Camera Stabilization Question

Just wanted to update....Decided long and hard on this this one and opted for the best of the best. The Steadicam FlyerLE from B&H HERE

It comes with the complete setup, but I was kinda confused about the difference between the "Compact Vest" and the "Standard Vest". Anyone know? (I got the compact vest in my kit).

It even came with a Anton Bauer - DIONIC-90 Lithium-Ion Battery!

Final price was a whopping $7,349.40 :-/

Now it's the fun part of learning. I'd love to go to the next workshop, but I can't find one that doesn't cost $2k close to Ohio, lol.

I'll post pics when I get it
 
<sigh>...well I'm not really a large guy, so hopefully it might work. There is no changing it unfortunately at this point w/o a 15% restocking fee.
 
I would talk with BH see if they can accomidate you, they are usually good with such stuff. If that doesnt work once you get your rig contact Peter Abraham from Steadicam (his contact info can be found on their website) great guy and very helpfull. Maybe he can fix it for you.

I say this because a properly fit vest can result in pain or cause you to injure yourself. You have made an excellent choice in gear and it should serve you for many years to come.

Go ahead and register with the www.steadicamforum.com you will find all the pro's there.

Download the manual for the flyer here:

http://www.tiffen.com/videoFlyer.html

And must buy this book (also donwload the dynamic balance sheet, dont get wrapped around it yet. It will make sense once you have the rig):

http://www.jerryholway.com/manuals.shtml

and best shots can be found here:

http://steadishots.org/
Fly safe.
 
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Yes, make sure you get the right vest. It's the 100% most important part of the system for operator comfort.

If I'm doing a gig where a rig is provided, I still bring my own vest, for no extra charge. It's that important.

- Mikko
 
I talked to B&H and they insured me the compact vest will fit fine for my body size. The "compact" means it will fit in smaller storage. I'm not overweight, so hopefully it should be fine.


With never having used a Steadicam before, I cannot speak from your experience, so only a test will tell now. I got 1 day shipping and it will arrive tomorrow.

The Compact vest is this one:
pimage_67571.jpg


The Standard vest is:
803-7800.jpg


I can see the difference, but why is the compact so much more expensive?


803-7800 Vest-Standard $1,550.00
803-7800-01 Vest-Compact $1,995.00
 
I think BH has that wrong, I had asked the same question when I got my first rig.

-The vests are identical in make, one is just smaller.
-The compact costs more because there are only a few purchases a year. (not too many female operators).

Write to Peter Abraham to confirm. You would not know how to fit a vest so it would be hard for you to know if it works for you stature or not. Otherwise you might be stuck with it.
 
Yes, BH is misinformed.

Obviously a smaller vest packs into a smaller space. But the vest is smaller for reasons of fit, not for storage.

They are more expensive as they are a specialty item with lower manufacturing numbers.

- Mikko
 
Well I'm getting the compact vest in my package. They would not let me change it out, so I'll have to make due...unless anyone is willing to trade :-)
 
saw this thread, n had to chime in --
got a used glidecam4000 with the wrist brace,
n i love it. not the steadiest thing in the world,
but overcranked with a wide-angle, & i'm in love.
i'm shooting mtn biking, so having a setup that allows you to run
is crucial (i.e. without a vest).....
also i'm broke as a joke, so thats another factor!
here's a few shots with it, at a full run on uneven dirt...:
http://www.alloutprodux.com/sortasteadi.mov
 
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