Best STEADYCAM practice rig?

MatthewC

MatthewC

Well-known member
I'm planning on eventually being a professional steadycam operator. I'm very curious as to what cheaper alternative STEADYCAM style package would work that would still allow me to be fairly competent with a STEADYCAM when I eventually jump ship to that expensive bad boy.

Would the STEADYCAM Merlin, even though it's a slightly different design still allow me to be proficient at the full on thing? It would train my steadycam walk, etc. but what about holding it, etc.

What about Glidecams? If I bought one of those would it still help train me for the full thing? Smooth shooters?

I'd just love to know if some cheaper alternatives actually help you prepare for the real thing.


Cheers.
 
i got a glidecam 2000 pro, pretty much perfected it, tilts, dutch, pans, running, climbing....

great piece of equipment that resembles a big budget one if an arm and vest were added.,

or the glidecam 4000, but for the difference in price, just add some length to the shaft by buying a part from your local hardware store and add more weights. done and done.
 
PaPa said:
i got a glidecam 2000 pro, pretty much perfected it, tilts, dutch, pans, running, climbing....

great piece of equipment that resembles a big budget one if an arm and vest were added.,

or the glidecam 4000, but for the difference in price, just add some length to the shaft by buying a part from your local hardware store and add more weights. done and done.
Click to expand...

Papa,
Sorry! Not meaning to highjack or anything but I would very much love to see some footage with your glidecam. I know you did one a while back but it's not working right now.
Jgastelb
 
hey man, sure ill get some up as soon as i can. right now i have a reasearch paper and 10 minute oral for university to worry about.

****ing school... only 3 weeks in and the stress is rising.
 
HERE YOU GO!

beautiful glidecam footage hehe, no no i kidd, i swear im not immodest. :P

but you get very comfortrable with it and used to its movement and after a while you can do most anything with it.

Keep in mind this was shot without planning, kinda camera improv, if you plan and practice, it can only get better.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Owlx13xCjCg
 
nice footage example. I an interested in picking one up as well. When you have a minute could you elaborate on what you did to expent the post on the 2000? Thanks
 
i didnt actually, but i just know it can be done cause thats the only difference between the two models.

i thought i would have had to when i added the ifocus 35 adapter on it, but surprisingly it still takes it without having to extend the pole. Now if i wanted to add a rail system with that, then yeah, i would need to extend.
 
PaPa said:
HERE YOU GO!

beautiful glidecam footage hehe, no no i kidd, i swear im not immodest. :P

but you get very comfortrable with it and used to its movement and after a while you can do most anything with it.

Keep in mind this was shot without planning, kinda camera improv, if you plan and practice, it can only get better.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Owlx13xCjCg
Click to expand...

Papa,
Thanks for letting me see this. Very nice work! How long would you say it took you to get the hang of it?
Jgastelb
 
yeah, took some getting used to, but once you figure it out, a couple of test runs, some practicing on your free time, like, all day long :) then you get the hang of it, i feel very free using it.
 
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