GH3 Most portable stabilizer options for GH3?

Q

Qatastrophe

Member
Well, it took a while but it's time I get one.

Looking to run a very light set up for documentary (ish) work. Just a shotgun (or a zoom depending on footage) into the camera. It'd be nice if the stabilizer can also support the Honu cage with the shotgun AND zoom but I doubt there's anything portable that can do that. I use only prime lenses (all very light, 75mm being the heaviest). I believe all portable stabilizers are budget friendly so I didn't mention it, but yes, price should make a bit of sense as it won't be the primary stabilizer in the future.

So far I can only see the xcam stabilizer, any suggestions guys? Got any feedback on something you own or seen something interesting on the web? Post here!
 
I use a Glidecam HD-2000 and rented a steadicam pilot/merlin vest harness that works really well. This was used with a GH2, Novoflex mft-nikon adapter, Tokina 11-16 lens, and a 7" hdmi display. A vest is definitely needed for documentary work.
 
Anthem said:
I use a Glidecam HD-2000 and rented a steadicam pilot/merlin vest harness that works really well. This was used with a GH2, Novoflex mft-nikon adapter, Tokina 11-16 lens, and a 7" hdmi display. A vest is definitely needed for documentary work.
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This is so true. You can't do a lot of things without a vest to offset the weight and the positioning. It's very hard to don juan without a vest. What I've done, and I have two of them now is that I bought the glide cam 4000HD, and then the Steadicam Merlin arm/vest. I then replaced the top mount with one from Berkley Solutions for about 50 bucks. I then cut two holes in the post and fed the HDMI cable though and then mounted a monitor at the bottom. I don't know how or why people fly without a monitor at the bottom. It's for consistency in view and also to see where you are going so you don't kill yourself.

Another big factor is that the heavier the rig the better it flies.. Everyone wants it to be light, but that's counter to physics. You can take the steadicam course which is great and just do it this way. You'll be much happier and get much better shots. Without an arm and vest maybe 3-5 minutes max.. WIht an arm and vest I will routinely have the rig on for 3 hours at a time.

cheers and good luck.
 
What would be a better m4/3 camera for something like the blackbird....bigger gh3 or smaller can like gm1? I am thinking of weight factor only.
 
Justyn said:
Another big factor is that the heavier the rig the better it flies.. Everyone wants it to be light, but that's counter to physics.
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A mistake I made when I purchased the Glidecam HD-2000, it was too light and difficult to balance and flew twitchy. I then tested the HD-4000 with a canon 5D and 6" monitor and it was nice and smooth. My HD-2000 solution, I added more weight - counter balance plates and a 7" monitor.

Ianscreations said:
What would be a better m4/3 camera for something like the blackbird....bigger gh3 or smaller can like gm1? I am thinking of weight factor only.
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Don't choose your camera on the stabilizer you use. The blackbird can handle full frame DSLR's, it depends how long you can hold the rig during each take.
 
Anthem said:
A mistake I made when I purchased the Glidecam HD-2000, it was too light and difficult to balance and flew twitchy. I then tested the HD-4000 with a canon 5D and 6" monitor and it was nice and smooth. My HD-2000 solution, I added more weight - counter balance plates and a 7" monitor.



Don't choose your camera on the stabilizer you use. The blackbird can handle full frame DSLR's, it depends how long you can hold the rig during each take.
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Well, I actually need a second B camera. I cannot decide between the GX7 and the GH3. So, if one is better than the other for the stabilizer I will order that.

Also, what would be the best prime or zoom lens for a medium tracking shot of a person using a stabilizer such as the Blackbird? I know wider is better, but I wonder if something could be too wide (such as the 7-14 mm)
 
Ianscreations said:
Well, I actually need a second B camera. I cannot decide between the GX7 and the GH3. So, if one is better than the other for the stabilizer I will order that.

Also, what would be the best prime or zoom lens for a medium tracking shot of a person using a stabilizer such as the Blackbird? I know wider is better, but I wonder if something could be too wide (such as the 7-14 mm)
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Gain experience by flying your GH3 with different lenses and learn the craft first. Rent the 7-14mm, or a lens with OIS - Panasonic 12-35mm. When you get efficient with the GH3 and the "look" you want out of a lens, you'll have decided on a B camera. Matching the same camera is easier in post, allowing you to spend more time with your family :thumbsup: .
 
Thanks to this thread, I bought the Blackbird. I spent less than an hour today opening the box, assembling, and balancing.
I have it balanced with the GH3 and 7-14mm.
I am already able to fly reasonably well with this device. I do not attribute it to my skills at all since this is my first time using such a device. I give props to the simple setup and balancing of the Blackbird. The included manual and instructional DVD is also great.
Excited to use and become even better.
I would post some of my first clips, but they are of my wife napping on the couch and I don't think she would appreciate. LOL
 
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