Stabilizer Options for GX7 (suggestions)

Noah Truth

Noah Truth

Active member
So I'm looking at the Xcam Sabre ATM


http://cheesycam.com/xcam-sabre-mini-video-stabilizer-review/


But I'm a bit concerned about the camera being too light. I will mainly be using the Leica 25mm and a few vintage Nikkor lenses. All in all the total weight of the camera+lens looks to be around 1.5 LBS (772 Grams).


I am also looking at the Glidecam HD-1000 but it is about $100 more.


With the GX7 Weighing a mere .88 LBS, it's hard to decide on stabilizer options, as the lighter the camera, the harder it is to stabilize.


Any suggestions?
 
I just got the Came 150 - $270, free shipping from china, got here in a week.

They also make a more DSLR-centric model, same price - look at any Came auction on eBay and there's a video of a guy reviewing both and reviewing the vest/arm.

I shot with it the first day I got it, I still have a lot of learning ahead. But a very good value:


(this might be blocked due to music copyright issues, when I shoot my Mrs. I gots to put the funk in).
 
Interesting. What kind of camera/lens did you use for that footage? Do you think it would stabilize 1.5 LBS fairly well?
 
That was a Nikon D7100 with a Nikkor 18-35 and a 5" Marshall monitor (even when I wear readers, I don't trust the tiny camera LCD for commercial work, too small to feel good about focus... and the Marshall has peaking). The DSLR just isn't heavy enough to put the monitor at the bottom of the rig, I mount it just behind the camera.

I've been shooting for slower drop times anyway so more weight up-top is good. (Watch a dozen Youtube videos about balance and you'll see guys counting drop times like "Onetwothree! That was three seconds!" when it's more like one and a half. You really need to do the one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand...)

I'd look at their specs for weight, of the two in the video below I got the 150, which has the standard sliding plates with metal washers... the 660 seems setup for lighter weight. They're both carbon fiber, etc. On the 150, the carbon fiber rods that hold the weight plates are 15mm rods and will take any rod/rail accessories, so with a bigger camera you could put a monitor down there. I really wanted something I'd use for a couple years.

 
I am selling a Garrett Brown signature series Steadicam Merlin with upgraded metal gimbal, for $300 if interested.
 
The Xcam Sabre is well-built and smooth. The micro adjustments work well and the different adjustments (shaft length, gimbal position, bottom weights, sled mounting, etc.) make it possible to balance a good range of cameras. I use a GH3/GH4, but I've seen videos of people flying cameras like the Sony NEX-6 with the Sabre, so I think it shouldn't be a problem for the GX7. In any case, if it's too light, you can always add weight (e.g. mounted on the GX7's hotshoe).

Another thing I like about the Sabre is that it can stand on it's own, so it's easy to put down for a minute if necessary without leaning the camera on the ground.
 
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