How to obtain atypical shots from a stabilizer?

M

mcstrangelove

Member
With a stabilizer, is it possible to:

1) shoot low angle shots (camera close to the ground)
2) straight-up shots (think: walking thru a forest, looking up at the trees/sky)?

I've seen these in no-budget productions (non-handheld), but I don't know how either of these would be possible with typical stabilizers.
 
you mean a steadicam, or what?
Any angle is theoretically possible if you balance it correctly.
If you want really low angle I remember seeing some sort of "upside down" steadicam from the ProAim boys. I think the gimmick is to follow people's footsteps.
 
You cannot do this with something like a Merlin, but with a lightweight standard stedicam (with a vest) it is possible.
1) is called the low mode. You invert the position of the camera and the wheights/monitor.
2) with a steadicam, your center of gravity should be inside your hand (in the gimbal) so you can point the camera to the sky.

Other things you can consider are sliders. They may give you an even better results in less practice time.

Steadicam is great, but so hard to master
 
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Thanks for the responses. I said 'stabilizer' to refer to the non-steadicam, lower cost rigs like the Merlin, etc. I suppose you get what you pay for in that respect. Sliders are great for subtle moves, but a long, walking shot wouldn't be possible. Thanks again.
 
The cobra crane thing is no good. I used it and ended up being more stable with my shoulder rig (no joke) The lack of articulated gimbal renders it useless. IMHO
I have been thinking about it and keep my ground for sliders as the best solution for these type of shots. You will have even more control over your image.
 
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