Back Bay // Boston, MA - FlyCam Nano, Tokina 11-16mm & Rollerblades

D

Digitally Pleasing

Active member

First time out with my new toys, the Tokina 11-16mm and FlyCam Nano. Now, the Tokina 11-16mm really needs no further sharing of how awesome it is. There's plenty of information on it out there. But the FlyCam Nano is something I took a flyer on. It is basically a cheap, small knockoff Glidecam from India that cost $150 after shipping. This was my very first time using it or any other type of similar stabilizer.

I will say this about the FlyCam Nano: it's a GIANT pain to balance. In fact, you really get what you pay for because it is soooo sensitive to the weight of a DSLR. The truth is that it's probably a little too small for a camera like the Canon 7D and Tokina 11-16... I don't know. I've seen some video from people who seem to have hit the balance perfect and can rock it without the slightest wobble. This video is obviously not so perfect, but again; first time out here. I've made some notes on the sweet spot for next time.

I will give myself some credit though. I didn't exactly put it through an easy maiden voyage. I decided to try this sucker out on rollerblades in a city that is trying to put a rough winter in the rear view mirror. March in Boston is a strange time. If it hits 50 degrees out, dust off the bike, board, blades, whatever! But the streets are still a wreck, so you've gotta watch out for those potholes.

Music: "City With No Children" by Arcade Fire.
Not for profit video. Just love the song.
 
Cool video, you have a bit of the "sway" but only noticeable in a few instances. I like it, somewhat dangerous though, no?
 
Ya, the camera was not balanced 100% and so there is definitely some "sway." It was my first time out with it, so I definitely learned a lot and made some noted on where the sweet spot of the balance is for next time.

Dangerous? Meh. The potholes and sand are more dangerous than the cars... overall i felt comfortable.
 
lol, i have some rollerblades but there is no way I'd ride them while carrying my t2i on a steadicam

i'm guessing you're pretty comfy/have a lot of experience roller blading under your belt. nice video, very smooth for the most part! I was thinking of buying the flycam but I'm not sure, some people say it's not too good but others swear by it so I'm kind of not sure which side to listen to
 
after about thirty seconds i got dizzy. lol I give you huge props though for getting out there and doing it. I have heard the same about the flycam, most find it useless, for the exact reasons you posted. The good news is, for three hundred bucks, you can grab the WONDLAN Ares, which is a great stabalizer. I like it better than the merlin, but thats me. It can be found on ebay. It's very versatile, and it's spring loaded, so it absorbes shock when running full speed. And it only takes about two minutes to balance.
 
Ya, I mean like I said... i really just took a flyer on the FlyCam, for $150 it was a low risk, high reward. I mean, I think it is useable, especially on foot. I want to a quick release plate for it so I can cut down on the setup time. I just hope that wont make balancing it even more difficult because of the added weight.
 
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