Steadicam for the XHA1 With Firestore

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openskies2009

New member
Ok Steadicam users I have a couple questions with buying my first steadicam system.

I have a Canon HXA1 (7lbs) with a Firestore Fs5 (1pnd) and wireless system that adds little weight to the camera.
In the future I would like to get a second monitor when I get a steadicam system, if this goes beyond my budget with the necessary upgrading for mounting this monitor + the extra weight, then I would forget the monitor and just considerate on getting the best for my money.

Building my own DIY is out of the question, I want to get the best for my money that is comfortable to use and gets the job done.
My budget tops is $1,100. For what I have, Glidecams? Indicams? should I bump up to the merlin? Something else?
I am filming a lot of commercials, interviews, few minute action spots.
How hard is it to balance the counterweight, will I have to do it every time I setup a shoot?
Any help with buying a system would be appreciated ,Thanks!
 
I have the same camera you do *with* the wide angle adapter and even without the wide lens on it I would fully recommend a vest/arm if you plan on doing anything more than shooting 10-20 seconds at a time!

Not sure how familiar you are with steadicam work but unless you are superman you will absolutely kill your wrists with that kind of weight on it.

If you only need it for a shot here and there I would still recommend a Glidecam HD-4000 pro as it has fine tuning knobs which are absolutely CRUCIAL when it comes to balancing your sled.

If you don't mind spending a bit more you can always combine a rig like I did.

Glidecam HD-4000 sled + Steadicam Merlin Vest+Arm = WAY cheaper than going all Steadicam/Glidecam as a kit.

I retrofitted the handle on the Steadicam Arm with help from Brian Berkey from Berkey Systems to fit better with the handle for the Glidecam HD-4000.

All things considered I only spend around $2250 for that hybrid combo including a Lilliput 7" monitor which is perfect for flying any camera (especially considering the xh a1s' lcd is ridiculously small!).

If you have any more questions let me know....there is also a thread on here and on Emmagination's site www.cheesycam.com about modifying the Glidecam sled to fit the Steadicam vest...that's where I got the initial idea from!

Cheers.

- B
 
Thanks for your reply!

Thanks for your reply!

Thank you for you reply!
I am looking at the prices for the Glidecam HD-4000 pro, and just that on it itself is pretty cheap cost related. Would I have to balance the weights every time I attatch the camera to the glidecam or once you have it setup is it pretty much strap it on and go?
I see some videos where the camera seems to be bobbing up and down slightly, it this just the result of using a handheld instead of a vest, or making adjustments to the weights/practice?
The Steadicam Merlin Vest+Arm looks pretty cool, but out of my price range.
 
I have heard of guys buying the india ones and modifying them to fit their needs. Obviously not the best solution, but with your budget, it's an option.
 
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