So what's up with Steadicam?

[VGurcu]

There were rumors about a new lower end Merlin like stabilizer on the horizon, any news?
I thought they might have at least designed something specific for DSLRs, nothing???

[mikkowilson]

Check out www.steadicam.com

2 new rigs at NAB, One is the Steadicam Zephyr, a rig between the Flyer and the Archer.
And of more excitement is the Steadicam Tango ... basically a "jib" attachment that basically turns a Steadicam into a fully (mechanically) stabilized remote-head jib.

Imagine combining PoleCam and Steadicam.

Very cool; lots of new techniques to learn, but LOADS of shot possibilities!

- Mikko

[boo]

Mikko, any info on pricing and avail on the smoothee?

[ProjX v2.0]

If there are any video clips of the Zephyr & Tango in action, please post them up.

Thx.

[Tom Wills]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PARryQ7X4ws

The Tango in action. I don't know if they have a Zephyr prototype out yet - the pictures I've seen are all renders.

[ProjX v2.0]

Here's another clip from FresHDV.com:

http://www.freshdv.com/2010/04/fresh...dicam-jvc.html

[VGurcu]

2 new rigs at NAB, One is the Steadicam Zephyr, a rig between the Flyer and the Archer.
And of more excitement is the Steadicam Tango ...

Thanks Mikko, saw those 2 in their website, although Tango seems quite revolutionary 'accidents' written all over it if people try adopting it to event videography.
So Merlin replacement was a false prediction then...

[mikkowilson]

No reason to replace the Merlin.


Yeah, the Tango requires a HUGE amount of situational awareness, and a lot of new operating skills.

It's new to everybody; Including the guy who made it (and of course invented Steadicam), Garrett Brown:





- Mikko

[boo]

steadicam smoothee info mikko? thanks...

[mikkowilson]

I briefly tired the Steadicam Smoothee, seems decent - super simple to set up (pre-balanced for the certain cameras it's made for). But not as compact, and no where near as versatile as the Merlin - whole different class.

I'll ask about availability today.

- Mikko