Brushless Gimbal - Worth the investment?

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DDirector

Veteran
So, I wish I could afford this right now, but unfortunately cant.

I would like to shoot with a steadicam/glidecam with my 10lbs rig, but I dont want to/cant always use such a large rig.
Like when shooting run n' gun and doc work, its not very ideal. A lot of it is in very small awkward places too.

I've recently started considering getting a brushless gimbal system, but im not sure if its worth the investment.
There are several out there for lightweight cameras that are actually fairly affordable, like DSLRs.
But the one Id need has to support 10lbs and its going to run around $6-8K. Which is a lot for me! - Especially since I got the C300 and have like nothing.

I have to shoot a lot of handheld stuff. And a lot of the times I want it to be very smooth, but cant pull it off.


Do you see this being worthy of buying? (When the heavier payload systems are available)?
It would take me a really long time to save up, but I dont know. Maybe it would be worth it?

I dont like and dont want to be constantly buying gear. "Oh, this looks cool. I will buy it."
Only if its worth it or absolutely needed.
 
They're not all expensive, if you look at multicopter shops they have video gimbals cheaper albeit you may have to get more technically involved with some.

http://www.fpvstyle.com/index.php/b...-sony-900-nikon-d900-d800e-d700-d800-etc.html

The gimbals being sold for video use are being marked up many times above the true cost to build them, the multicopter builders are now wise to this so expect more competition, the DJI Ronin which will take up to a Red Epic looks promising.
 
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If it givess you an advantage in your local area (ie others don't have one), it's worth it... especially if you shoot h/h a lot.

Maybe the combination of your work and what you can offer a client will also help you get more work... or help you push out to old/new/potential clients... when buying kit like this, it's an investment in yourself that you're making... if it will help you move up the ladder, it's worth it. If it's going to be a new toy and sit, unused, on a shelf for 90% of the time, then it's not a good choice.
 
morgan_moore said:
If you want to invest in your business, well, a functioning website would be a start, then a nice reel..

S
Click to expand...

^^ This

Otherwise the best thing you can do is rent as you go until you are certain you can pay it off with jobs. Hoping to get jobs by buying gear is a sure way to become poor. Sure its worked for a few people but more often then not they have loans and are not getting the business to pay off their investments.

Do you have a business plan? Do you know how many jobs you would need to get in a 1/2 years in order to pay the piece of gear off plus pay yourself a decent salary?
 
Prices for brushless gimbals are falling at a rapid pace. DJI's Ronin should be out within a month for under $5k and can support a Red Epic. That said, I'd recommend renting a brushless gimbal when the job requires it. If you're using it on enough jobs where it makes sense to own one, then buy one. It doesn't make sense to plunk down the cash if it's not guaranteed to get a lot of use.
 
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