Need to rent a camera stabilizer that can track low foot walking shots.

[Demistate]

I'm going to be doing a very specific shot that a client requested, that would require a camera stabilizer to move around a golfer hitting a golf ball on the green (180 degree turn around shot). Track systems are not an option (can't mess up the grass), so I was thinking about a stabilizer system.

However, most stabilizer sytems work at human eye level. I'm going to need one that can turn upside down and follow at least at mid calf level to the ground. (12 inches or less).

Since this is SD I could use a DVX-100 rig if the camera needed to be smaller, but I'm almost at a loss becuase I don't know how to come up with this shot that my client is very adimate about.

 

[mikkowilson]

This is a shot for a Steadicam.

The Steadicam Merlin can be handheld with the DVX lens down to about 18" off the ground. - And you can go even lower with a creative flip to low-mode.

The Steadicam Flyer (and all the larger Steadicams too..) can put the camera very low to the ground in low mode.

Check out the operator database here: www.steadicam-ops.com - there are currently 5 operators listed in the Indiana area.


- Mikko

 

[mico]

The Steadicam Merlin can be handheld with the DVX lens down to about 18" off the ground. - And you can go even lower with a creative flip to low-mode.

Mikko what do you mean by creative flip to low mode regarding the Merlin?

 

[mikkowilson]

Well the Merlin is not directly designed for low mode. (due to it's gimble above the hand design).

Due to it's compact size, actual upside-down lowmode is very raly needed with Merlin.

You can however simply balance it so that it hangs upside down and hold it so it hangs by the handle (instead of sittign on it) - the gimble doesn't care which way up it is. You then flip the footage back to normal in post.

- Mikko

 

[mico]

I actually thought of that but I was unsure of the gimbal being strong enough to handle. it in the opposite direction. But I will try it now. Thanks Mikko

 

[Demistate]

Where's a place where I can rent a Glidecam 4000 and a low mode kit?

 

[mikkowilson]

The stock Glidecam 4000 can't do true low-mode. The sled can't be flipped without the handle hitting the stage and the camera, and there is no hole in the handle for a pin to hang it upside down from a F- (low mode) Bracket.

- Mikko

 

[wgzn]

i bought the magiqcam (steadicam knock off) a year or so ago and it has a low mode bracket - best $1500 i ever spent!