FCP2 or Shake or Steadicam?

[Holy Harry]

Maybe dumb question... but let's see what you guys think-

I've been shooting a few weddings lately and to my shock and horror... I actualy like the work! So I'm planning to push that side of the business a little harder.

I've established a pretty good workflow using my HVX with a quickly interchangable manfrotto tripod and monopod and a couple of smaller cameras on light tripods. I can move fast with this setup.

The only thing I'm not happy with so far is when I need to move with my camera in a flowing Steadicam style. I don't aim to shoot steadicam a lot, but would like to have it looking well when I do. I've tried finding balancing point on my tripod and walking smoothly etc, but it's only ok.

So here's my question...

I'm using FCStudio. I could upgrade to studio 2 and use it's smooth-cam fx to calm down my small number of slightly shakey "steadicam" shots, or I could buy Shake and use pretty much the same function. When you factor in all the other benefits of owning either of the two, which, if any, would provide a practical solution to the situation? Or should I just go buy one of the cheaper steadicam devices mentioned here? (I'm against that option to be honest, as it means more equipment to haul around)

:dankk2:

 

[soren k jensen]

steadishakefcp2...

steadishakefcp2...

I have practiced the Steadicam Flyer and I'm beginning to get the feel for it, but beware, it takes a LOT of practice to be good. The funny thing is, I find that my handheld work gets much better as a result of the steadipractice. So my point is, you may get really good results from just practicing your handheld with inspiration from the steadicam. Search the steadicamforum.com and see the many types of advice on practice, check out footage with that and so forth.
And if you want to spend the money and lots o time practicing, the Flyer is fantastic, I just love it. You'l lose reolution in the smoothcam nodes, and it's always better to get the shot right, rather than fixing it in the mix.:engel017:

 

[oneinfiniteloop]

Personally, I would buy a Steadicam type device...faking it has it drawbacks. If you do go the software route, I would just upgrade FCP...you get the same thing shake has and you don't have to learn a new software, which isn't the easiest of softwares to learn...but, now that it's 500 there are probably more resources than when I started learning.

Going with software you'll lose a little resolution...considering your clients won't be able to tell makes that fact a little easier to swallow, but if you get a shot that can't be salvaged in post with the smoothcam effect then you're screwed.

 

[morisato]

If you go with the steadicam route, expect to spend over 1k. A heavier cam like the HVX needs the extra support that only the more expensive ones offer.

The way I see it, the breakdown of your options go like this:

Option 1. Get a steadicam-like device.

Pros: Offers the best possible image out of all the options.
Cons: More costly, more eq to carry, takes time to learn.

Option 2. Upgrade to FCP

Pros: Quick-fix for your problem, the ability to color correct like a pro! (Color).
Cons: I'm guessing will give you the worst results of the 3 options.

Option 3. Get Shake

Pros: Fixes your problems a little better than FCP can but not as good as a steadicam, you get a great fx program that industry pros use.
Cons: Takes time to learn.

The reason I believe (I'm just guessing) that Shake will do a better job than FCP is simply because FCP's main focus is non-linear editing, while Shake is about the FX.

So in the end, it's all about the advantage/disadvantage ratio. Are you looking for the best, medium, or worst possible fix? Are you willing to carry more eq for the best? If not, then would you rather go for better quality at the expensive of learning a new program? Or are you looking for a quick fix and will settle for less? If you learn a new program, you could have the advantage of awesome FX skills. If not, then at least you get Color, which will take time to learn as well, but you can do that on your own time away from your shaky hand problems.