steadicam mini tips

Bermudaforce

Bermudaforce

Well-known member
Hey does anybody own or used a steadicam mini? If you do, can you give me any advise or tips on how to operate it. I've used it on a couple projects but it's seems that I'm better going handheld. Don't know what I"m doing wrong or if the steadicam mini just sucks. If someone knows anything about it let me know. The training video that came with only demostrates the SK2. Thanks.
 
Re: steadicam mini tips

The principles are the same between the two.

You can't expect decent results without practicing, it will take time to learn.
The Mini is a very good unit, btw.
 
Re: steadicam mini tips

yeah, I do really need to practice this steadicam. Everything looks even and balanced but it's just that the arm is always banging against me. I hate that. I also think I should probably add some more weight to the 24p cause it seems a little light. Or maybe I just need to practice. hehe..
thanks for the tip.
 
Re: steadicam mini tips

It's exactly like learning to ride a bike, impossibly hard at first, impossibly easy later.
 
Re: steadicam mini tips

[quote author=pookie link=board=news;num=1103231496;start=0#5 date=12/17/04 at 15:45:22]It's exactly like learning to ride a bike, impossibly hard at first, impossibly easy later.[/quote]

well bikes do have training wheels, a steady cam dosen't. JP, I know what you mean.
 
Re: steadicam mini tips

is there a big differnce in quality from the glidecam? I like the stedi cam desgin better.
 
Re: steadicam mini tips

If you can afford it, always choose Steadicam over Glidecam.

Yes there's a difference, Glidecam has good products, no question, but then there's Steadicam...
 
Re: steadicam mini tips

The only reason why I got the steadicam because I saw this hot girl wearing the gear and had a nice smile on her face. Man.... I had to buy it! It's only about 5000 grand. The one I got was a demo version, but used only once on a project.
 
Re: steadicam mini tips

Perhaps you can describe the exact problems you are experiencing.

You said that the arm is banging against you--which part of the arm? And where is it banging? I will say this, incidentally--the arm is probably the weakest part of the Mini's design. The new Flyer, which is the next generation Mini, has an arm that equals the performance of the biggest and best out there in the Steadicam world.

As far as whether or not you need to add weight--you said that the balance is good; are you achieving a 2 to 3 second drop time, and a good spin balance; and is the arm hanging at the proper level? If so, you are working within the parameters of the system and all should be well. However, all Steadicams are more stable the more weight you fly (up to the payload limit of the particular model); it's just the toll it takes on the operator that becomes a factor.

Perhaps you can post a clip that demonstrates the operating issues that you are experiencing. If, again, the rig is properly balanced, I'd be willing to bet that you are over-controlling the rig, i.e. holding on to the gimbal too tightly. This will result in choppy moves with lots of little corrections, and often too much roll (like a boat in rough waters). Try getting the rig all perfectly balanced, then line up the camera pointed down a long hallway. Start to walk slowly down the hall, and gently release your operating hand once you are in motion (keep the other hand on the gimbal handle, though). Shoot at least 10 seconds of your slow walk. Now perform the same move but keep both hands on the rig. Take the rig off and play back the footage. If the first one appears smoother, that's an indication of over-controlling.
 
Re: steadicam mini tips

CharlesPapert, Hey. I like your work! Memember of the S.O.C. That's good. The problem with the mini is the arm where the springs are held is hitting my sides. I'm not sure what I'm doing to do really. I've never seen someone operate the steadicam in person. I would like to see it for myself, maybe I might have a better understanding how to use it. It's hard when no body in Modesto ever heard of the mini. I think I'm the only one who owns one in my city. I sometime would walk forward without touching the gimbal but it will just pan so I have to use both of my hands to control it. Whenever I walk back the camera would not level unless I stand still. It hard to keep my shot level. I think that's the one concern I have with this mini. You think I should learn on the SK2 instead, If I could afford it. Hey thanks for the help. I got to practice with this mini. I'll try to post some footage soon.
 
Re: steadicam mini tips

Bermudaforce:

Not sure why the arm is hitting your side. I'd have to see video of it in action to get that one. The other complaints are fairly common issues for most early on. Keep practicing, it will get easier. Outside of the action of the arm, the Mini is a very well performing rig and is capable of perfectly good shots.

I have been threatening to make a DV stabilizer instructional video for the last couple of years--hopefully this year will be the one!
 
Re: steadicam mini tips

Pookie,
thanks for the link. I checked out the site, just saw a bunch of guys going crazy with the steadicam. Something I should be doing too. But I have to get use to the mini first. ..I know practice makes perfect.

CharlesPapert,
I guess I have to show you some footage or take a snap shot of myself with the gear on and you can see if I'm even putting on the vest on correctly. Someone was telling me the lower part of the vest should be slightly above my waist not at the stomach. I thought if it fits me then it should work right? Or the vest has nothing to do with how I operate the steadicam? Well I"m going to go out with it tomorrow and do some chase sequence. I should have steadicam shots by the end of this week. ;D
 
Re: steadicam mini tips

The only reason why I got the steadicam because I saw this hot girl wearing the gear and had a nice smile on her face.
Click to expand...

They didn't happen to send the hot girl with the steadicam did they?
 
Re: steadicam mini tips

Yes, the bottom of the vest should anchor at your hips so that it doesn't slide around while you are operating.

Like many things, such as learning an instrument, the best form of practice is a bit on the dull side; shooting chase scenes probably won't advance the finesse side of your technique (but can be a lot of fun!) The really beneficial exercises involve slow, measured moves; the best basic one is to make an "X" of out tape on a wall (that hallway will work well for this also), then start at the other end of the room and push slowly into the x, keeping it centered in the viewfinder (it can be useful to make another x on the viewfinder itself like a crosshair; use a dry-erase marker and test it carefully to make sure it will wipe right off your screen!). Then back out just as slowly. Remember to hold at either end for a few seconds. You'll be amazed at how fatiguing this actually is for one, but also how much it improves your operating over a short period of time. Watch the playback to judge your results; remember that the goal is to look just like a dolly!
 
Re: steadicam mini tips

Charles,

I just had to say that anybody who worked on Buffy and 3000 Miles to Graceland deserves immense props in my book!
 
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