Stabilizers, Mounts, Flowpod, Glidecam, DvRig-help

P

Pookiehead

Active member
"Because the unit is still solidly attached to the body, Running shots or stairs are not going to be as smooth as a Glidecam or Steadicam, unless you can do the Steadicam Shuffle (tread lightly) like a pro. For handheld dramatic work and shoots where you remain rather stationary, your shots can be very steady and, very comfortable. This is, by far, the best shoulder mount I have used, To the point where it is almost in it's own new category, just like the DVX. :)"

this was from Jarred Land's article:
http://www.dvxuser.com/articles/dvrig/

Does anyone have advice for me to narrow down a purchase decision?
I am mostly looking for fluid shots for walking around a room, shooting people's first dance at weddings, etc. I would like to be able to walk around people slow dancing and get amazingly, beautiful, smooth shot- no jerkiness.  The downside to any of these devices usually mentioned for this type of shooting, I think is that they draw attention to you and whatever big tool you are using...Additionally, I am concerned about weight, because as it is, my set up can get pretty heavy..light-on camera, boom, wireless, lens adapters( up to 1lb.). I have heard that some devices, like Flowpod get really difficult with all the gear on a camera. I do not have massive arm/back/ab muscles either. Also, being able to access the mount/stablizer quickly is fairly important..


On my own, I'm quite steady and have never really felt like I needed something to keep me steady for short periods of time. For more extended shooting, I always grab the monopod or tripod.

I started looking at a dolly with big wheels, till I thought about how much real estate a tripod on a dolly takes. It seems like a shoulder mount or stabilizer will be more flexible..

any thoughts?

right now, been looking at Glidecam 2000, Flowpod, an DvRig..probably should consider Steadicam. don't want to spend more than $600-$650 tops. And of course, anything less than that would be great. I just don't want to buy something that we won't use.
 
Re: Stabilizers, Mounts, Flowpod, Glidecam, DvRig-

Re: Stabilizers, Mounts, Flowpod, Glidecam, DvRig-

If you want to float the camera for short moving shots, the Glidecam is a good choice. For weddings or event photography, the DVRig Pro will blow everything else out of the water by virtue of the fact you can use the rig comfortably for hours at a time. The DVRig Pro requires less stamina and muscular control and regardless of your setup--it can be balanced on your shoulder. This comes at some sacrifice of smooth movement, but for extended events, I'd say the tradeoff is well worth it.
 
Re: Stabilizers, Mounts, Flowpod, Glidecam, DvRig-

Re: Stabilizers, Mounts, Flowpod, Glidecam, DvRig-

I realize I was posting with the goal of fluidity, but do you think the DvRig can replace a tripod shot? I am very picky about that. If the shot is supposed to be still and no movement, I hate to see any bit of wiggle.
 
Re: Stabilizers, Mounts, Flowpod, Glidecam, DvRig-

Re: Stabilizers, Mounts, Flowpod, Glidecam, DvRig-

Heres a simple trick to get the smoothness of a steadicam at the same time the ease of use for long shooting periods and also a near rock solid tripod shot...Buy a Flo-pod and balance it to work with the mono pod almost fully extended. Think about it. I have my DVX fully decked out so its heavy like yours so when ever you get tired from flying it around simply slowly rest the mono pod on the ground. You can even do this in the middle of a live shot without problems. Best tool I ever bought. If your picky about how smooth your shots look yet want to be able to rest when ever you want...Flo pod.

Keep in mind though that steadicam-like stabilizers dont fair to well in anything stronger then a calm breeze. Also if you dont think your getting rock solid enough shots from you mono pod then your going to have to use a tripod. Personally I delt with this by adding a custom a quick release/balance system on my Flopod. I can switch between tripod and flo pod in seconds...and that includes time for balancing.

Find a quick release that uses the same plate as your tripod and make sure you can have a bubble level on it.

Hope that helps.

Brett Erskine
www.CinematographerReels.com
 
Re: Stabilizers, Mounts, Flowpod, Glidecam, DvRig-

Re: Stabilizers, Mounts, Flowpod, Glidecam, DvRig-

Pookiehead,
I have never used a glide cam or flo-pod before, so I'm not sure how these setups feel compared to the DVrigPro, but here are some of the things I like about the DVrig...I like the fact that I can shoot low looking up at the subject without having to "get physically low to the ground" I just lower the rig and tilt it up and you've got those angle shots with no back pain. Myself I dont see the Rig as limiting in movement at all. I follwed people walking down the street constantly on this past trip. (I'll post those shots later tonight) It's not as smooth as being on a tripod and dolly, but looks great I think. Better than any handheld I could do. I haven't shot a wedding since getting the Rig, but I will be shooting one on Aug 14th, so I'll let you know how it works for me.
Again, later tonight, I'll post some footage. Hopefully that will be helpfull to you.
Vince
 
Re: Stabilizers, Mounts, Flowpod, Glidecam, DvRig-

Re: Stabilizers, Mounts, Flowpod, Glidecam, DvRig-

Hail.

I would say that the DVRig will never be equivalent to a locked-off tripod, nor is it a good substitute for a tripod on a dolly spreader wheeled about a hardwood or otherwise totally smooth floor.

That said, it is fantastic for allowing near-total movement freedom, decent movement dampening, and extended shooting sessions without fatigue. I recently shot 4 hours of footage outdoors in the woods with a DVRig Pro and loved it.

So, if you want complete stability this isn't the answer, but if some slight body movement is acceptable you'll find the DV Rig Pro an excellent choice, especially for the price.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top