full time rig, not your best choice. If you're going to use it 'as needed", it will work fine. You need to keep in mind that there have been issues with the arms on the MagiqCam's, and the vest isn't the most comfortable, but it'll do smooth shots. I see that they don't include the monitor or the C-stand, and both are really needed to make the rig more workable (using an on camera flip out LCD just doesn't really work well), and being able to hang the unit rather than laying it down makes life much easier. So you'll need to add the price of a monitor and battery + cables to the price, you can build a stand easily enough yourself.

It all depends on the depth of your pockets, but yes it will do what it's designed for, and it is cheaper than a Steadicam rig for sure.

[Taylor Moore]

Pookie, What rig would you reccomend in the $5-$8k range?

Thanx

[pookie_old]

If I was looking for a rig in that price range, assuming no full 35mm camera, then I'd go with a Flyer.

Most bang for the buck as they say.

Now, if you're wanting a pro rig in the $45k range........

[BLUESPIDER]

Thanks for the advice pookie! I was just courious. My friend has the steadicam mini and I'm trying to help him sell it so we can get a SK model. It's time for an upgrade..

[pookie_old]

SK, very good choice.

[mr._guiyotinne]

Pookie, i know it´s not the same as a flyer, but could you give a little opinion about these ones?

Basson (http://www.bassonsteady.com.ar/shop/index.asp)

[pookie_old]

The basson is a very nice unit, probably the best "knock off" (for lack of a better term) of the Steadicam design.

Very well built units, and for the money, you can't go wrong.

I've used the Bumblebee800 and the Bsn 600rc, and was very impressed.

[mr._guiyotinne]

I don´t know how i found them but they looked great for that price! Argentina economy is bad for them but they can offer this things for so great value.

I think i´ll go for the Bsn 600rc after the summer (and some investigation of the market i´m heading) and try to get myself somewhere with it! Thank you for the advice!

[Neil Rowe]

.. i have the magiqcam series 2 . it comes with a mount which you can attach to any light stand to hang the entire unit for setup. i havent had any issues with the arms. and everyone i know who has one loves it. although compared to the rigs pookie is used to its probably like stabilizing with a rubber glove and a matchbox car made out of poop. either way they are really worth it for the money. IMHO its definitley superior to the glidcam v8. and charles papert( not affiliated with magiqcam or having anything to gain) reccomended it to me for the money, and has personally helped the owner john with alot of the redesign and development of the product...its pretty much constantly being improoved upon by professional user input. but the price has gone up to reflect some new features as of late to absorb the cost of better compnents as well. and pookie is right that they can certainly get smooth shots. but as with any stabilizer.. its all up to the operator .. practise practise practise... the worst part about the magiqcam is the loooong wait to get one.. its useually alot longer than the predicted delivery date.. but they are custom made to order for operator size and in your choice of vest colors, and with the arm preadjusted to your camera weight. ..although they need some re-adjustment due to changing accessories on camera and all anyway.. .. anyway . a good bang for the buck.. if youve got more dough to spread for a sled of course you could get a steadycam product or a basson system. the magiqcam is what it is. it doesnt have all the bells and whistles but it can certainly do the job/ like ppokie said for an occasional use sled it works really well, but if your a frequent flyer youd likely be more adept with a better rig with all the comforts of home. i was supposed to do a review for DVX user but got REALLY busy.. now ive got some free time.. perhaps ill get around writing one up soon.