Operate a steadicam

L

Lor

Well-known member
Please feel free to move this thread to an appropriate forum if it suites better.

I do not own a Steadicam or any stabilizer. However, I like to learn about it more if when the time comes, I'm prepared.

I have read that by using a stabilizer like Steadicam, a remote focus unit is necessary. Is this is always the case? Does using Steadicam eliminate the option of manually turning that focus knob?

Last question. Will someone link me to some free video tutorials on how focus when using Steadicam?

Thanks!
 
U could use a small aperture and a wide angle lens so u have deep focus or keep ur object of interest always at the same distance. This is limiting but might work in some situations. U wont be able to focus with a normal follow focus...
 
Every now and then I've seen some shots on TV that shows a Steadicam operator but I do not see any remote follow focus and that's why I was wondering how they keep the focus going.

Thanks for the tip though.
 
I see. However, I've seen some that does not even have a wireless follow focus at all. My assumption is what cordvision has told me in this thread.
 
How do you know there isn't a wireless follow focus? The focus puller isn't always right there with the camera. Because it is remote, the wireless does reach far enough for the focus puller to get back a bit. Also, on broadcast video cameras (and even more so on smaller video cameras), focus is a lot less shallow than on film or high-end production cameras, so sometimes an operator can control their own focus with a gimbal-mounted focus/zoom control. On small cameras (DVX, HVX, things of that nature), DOF is often so deep that setting it at a reasonable distance and being careful with shot planning can mean a shot that is entirely in focus.
 
i use an EX-1 on a Steadicam Pilot rig. i put my varizoom thumb zoomer on the handle that meets with the ISO arm so i can turn on and off record and zoom in and out right where my right hand would be anyway.

i will (at times) zoom up to about 50-60% of the EX-1's zoom range. even if im wide open @ 2.8 (which is where the aperture is after zooming a bit.) i have to keep the subject basically "centered" in the frame to keep the AF lock on the correct place. since the AF speed is slow, wandering off of target for an instant does not usually create a problem with loosing AF.

so, for real creative work where you might want the subject off center like a rule of thirds...this doesnt work. but for most stuff i dont have problems with what i get...but im not shooting movies either.

i find being zoomed in to telephoto range hard to control for any length of time so i usually only go in sparingly.

david
www.davidprobst.com
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top