Ideal Stabilizer for HVX200

C

Chulo01

Member
Shopping around for a stabilizer for the HVX200. I already have the vest that fits the Steadicam JR. But I see it holds a 2-4lbs camera. Anyone used this with the HVX and does it work?

Looking for something with a monitor, that can hold the HVX and won't empty my pockets :). Thanks for any help!
 
Maybe not that big lol...

The thing is I have the vest that fits the steadicam jr...the arm is the old thin one, not the big bulky one I only see online. i can't even find my vest online lol. It's an old Steadicam. The company that sold it went down.
 
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Anyone know if the GlideCam 4000 fit to the 3 inch bracket that my Steadicam has? Can't find a picture anywhere on the internet where it shows how the Glidecam attaches to the vest. To see wether it's the long bracket or short like mine...Thanks!
 
I have the Steadicam Pilot, and it's absolutely fantastic, but if you need to spend less you might consider the Merlin arm/vest combo, which is $1200 cheaper at B&H ($2600). Then there's the Indicam which is about $2200.

If the one you have is the same Steadicam Junior vest that I once saw on a shoot (I was acting), it had some major limitations IIRC, that would make it pretty hard to get good results with. One was that it had a centered mounting post (it should be well to one side, generally the left). This will greatly restrict your ability to maneuver with it. Also, there was no way to adjust the post for horizontal-axis sled balance (I believe the Indicam lacks this too). The operator that day couldn't get the sled to stop falling away from him because of that.

If you can afford it, you might consider selling the old vest and buying a new system with a more modern design. I think you'd be a lot better off in the long run.
 
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I use a Merlin with my HVX and love it. The vest is overkill. Takes away from the whole idea of a small, discreet and lightweight rig. Only drawback with the Merlin, is you may have to do some curls with dumbbells to get in shape for several takes or long ones.
 
Ted Spencer said:
I have the Steadicam Pilot . . . (snipped for brevity)
Click to expand...

Hi Ted- I *had* a Flyer and got excellent results. (of course I invested in the Philly workshop & a lot of practice). Are you able to say if the Pilot handles a fully dressed HVX and something like a Marshall monitor?

Any feedback appreciated.

Thanks.
 
HPX500 would need at least the Flyer. The Archer would be a better (proper) fit though.

Though I'd strongly recommend a workshop (for everyone actually), especially if you will be working with a camera of that size. Check out www.steadicamworkshops.com for info. It would help you pick out the right rig for the camera too.

- Mikko
 
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