Steadicam Jr with DSLR

[M. Gilden]

I just dug up an old Steadicam Jr rig that hasn't been used in about 7 years.
It was originally purchased to use with some other cameras at the time (I think including a DVX100 actually), but honestly I never got it to work properly. I think I'm just not very skilled at the whole balancing thing.

Anyway, long story short, I'm going to be shooting a documentary piece that involves following someone into the woods to find some geological deposits, and I'm going to need something steady to get the occasional shot of him talking while explaining what we see on his hike to the site. I dug up the steadicam because I thought maybe this would be a better option that my normal shoulder mount or DIY bracket handles.

Here's my question- does anyone have any experience balancing one of these for a DSLR? I think this rig is designed for heavier cameras, so the original instructions (on VHS cassette, no less) seem like they might not be applicable. Plus, I think I've been doing something wrong all along with it, because it always seemed to wobble/rock slightly as I moved (an indication of poor balance?).

Also, separate question- Is a steadicam-type rig the wrong choice for this? Would something else be better for following someone into the woods like I describe? Maybe a cage or some other type of rig?

 

[Alex H.]

Wobble comes from poor balance, so you're probably not getting it set up properly. You also need to consider the minimum/maximum load ratings for the unit: if the naked DSLR is below the minimum weight spec, it's going to be hard to balance. I have a Glidecam 4000 Pro that I used with my DVX, but use it with my T2i as well. The camera alone is too little for the rig, but rails and a matte box bring it up to where it needs to be.

Honestly, this may not be the best choice for your situation. These handheld rigs are very taxing on the forearm, and without some kind of vest support to go with it, you'll likely find it hard to shoot longer than a few minutes without needing a rest. I couldn't imagine trying to take one of those on a hike. A counter-weighted shoulder rig is probably your best bet, and a cage/support with top handle can be useful as well (but not as flexible).

 

[wgzn]

i used to have a jr that i used with a little sony 8mm handycam and it worked just fine. i wouldnt imagine a basic dslr being beyond its carrying range.
youre going to have to consider focus though...

 

[M. Gilden]

Honestly, this may not be the best choice for your situation. These handheld rigs are very taxing on the forearm, and without some kind of vest support to go with it, you'll likely find it hard to shoot longer than a few minutes without needing a rest. I couldn't imagine trying to take one of those on a hike. A counter-weighted shoulder rig is probably your best bet, and a cage/support with top handle can be useful as well (but not as flexible).

This is true, and what I figured as well.
I actually tried first with a shoulder rig setup on our tests, and while it did offer a decent amount of support and was good for close ups on the rocks, there was a lot of footage that came out terrible as I tried to keep up with him walking. I could just tell him I can't film him talking as we walk because its too shaky (I was initially skeptical of this working from the start), but before I say that I wanted to explore other options.

i used to have a jr that i used with a little sony 8mm handycam and it worked just fine. i wouldnt imagine a basic dslr being beyond its carrying range.
youre going to have to consider focus though...

Yes, I realize that focus might be an issue, especially since I am often going from his face to a close up of some rock he found, and need to do a bit of macro focusing. Maybe I should consider bringing a monopod next time, and swap between the shoulder and the monopod. Would be nice to simplify the setup. I honestly wouldn't be so insistent on using the DSLR (maybe a larger, more stable camera) except that I like the idea of shallow macro closeups on the rocks.

Either way, thanks for the responses, guys!

 

[Alex H.]

I actually tried first with a shoulder rig setup on our tests, and while it did offer a decent amount of support and was good for close ups on the rocks, there was a lot of footage that came out terrible as I tried to keep up with him walking. I could just tell him I can't film him talking as we walk because its too shaky (I was initially skeptical of this working from the start), but before I say that I wanted to explore other options.

There is an art to walking and shooting, especially on rough terrain... but it can be done. My first field audio gig was in the mountains, and I was working alongside one of the best shooters in the state. Keeping up with him was a challenge as he moved fast, and he shot walk-and-talks in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on and off trails, and through varying amounts of underbrush and fallen branches. His footage was smooth (full-size BetaSP camera). I was carrying a bag and boom and was still having trouble keeping my footing alongside him.

What I've learned is that training myself to walk with a shoulder rig in much the same manner as I practice walking with the Glidecam is very helpful. It's a matter of using your upper torso as a stabilizer and your legs as shock absorbers. I honestly felt silly at first, as it's a motion that can look quite similar to a shopping mall power walker, but I learned to smooth that out as well I felt much better about it. Controlling the breathing is also essential to making this work.

 

[treynolds]

i have a similar rig build for small dv cameras, and i was wondering if you guys have any tips for balancing the thing? I dont know if im not a skilled operator or my balance is bad. Any tricks for getting good balance?

 

[Pookie]

Ahh the good old Jr...A wobble/rocking is generally a sign of being slightly bottom heavy. Mounting a DSLR on one shouldn't be a problem assuming you aren't using a battery grip (added weight really shouldn't be nessecary).If you're shooting with something like a 50mm, you should be able to get some nice footage.Using it for the shoot you have in mind really isn't a problem as it's unlikely that you intend to shoot a continous shot following him every step of the way. Most shots are probably less than two minutes, so holding the rig for that length of time really isn't a problem. A rest of a couple of minutes between shots may be the most you'd really bees at most. You only need a full rig if you are using a seriously heavy camera, and DSLR's just aren't them.Balance the rig the same way the video shows (give or take), and try for around a one second drop time, maybe a tad less. Try to avoid major moves, trying to be smooth with it, something like carrying a glass of water.It does take practice, but even with little time flying the rig, you can get some very nice shots, just move smoothly, and remember to breathe.I don't see any problems.