Stabilizers: Blackbird VS Sturdycam

[leaftors]

I've narrowed it down to two stabilizers. The Blackbird - $450 used and the Sturdycam - $220

http://www.camotionllc.com/blackbird-a-78.html

http://www.sturdyshots.com/

I've heard good reviews on the blackbird. Build quality looks good and it's one of the fastest stabilizers to set up.

Sturdycam has some impressive video samples, however it's a DIY project made of pieces from the hardware store.

Has anyone used the sturdycam?

 

[morgan_moore]

sturdy cam - how do you trim

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[leaftors]

sturdy cam - how do you trim

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what?

 

[Matt Gottshalk]

Trimming is how you make micro adjustments to your camera balance while on the rig.

The "sturdycam" doesn't seem to have those adjustments.

I have the Blackbird and it is excellent.

 

[sturdyshots2]

Hi there:

on The SturdyCam you can "trim" in different ways:

-Front Back Balance: moving washers toward/backward on the foot bolt - that's micrometric - (and of course moving camera toward-backward)
-Left/Right Balance: moving washers left/right on the horizontal bar - that's micrometric - OR turning left-right threaded extension pipe

Extension on the SturdyCam also allows you to balance ANY rig...we made a funny test with a REALLY front heavy rig:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnOfCUEaNGs

Here for more question!

 

[RieniO]

I'm looking into the Sturdycam now and here's a great video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bn1dWui1v0
See how the guy jumps up and down without the video getting shocky and at 2m50 the car goes on a very bumpy road and the camera remains steady.
I would almost think this is fake, too good to be true. Curious about the opinion of others.

 

[robotsound]

I haven't used the Sturdycam, but I have used the Blackbird, the Glidecam, and the Steadicam JR.

The Blackbird was the nicest of the three.