I wonder if this steadicam could support the DVX?

Edalgo_Alvarez

Edalgo_Alvarez

Well-known member
Hey guys, I was just trying to figure out what kinda steadicam setup I can use the next time I rent a DVX100 (I recently rented one and the footage is awesome, but its just a bit too shaky) and I remembered this web site I found a long time ago: http://www-2.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/steadycam#buy

anyone think that steadicam could support the camera properly? I noticed the dvx has the right size of screw hole on tha bottom, and with the wooden base attached to the steadicam I think it might work. All I need now is to know if someone has tried this out, so I can go rent this camera without having to worry about it falling off or something. Thanks!

Edalgo
 
Glidecam 4000

Glidecam 4000

I have the Glidecam 4000 with the optional arm brace. Though it does take a little practice and you are limited to takes lasting 3 - 4 minutes due to arm fatigue, it is a very smooth device. I was literally stunned by the footage I got after using it for about five minutes.

For the money, it performs quite well.

(BTW for anyone who complains about the fatigue or the limit on takes, talk to any Steadycam Operator about how their back feels at the end of a day...)
 
Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

I second everything Steve said. I have the same setup.
 
Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

Sounds good, but it looks like it costs around $500 american. Thats probably around $800 canadian which is just too expensive for me at this point. Maybe I can talk my rental facility into buying one :). Thanks guys, at least now I know what to save up for, but still, I wonder if the $14 steady cam might work?

Edalgo
 
Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

I have built a stedicam similar to that and it works rather well.
 
Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

Really? Sweet, then it looks like Im good to go :). Thanks Tyler.

Edalgo
 
Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

How do they (stedicam operators) run like in a chase scene with all that equipment strapped to them? I would be afraid I would trip and fall.
 
Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

Actually that reminds me. I made a crappy version of the $14 steady cam for my little JVC GR-D70 last summer and did a running scene with it through a bumpy field, and the whole time I was constantly looking through the lcd screen. At the time I was so paranoid about falling and breaking the camera but I guess I was just caught in the moment of the shoot so I kept going. Im glad I didnt stop because that shot turned out awesome. I guess sometimes its good to give it your all, but other times you gotta tone it down a bit. Anyone seen that scene in Robert Rodriguez's 10 minute film school (Once Upon a Time In Mexico DVD) where hes running through a hallway and smashes the camera? Good times :)

Edalgo
 
Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

That thing looks like a pile of junk. I've been through so many crappy stabilizers I'm just going to try and save up for a Glidecam or Steadicam.
 
Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

Yeah, the more I think about it, the more I think it'd be better to trust a DVX with something better than $14 :).

Edalgo
 
Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

My book "Killer Camera Rigs" has plans for a stabilizer. It's similar to the glidecam 4000 with one important difference: there are bearings in the handle to isolate wrist movement. It will cost you about $50 to build, but unlike other build it yourself stabilizers, it does have a gimal unit. You can check it out at www.DVcameraRigs.com There is also a quicktime movie on the site so you can see it in action.

Dan
WWW.DVcameraRigs.com
 
Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

[quote author=Edalgo_Alvarez link=board=news;num=1089093255;start=0#9 date=07/07/04 at 19:56:48]Yeah, the more I think about it, the more I think it'd be better to trust a DVX with something better than $14 :).

Edalgo[/quote]

You can trip and fall with a 3,000 dollar stedicam rig too. It works on the same principles as that, but obviously not as smooth. It works well for 14 dollars. It's much smoother than holding it hand held and walking with it. Much smoother.
 
Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

I think Peter Jackson used the same thing for one of his earlier movies. He spent no more than 20 dollars building it.
 
Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

[quote author=TylerGred link=board=news;num=1089093255;start=0#11 date=07/08/04 at 08:05:04]

You can trip and fall with a 3,000 dollar stedicam rig too. It works on the same principles as that, but obviously not as smooth. It works well for 14 dollars. It's much smoother than holding it hand held and walking with it. Much smoother. [/quote]
You can fall with it, but you probably aren't likey to drop it ;)
 
Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

a steadicam that is
 
Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

Well, this is true :P
 
Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

Hey Danslak, Ive been meaning to ask you how much those tripods in your book cost to make?

Edalgo
 
Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

I built my own steadicam to train with and it works well, it's just a monopod that I modified to work as a steadicam as well as a monopod. But your steady cam is only as good as the person operating it and steadicam is about 50% skill 50% experience. I've used the Steadicam ultracine (http://www.steadicam.com/images/Ultra_Cine_Mike_Oshea.jpg) before and after that I'm defiantly investing in that steadicam mini and cobra crane. (http://www.steadicam.com/images/Melanie_Mini.jpg)
 
Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

Hi Edalgo,
The Tripod in "Killer Camera Rigs" isn't one you make, exactly. It's a souped up surveyor's tripod (about $70). I've been around long enough to have wood sticks, and love them. So when I wrote the book, I needed something strong enough to hold a crane, and at the same time wouldn't break the bank. As you know, "cinema" tripods that are any good at all start at $300 without the head (anything with the word cinema on it automatically triples the price!) So I wanted something that would mimic my wood sticks, and came across this surveyor's tripod. It's plenty strong enough for DV work, but if you want to throw one of my cranes on there, you'll have to butch it up for about another $25. Since it's legs can do a full spread, you'll need a spreader. The plans for a spreader in the book are as good as any professional spreader I've used, but will only cost you about $20 to make (if that). So in the end, you'll save a small fortune, which you can spend on a good fluid head. If you want to know which surveyor's tripod I use, just give me an e-mail.

Dan
www.DVcameraRigs.com
 
Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

Re: I wonder if this steadicam could support the D

I purchased Dan's book and it is definitely a book for all to have. Good instructions and very good images. You should also check out homebuiltstabilizers.com. Those guys know their sh*t.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top