GH5 A light but effective steadycam for GH5?

F

FoxAdriano

Well-known member
Hi, I'd like to buy a sdeadicam for my GH5 because I can't do any good movement with GH5 because the video isn't fluid but a bit jerky. I will use it only in my trips. Can you recommend a very light but effective steadycam for my GH5- Lieica 12-60? I need light, easy to use and above all easy and fast to calibrate? I need easy because I will use it only for walking.
Thanks
 
Last edited:
1. IBIS isn't meant for walking, though you can sort of do it, but it does strain the system, hence the jerky movement. Especially if you put on the IS lock. This isn't the intended use.

2. PHYSICAL: CameraMotion Research Blackbird stabilizer is very light and easy to calibrate for a standard steadicam

3. GIMBAL: If you mean an electronic gimbal, try the Zhiyun Crane. Try the V2 (not the "2", but the "1 version 2"). Yes it's a confusing naming scheme. But the v2 is lighter and smaller than the actual 2.
 
This is a good option:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1350273-REG/feiyu_a2000_3_axis_gimbal.html


QUOTE=filmguy123;1986760738]1. IBIS isn't meant for walking, though you can sort of do it, but it does strain the system, hence the jerky movement. Especially if you put on the IS lock. This isn't the intended use.

2. PHYSICAL: CameraMotion Research Blackbird stabilizer is very light and easy to calibrate for a standard steadicam

3. GIMBAL: If you mean an electronic gimbal, try the Zhiyun Crane. Try the V2 (not the "2", but the "1 version 2"). Yes it's a confusing naming scheme. But the v2 is lighter and smaller than the actual 2.[/QUOTE]
 
True.. 2. PHYSICAL: CameraMotion Research Blackbird stabilizer is very light and easy to calibrate for a standard steadicam
 
filmguy123 said:
1. IBIS isn't meant for walking, though you can sort of do it, but it does strain the system, hence the jerky movement. Especially if you put on the IS lock. This isn't the intended use.
Click to expand...
I'm sorry but I don't understand what you mean with "if you put on the IS lock". How can I verify it? I'm worried I locked it with some clumsy movement.

filmguy123 said:
2. PHYSICAL: CameraMotion Research Blackbird stabilizer is very light and easy to calibrate for a standard steadicam
Click to expand...
I don't like this stabilizer because it is cumbersome with that extension down. In my trips I have to consider every inch and weight because I always travel alone.

filmguy123 said:
3. GIMBAL: If you mean an electronic gimbal, try the Zhiyun Crane. Try the V2 (not the "2", but the "1 version 2"). Yes it's a confusing naming scheme. But the v2 is lighter and smaller than the actual 2.
Click to expand...
I will take this stabilizer into consideration. Has it a button to start/stop the video? But is it ZHIYUN TECH CRANE PLUS 3 AXIS?
 
I don't like this stabilizer because it is cumbersome with that extension down. In my trips I have to consider every inch and weight because I always travel alone.

Your post asked about a 'steadycam' - usually a reference to a Steadicam - which is a device (or rather brand of device) that by nature extends down.
 
IS-Lock is a feature in the stabilizer menu on GH5 cameras running V2.0 firmware or later. If you don't see it, need to update to get it. It is primarily intended to be used for stationary hand held use. If you are creative, you can find it works in certain mobile settings as well.
 
You put me in a lot of trouble. ahahaha. I will think about it. I thank you a lot to for making me open my eyes. Anyway do you know some other smaller mechanical steadycams? A guy who uses electronic gimbals told me a gimbal is very fragile and it will break immediately in my trips in remote areas of Africa.
 
Last edited:
the physics of a mechanical steadicam says (simply) "stability=mass * ( distance from centre SQUARED)"

so a stable steadicam is a long one

the blackbird or maybe gidecam hd2000 are the smallest considered to give ok results
 
the glidecam is more robust but not quite so nice due to the holding position and close bottom weights that reduce its rotational inertia. It is also not so easy to set up (or was not in early versions due to lacking an adjustable top stage)

..but probably the thing for Africa.
 
Electronic gimbal won't break immediately, I have taken mine all over the world. BUT they are definitely more fragile especially in rough conditions.

A steadicam is a piece of metal. It's super robust. Safe to bring most anywhere. The blackbird actually folds down quite small, you can remove the bottom bar and re-attach easily for travel. Blackbird cannot be used inverted, Glidecam can be. But is not as easy to balance and learn as blackbird.

However, steadicam or blackbird both take time to learn, and even longer to master. Gimbal can be learned very quickly, better to be ready to use quickly and without much practice.

For both, you must learn and master proper balancing. Many people do not.
 
I like a lot DJI Ronin S. I'd like to buy it but it is almost impossible because I will leave on 15 august to take a documentary and I'm afraid I wll be not able to get it. I live in Italy.
 
Last edited:
Fox,

Steadicams are great, but require seemingly endless practice to use well, & a number of years to master.

I briefly handled the Ronin-S at CineGear, & am considering adding one to my kit, but it’s twice as heavy as my Crane (V1), which was immediately noticeable, so may continue to travel with the Zhiyun, & save the DJI for domestic work.
 
As a DJI Ronin-M owner, with the time constraints you have, I recommend getting the Crane v2 gimbal. It's small and light and it has been a favorite amongst users needing a smaller setup. You can grab one off of Amazon for about $425.
 
Crane v2 doeasn't have the tripod and it is a bit bigger than some other gimbals. I thought about it a lot but I don't know which one to choose. Could you give me an advice please? The main specs for me: speed of setup (balance), small size and little weight.
Which would you buy for the GH5 between MOZA AirCross or Feiyu A2000 or Zhiyun Crane plus? Thank you
 
Last edited:
Fox,

Whatever gimbal you might acquire be sure the software is intuitive, & has a full-featured App that runs well on your phone. Last thing you want at this point is a Gimbal that requires tuning with SimpleBGC software.

Know your filming in remote locations so another benifit of most any other Gimbal other than the Ronin-S is the availability of spare batteries. The Ronin-S supposedly has a 12 hour battery, which is quite long for typical usage, but so far there are no spares for sale. If recharging is an issue then something with readily available spares might be a better choice.
 
Last edited:
Every electronic gimbal frightens me for 2 reasons: 1) It isn't so robust that can break in the place where I usually go (bush, rainforest, etc). Probably even the humidity can't make it work well. 2) I can't use a smartphone to manage it when I will be in those places. It seems Zhiyun Crane plus has the button on the handle to start and stop the video for GH5. Is it right?

Out of curiosity: Zhiyun-Tech Crane Plus is a new model or there is also an old model?
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top