Steadicam for Sony HVR-Z1U?

videomojo

videomojo

Active member
Hello everyone,

I have a new HVR-Z1U and now I need a steadicam unit. The Merlin says it's good for a camera up to 5 pounds. With audio accessories and wide angle, my camera is over 5 pounds. Then there's the Flyer...big price difference!

I do all types of video production...I just need something that will be easy for me to use, look good and not break the bank.

Anyone out there have experience with any type of unit that works well with the Z1U? The good? The bad? The ugly?

Thanks for all advice, it's much appreciated.
 
I have a glidecam V8 system. Glidecam discontinued it and now sells the Smooth Shooter in its place. I love the V8 system. It can easily handle the HVR-Z1U. I don't own the the camera you have though, I have a dvx.
 
The Merlin will handle the Z1, however not with a wide-angle-lens.
You can mount other accessories like radio mic recivers down below using the Merlin Accessorry plate if you need to.

So if you can forgo the wide-angle, the Merlin is your best bet. After that I would recomend the Flyer as the best next rig up.

The other option to buying is of course to hire a professional Steadicam operator and their equipment for your Steadicam shots.

- Mikko
 
thanks guys...looks like it'll probably be the Merlin. (I'm going to be the professional operator if I have a couple months to play with it)

appreciate the advice.
 
Try and test drive one before buying if you can. They do work well, but with your camera right at the weight limit, it's going to be a challenging, and perahaps frustrating learning curve to balance it. I will say thought that the build quality is excellent, and the gimble very smooth. Like all steadicam units, it's practice, practice, practice.
 
DO NOT go for the glidecam 4000. IT WILL NOT handle the weigth of your cam, or better, you'll then need a Smooth Shooter. Just frustrating, a lot.
If it's for a day, invest your money in a PRO steadicam op. and focus on the rest.
Best
 
I'd still stick with the Merlin, depending on your accessories because of weight. Weight's going to be an issue anyway. Though not a Steadicam, I really like the DVRig, that thing's really nice, and much easier to tote around.

I agree that if you only need it for a day, hire a full unit, or better yet, someone who has one and knows how to use it.
 
fabry said:
DO NOT go for the glidecam 4000. IT WILL NOT handle the weigth of your cam, or better, you'll then need a Smooth Shooter. Just frustrating, a lot.
If it's for a day, invest your money in a PRO steadicam op. and focus on the rest.
Best
Click to expand...

This statement is completely falsified. The Glidecam 4K will easily handle the z1u's weight... Maybe he's referring to the 2000?
 
I'm not saying that the unit itself will not handle the weight of the z1, will be your arm that after few seconds of use will not be able to steady fly the camera anymore due to the total weight of the unit, specially if you want to add a wideangle, Try to believe it. Just helping you to save your bucks.....
Fly in peace
 
fabry said:
DO NOT go for the glidecam 4000. IT WILL NOT handle the weigth of your cam
Click to expand...

So just to make things clear, it will handle the weight...Additionaly, the forearm brace is made to relieve the stress of the rigs weight.
 
Correct. But, if you can afford it, go for the smooth shooter, it's a real arm and vest, and it will add a whole new range of capability to the g4000. (also, show up on a set with an odd piece of equipment like the forearm brace is not the best in my opinion...). With the Smooth shooter, the 4000 will works good with cameras like the z1. (but then don't start to make comparison with real rigs like a flyer...)
Best
Fabry
 
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