Opteka SteadyVid Pro Great Alternative to Merlin!!!

You're posting a video later on the jib, I thought. You wrote in the other thread, "...the Jib itself is not featured in the video but you get a good look at it working and shots from the on board camera."

True enough. Just seems superfluous to me I guess, since we could have the same discussion here (as you mention the jib here). Anyway, guess it doesn't matter really. Good review, interesting looking jib. Does the jib follow movements, or are the moves predefined and you're moving with it in the first video?

Or, wait a second. Should I ask this question in the other thread? :)
 
The Jib was programmed but can also be used on the fly with an operator. The software is designed for DMX lighting control. The boom is completely motorized as is the pan/tilt head. I was the talent and sole crew member for the shoot so I programmed the Jib to basically loop through it's movements and I timed my dialogue accordingly.

I'll answer this over in the other thread too in case you don't see it here ;)
 
Michael's reviews are useful as ever. The jib is simply mind-blowing. Related to the Opteka unit: I wanted to add this video guide on how to balance the SteadyVid Pro, for those of you who have bought the unit already or are thinking about investing in it. It seems a lot of people are having a hard time balancing. The video explains some critical concepts, such as drop time, static balance and dynamic balance. I'm also attaching a couple of my test shots.
How to balance Opteka SteadyVid Pro
My first test (low camera angle)
My first event -- I filmed the Cinco de Mayo parade with the stabilizer
 
Great balancing video. Useful for all types of handheld stabilizers.

Liked the sample video when you followed the dog too. Note to self - must where quiet shoes when shooting. ;)

Seems like your arm was getting really tired by the end of the parade. Shot in Chicago?
 
Hey thanks. On the first video: if this was a short film, I would have cut the location sound and Foley-ed the whole thing. There is not much you can do on the forest floor (dry leaves everywhere...) The second video was shot in Chicago. I wasn't getting tired at all, but was soaked wet. I had a plastic bag on top of the camera -- I poked a hole on it so that lens can protrude. The rain was very strong. You can see the refraction of raindrops on the lens in the video... :D
 
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