Shooting handheld while walking (?)

R

romaneagle

New member
Hi,

I need to shoot my subject while walking AND sometimes panning. Does anyone have a secret to keeping the camera as steady and even as possible?

I did a test run and it looks very "cinema verite," which isn't the way this needs to look. It needs to look like it's all shot on a moving tripod or dolly, as much as that is humanly possible, except without the tripod and without the dolly!

Got any tips? (I would prefer avoiding the purchase of a SteadiCam system.)

Much thanks!
 
Is it the cost of the SteadiCam system you are looking to avoid? You can get a GlildeCam 4000, which works very well with a DVX100, for less than $400. It takes some strength and skill but works great for shots that are less than a few minutes. If you need longer form shots (several minutes at a time) I would recommend the GlideCam Smooth Shooter, which is a vest and spring-loaded arm to support the GlideCam 4000.

If that still isn't what you are looking for, maybe you'd want a Fig Rig? If that is still too expensive you could make your own out of PVC.
 
I thank all of you for all your great suggestions!!! So many choices!

Mikko, I was avoiding the SteadiCam systems because they're so darn expensive. After just shelling out the cash for the HD cam and editing system, I'm out of cash for a little while. I know the SteadiCams are a great pro investment, but I just don't think the $900 entry-level solution is going to do the trick... and I sure can't afford to buy the $15,000 vest setups. Maybe some day! Until then, I'm going to go with something more cost-effective.

Jeremy and Michael, thank you for your GlideCam suggestion. That's the one I'm going to go with... next payday (or two)! ;-) I was surprised to see how such a dynamic system is so affordable, especially in comparison to the SteadiCam. The GlideCam might not do everything, but it looks like it'll do everything I need it to do... and I like how it's modular, so I can build off of it for years to come. That rocks.

Chris and Brian, I appreciate knowing that a bit of ingenuity could solve the problem. Unfortunately, I need the ability to stay steady for long takes and little breaks. But I like those products.

Back to my fascination with the GlideCam, they have a Stunt model that's only $60-ish (great for lo-angle shots), leaving me wanting to improvise some stunts just to have to use it!

Again, thank you all very much! A great help.

Later
 
Rehi RomanEagle,

Yes, especially using a HD camera (or shooting 16:9), you GOTTA have something like a GlideCam or your audience won't be happy with you. If you have a heavy camera and go with the GlideCam, be sure to get the wrist brace (unless you are an Olypiad wrist wrestler)!

Good luck, Michael
 
You can see one of my first shoots with a glidecam in this Rancho Capistrano clip. I've gotten a lot better since then, but the scenics were so good that it is still one of my favorite clips. I like this one at Ole Hanson Beach Club because of how cool it looks with the kids running toward the camera.

Hope you'll share your footage with us!

-Jeremy

________________________________________
Jeremy Miner
Orange County Wedding Videography by Trend Media
http://www.trendmedia.tv
 
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Bravo. Splendida metraggio...ma conviene di migliorare l'inglese nelle pagine.

Ottimo lavoro, ragazzi. Peccato che il prezzo e troppo caro per me.
 
Hey ya'all,

Well, it is done. I placed my order this morning for the GlideCam 4000 with the gladiator arm brace thing. I cannot wait to try it out!!!

Mikko, I just bought a Sony HVR-Z1U. Not much with accessories yet. (I'm on a budget!) I also ordered a wide angle lens. I'm just piecing things together as I go along. My future purchasing queue includes a Chrosziel filter holder and sunshade, as well as the Roland/Edirol CS-50 Shotgun mic (unless I find out the cheaper Sony one is better).

Michael, thanks for the wrist brace tip. That totally makes sense. Hopefully, the brace will increase the steady factor... and my arm in good health. (I have a buddy who was in ice packs and physical therapy to recover from cameramanitis.)

Jeremy, I look forward to checking out your clips once I get caught up. And I'll share if I can come up with anything good enough to share. That might take some time. Although, with the new GlideCam setup, maybe sooner than later. I sure hope that does the trick. I will be in seventh heaven if it does! Oh, by the way, Rancho Capistrano is just a bit north of where I am (San Diego).

DeSica, I'm afraid I know only two words in Italian: 'Bonjourno' and 'Lasagna.' Wish I knew more, but I don't. Thanks for whatever you said.

Laters
 
My post was for the Italian guys who had posted about their system. Easy something...can't see the post anymore in this thread, for some reason.

The footage and rig looked great, but was just saying is expensive.
 
Hi All! The GlideCam thing has been interesting. It takes me HOURS to calibrate/balance the thing... and then, if I travel with it, it gets un-calibrated.

I've only had it "perfectly" calibrated just ONE time. That definitely was cool--and the thing worked like a charm! Now, if it would only stay calibrated forever.

Got any tips for quick calibration/balancing? Perhaps, I'm missing something.

Jeremy, thanks for the arm brace offer. I had already ordered that along with the GlideCam 4000. Additionally, I checked out the links to the video clips you mentioned (along with checking out others on your site)... and I must say that I'm very impressed. You make wedding videography seem like a wonderful thing to do. Hehehe. That's an ART!

All righty, cheers!
 
a shoulder jack would work

a shoulder jack would work

you can buy a removable shoulder jack to balance your camera, there not too expensive and they work great to get the job done :Drogar-Happy(DBG):
 
Thanks, JD. Good idea. Now, you have me eye-balling the "Cavision RS1580S-SP Shoulder Pad with Rod System for Sony HDR-FX1 & HVR-Z1 Camcorders" at http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...n_RS1580SSP_RS1580S_SP_Shoulder_Pad_with.html.

If nothing else, it'll be just one more tool to get things done. But I need to think about it before I spend the money.

I'm still going to work on mastering the whole GlideCam balancing act. It just drives me nuts that it un-balances so easily.

Cheers!
 
Of course the Glidecam solution is best. But if anyone does want to walk and film, as the orig question asked, the trick is to avoid the "up and down" of your walking. this means keep a conscious fix on your gait and your camera's position, and dont bend your knees when you walk, or rather keep them bent. It's hard to talk about how to walk like this, but you can definitely minimize the up and down of a walk. I think of the exercises I did in martial arts for years, where you practice walking keeping your head at one height, and your knees super bent, its very hard on the thighs. Glidecam is better! But you can minimize the shaky camera walk with some concentration.
 
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