serious help about steadicam

V

ved

Member
Hi! I'm in a bit of a problem here. I'm starting my new company, and someone asked me to make a documentary, so I said we needed a steadicam, and they said yes, gave me the money and we start shooting on friday.
Also, I have NO idea of how to use a steadicam or to be downright honest with you, i've just seen once in my whole life and didn't pay much attention.
"Crazy kid" you might say, and you say right, but now it's too late to back off. Anyways, my point is: for less than 2k, what the hell do i buy? what do i need? i've been doing lots of research today and i'm just confused, if i buy a smooth shooter and a glidecam pro 4000 (or hd) is that all i need? do i need extra batteries, is the smooth shooter the same as this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846
am i gonna die trying to figure it out by myself? should i just buy a fig rig and don't play hero? can someone PLEASE tell me: buy this and this and try to survive...?? please??
My camera is an xdcam ex1r.
The sooner you reply the more i'll love you. Unless you're a dude and don't want to be loved, then I'll just be really really thankful
 
The best idea is to hire an experienced stedicam operator. Trying to learn it in a day or so will yield sub-par results and you'll spend less than on the equipment by letting a pro do it as well as spending less time being frustrated with a new piece of equipment.
 
ok i'm not against hiring someone, but still, i'd like to buy something, since i might have more jobs and i love operating a camera, so my question stands: what the hell do i buy??
 
Steadicam takes years to learn and is not easy to master. It like balancing a ping pong ball on a wet noodle. It is a specialty.

There are many models and level of experienced operators. The quality of the operation is dependent on your understanding of what an acceptable picture is. The rigs you are looking at are at the bottom of the totem pole.

Get an experienced operator, dont do it yourself. You can also continue your search on:

www.steadicamforum.com under newbie section.

Good Luck.
 
You will end up hating the rig and hating yourself for trying it without the proper training. You really need sometime with these things to even get close to acceptable footage.
 
You must hire an owner/operator.
No way around it, this is what you must do.
Listen to all the previous posts.

Your funds set aside for buying a rig will most likely be depleted bringing on this person so purchasing something for later will probably be a moot point.
And as recommended, try before you buy. You just may not like it or be cut out for it. You could be highly disappointed.

And another route is to go handheld. Pretty standard for docs.
 
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