Anyone tried Steddiepod?

C

camattingly

Member
I'm in the market for a stabilizer for my DVX100. There are scads of choices, of course. But I haven't seen anything on this site about the Steddiepod, which was recommended to me by a guy who uses a DVX and Steddiepod on a reality show in Hollywood (that's not the main camera but one -- actually two -- of several). Does anyone have any experience with it at all?
 
Sirius_Doggy said:
Holy Cow! $450 for not much more than a monopod?

If you're looking for a stabilizer in that price range, check THIS out.
Click to expand...

Hey, I just checked out that ProMax SteadyTracker Xtreme. Has anyone seen footage from one of these things? I have been exhaustively searching for an inexpensive steadicam that is versatile, but until I see some convincing footage, and more importantly, some convincing testimony, I will keep searching I'm afraid....
 
You can get the Steddiepod for $388 on some websites. Still seems expensive if all it is is a monopod. But it's supposed to act like a steadicam . . . the guy I talked to LOVED it, but I wondered what folks on this forum thought.
 
I've never heard of it, but after checking out the link, it seems much more versatile than a monopod. I dig that it can do that many things. The question, of course, is how well it does any of them. I'd say it's worth the cash if it does half of what i shows with any degree of competency. Sometimes when you run and gun, it would be nice to have such a versatile piece of equipment. Even if it doesn't do any one thing as well as something else.
 
i have the steady extreme for my dvx and it is very nice. i was weary of these types of devices and didnt think they worked. well i met a guy who works for turner who made a crude one that worked decent. well i used it once and when searching for one that has more options and the extreme was it.

worth noting for this post, i am a certified Steadicam Op, taught by Garret himself. i have been operating for over 6 years and always thought these things were not worth the materials put into them..

i was wrong..

i have shot a lot of local projects here with this device (non paying jobs or jobs who could not afford the entire Steadicam package) and all have been amazed at the quality of it. i have modified mine with extra weights and a monitor. the extreme has adjustments for fore/aft and side to side.

it also helps that you have formal training in Operating as this device still requires finesse in using it... you cant mearly grab it by the "gimbal" or you will stil get jerky movements.

the thing abuot this steedepod thingy is that it doesnt seem to have a way to set the correct CG from the camera... which means you wiil never be in dynamic balance in any of the X-Y-Z axis...

i have flown a mini35 for a walk and talk on my extreme also. i can send you pics if you want to see...

i think the extreme is much better choice...
 
a couple of ruff shots with the mini35 on my extreme. this was on a student project...

Wide.jpg





Down.jpg




I have since routed all my wiring to the video monitor inside the post so it does not hang on the outside as you see here. these pics are very early pics...
 
yes it worked very well actually. the key was to get the CG further down the post and to accomplish that i used the 12 inch extender to push the CG out. this is one reason why i recommend the extreme.. you can modify it ..

i didnt purchase the marshall monitor they sell as its way to expensive... any lcd monitor will work just fine.. you always balance to the monitor at video village and all i need my monitor for is to see my framing...
 
Hi Marctronixx. I have the Extreme too and I agree it is capable of great results. My experience is that it is difficult, if not impossible to prevent torsional movement, a side to side 'twist' being transmitted via your wrist when walking, though. Have you overcome this? Is it a matter of training?
 
yes exactly.. a matter of training. you should NOT GRIP the "gimbal" but use your fingertips. this is harder for some who have no formal training using a full harness. typically on a full Rig you use fingertips on the post just to "guide" the Rig and use your other hand (which hand depends on if you are regular operating or 'goofy foot') on the arm for the grip. well you dont have the arm here so you must use your strength in your arm and keep the fingertip approach. PLUS it is imperative you dynamically balance the rig on all axis...i mean when i run with the extreme i just white knuckle it and go and it stays in balance given the ciricumstances. but if its not in perfect balance, it will sway to that area that not in balance.. use weights, brake pads.. whatever you need to balance that rig... :)
 
I don't get it. Seems you have the same problem with weight. After a while your arm will fall off. How is this any different from the steadicam or am I missing something?
 
the steadicam has an isoelastic arm that conencts to a gimbal on the sled tot he vest you wear. this "arm" counters the weight of the sled and redistributes it onton your back. if you have a back mounted vest, it wil put the weight on your legs.

there is a huge difference in these stablizers and an actual full Rig...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top