Cheap Steadicam or 35mm adapter

J

jazzmanfilms

New member
So christmas is coming up, and I'm thinking of treating myself to a new camera toy. I have an HVX, and I'd like something that would give me some freedom of motion that won't break my bank.

I've looked at the Steadicam Merlin, which, without the backpack and belt only costs $800, but a friend of mine advised me not to get it, as I wouldn't be able to move very quickly with it, and that ultimately I should either buy a shoulder mount, or spend the money on a 35mm lens adapter and rent a real steadicam if and when I need it.

what do you guys think? Is it worth it to invest in a cheap version Steadicam or Glidecam, or should I spend the bucks on something else and rent? -the jazzman
 
35mm adapter is not cheap..And most likely you will pay double than your steadycam idea. I say save up and get your equipment right the first time. Using 35mm adapters take alot of time of learning and patience. Not to mention funds to invest. So invest wisely.
 
have a glidecam v8 that works great with the hvx200. make me a offer. i have had it for over 2 years, done some cool stuff with it.
 
Huy Vu said:
Also, a steadicam isn't something you just pick up and use; takes a long time to learn.
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Shooting with an adapter has a learning curve, too. But if you're thinking about what's most likely going to be usable in 5 years, I'd go with the steadicam. Cameras are getting lighter and with bigger sensors, making the stabilizer more versatile and the adapter less necessary.
Being comfortable as a steadicam operator will get you more gigs than being comfortable pulling focus on an adapter. I'm not sure why, but that's the way the market is here, anyway.
 
Definitely, steadicam is a much better investment if you're willing to put in the time. With adapters you can learn and get used to it on set, with steadicam you can't. It's like going to the gym to bulk up; I can never work up the motivation to do it every single day. Got the Merlin a while back and I realized just how much practice I was gonna have to do just to get somewhat comfortable with it and ended up selling it. Definitely not for everybody.
 
Well, in my case, the DOF adapter is more advantage. I work with advertising and music videos, I use rented steadicams when I need, but in 99% of my productions I need DOF.
 
Thanks for all the replies guys, all good advice. the truth is that it is always better to have the better, more expensive equipment, and that losing time to a steep learning curve isn't something to ignore either. so let me try to put it another, more specific to my needs way, since you have all been so attentive at placing the purchase in the context i'm using it.

I'm an aspiring director that's done a few quick shorts, mostly MOS, and now that I have a HD camera i'm in the process of developing my digital reel (my previous shorts were all shot 16mm). I'm not much of a DP, in the sense that while I have a solid background in photography and a good eye for composition, I'm never going to be able to learn the ins and outs of all the gear that is out there.

my kit right now, including equipment that i can borrow/steal from friends is: an HVX200, a manfrotto tripod, a set of kinos, a handful of C-stands, sandbags, gels, and whatever else I can get my hands on.

With that in mind, I'm not really looking for equipment that will get me more gigs, but equipment that will allow me more creative decisions without sacrificing a polished feel. As important as image quality is, my goal is to showcase my writing and directing while avoiding any "student film" giveaways, like shaky steadicam, poor lighting setups, etc.

from my estimates, it looks like it takes a lot of money to build up a decent set of 35mm lenses to accompany a 35mm adapter, but at the end of the day it's not like i've invested in something that is at it's limit--the 35mm lenses will be good for a long time if I spend and choose carefully, and I can always rent new lenses. Investing in the Merlin is less money up front, but ultimately there are much more expensive rigs to do steadicam and dollying that will provide a better, more professional look. So in that case i'm investing in something that, when i make more money down the line, will be pretty much useless. However, if for 800 bucks I can free myself to make smooth camera moves that don't look like they were made by a student filmmaker, it might be worth it, and i can hold off on the better optics for when I'm making more money, or getting financing for my projects. it's a tough question of which will help me more in the immediate, because if I make some great films that get attention, there will be money for better equipment. so what's going to make my films look better / more professional right now?

Thanks again for all the responses, glad to have such a great community ready to give advice.
 
jazzmanfilms said:
.........

my kit right now, including equipment that i can borrow/steal from friends is: an HVX200, a manfrotto tripod, a set of kinos, a handful of C-stands, sandbags, gels, and whatever else I can get my hands on.

..... so what's going to make my films look better / more professional right now?

...
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The answer might be from another question; what do you actually need? or what do you feel is inhibiting you from making your films look better/more professional right now?
Short answer might be learning, i.e. spend some time in these forums searching with respect to cinematography, lighting and looking at the work others have done. Then go out and practice. Think of problems you have run into and test shots you can do to possibly resolve those problems and then watch them. Also, depending upon whether or not your shots are static or panning, may want to look into tripods with real fluid heads. Beyond that, might want to evaluate your audio technique. That is one area that seems to be overlooked in some of the clips I have seen in the DVX forum. Oh, and go out and practice.:)
 
Why not just put the 800 into getting some professional crew you can learn some things from on your next short? If you are an aspiring director I dont think either a steadicam or 35mm adapter is going to do much for your directing career. Poorly used neither will make your films look/sound better. Now a few dollars invested in kick-ass locations, costuming, DP, sound guy, art director, etc. - wherever you think you are really lacking can easily boost your production up a notch.
 
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