Best steadicam (stabilizer) for DSLR

[VGurcu]

Pilot balances in a tenth of the time

If the 'balancing' was just the final act of fine tuning you have a point, but if you add the actual 'time' you are spending to fully setup a pilot, vest & arm a Merlin actually balances a 'tenth of the time', not the other way around.

However, regardless of what they say about the version 2 as being designed for a DSLR, it isn't true.

Curious, how can u make such a statement for a product that is not out yet?

[yoclay]

Curious, how can u make such a statement for a product that is not out yet?

Because nothing about the basic design has changed. Still the same form factor, they have only replaced the components with sturdier materials.

[John Godden]

Hi, I´ve been searching a bit and counldn´t find any threads. What would be the best options out there right now. No budget compromise.

I'd recommend checking out the Hague product line. I purchased the 'mini motion' for my Pani TM700 and it works GREAT:
http://www.b-hague.co.uk/hague_mini_...stabilizer.htm

cheers
johnG

[Victor Nhat Nguyen]

yoclay, why do you think Glidecam are garbage?

[Stephenh]

macgregor, I was looking for a steadicam for my D800 and came across this one http://opteka.com/svpro.aspx. Might be worth a look.

[New_Zealand]

This is what I use and it doesn't cost that much:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...sr=1-3&seller=

[Michael Carter]

Funny there's no mention of the CMR Blackbird yet. Very popular, less $$ than the Merlin, and it can attach to the merlin arm & vest, allowing you to build into a total system over time.

Blackbird fans go on and on about how easy it is to balance via dialing it in with set screws. I don't own either yet, but all of the research I've done is pushing me towards the CMR.

[hscully]

+1 CMR Blackbird. Own it, love it, use it with a GH2 and an AF100. Works like a champ.

[AndrewTaran]

If you want true dynamic balance, Glidecams are the ways to go. Used all HD series models - set up and rebalance is fast, really easy to operate both handheld and vest. Highly recommended!

[ectobuilder]

Just got my Glidecam Smooth Shooter yesterday to work with my Glidecam HD2000 Sled.

Did some test shots:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRwViEzq1Yo

In the commentary section of the video I have some quick snippets of footage I took using the Steadicam Pilot and HD2000 Hand Held.

I do miss the dual-telescoping arm of the Pilot but I didn't miss the finicky construction of the Pilot Vest. The overall weight of the Arm/Vest system feels approximately the same as the Pilot, offset by the fact that the Arm is a single Arm which means it is lighter.

It was easier to get through doorways too. Having said that, I'm still going to try to work on finding a build that I can use without an Arm/Vest system and still retain long tracking shots. I'll be experimenting with the HD1000 plus Flycam Nano to see how light I can configure them. So far the only rig that I can fly handheld for long periods of time is the Merlin but the dynamic balance of the Merlin leaves much to be desired.