7D Steadicam Recommendations

A

asteele10

Active member
Did some searching but found nothing great. What are people recommending for Steadicam systems for DSLRs? I'm looking to save money but want quality. Obviously you don't need as elaborate system as you would with full body non-DSLR video cameras. Any suggestions?

I've seen some footage on the Glidecam but are very expensive..
 
Two issues to be aware of:

A Steadicam is simply a mount. The only thing that matters is the weight of the camera (and the size, within reason).

You can't touch the camera while it's on a Steadicam; so any controls you need to access during the shot (Focus), must be controlled remotely.

- Mikko
 
You could buy a "glidecam" from eBay, I got one of the cheapest (like 80 usd) and it works decent after some practice. As long as it has adjustable weights it "kinda" works like a steadycam.

...but like mikkowilson said, you would also need a remote follow focus.
 
Canon 7D and Steadicam Merlin

Canon 7D and Steadicam Merlin

I like the light weight of the Steadicam Merlin - it's possible to shoot for quiet a long time with the 7D on it before fatigue set's in on your wrist. I'm still at the testing stage but have already started to use it in some corporate work (can't post that stuff yet as it's still not at Final Cut/approved). Here are some TEST shots (with the emphasis on TEST!) using the Merlin and my 7D with Canon 10-22mm on it (set at 10mm throughout this test). The blurb on the YouTube page explains more about what's going on.

The Merlin is not cheap but it packs up small and is light and is superbly designed/engineered. As you will see in my test video, my application of it for Steadicam shots is (currently) a little rough!...but I'm improving all the time and, one thing you need to know is that using (any brand of ) steadicam will be a constant learning process. You will always be seeking, but rarely attaining (at least in the first few weeks/months), perfection. Approach it with that mindset and you're good to go. Ignore that and it'll be a waste of good cash and a very frustrating time for you.

One reason I bought a 7D was because it's an ideal weight/size for steadicam shots. No way did I want to consider doing those with all the gear, cost and weight necessary to support my Sony EX3. Horses for courses!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odznQorFctU
 
I like the footage Andy... I want one... what version of the Glide Cam you running on the front...

Also you love to know the finer settings on the camera... exposure/shutter etc....

Good work...

Cheers
 
Full Steadicam Merlin settings + basic 7D set-up are at the end of the video.

7D was in 1080p full manual. 25 fps. Shutter 1/50th. F stop about 8 to 9 area, depending on the shot as I recall. Can't remember the ISO but it would have been 100-200 area (without the Tiffen 0.9 ND filter the F stops would have needed to have been 3 stops higher and so lead to worse diffraction softening).
 
mikkowilson said:
Two issues to be aware of:

A Steadicam is simply a mount. The only thing that matters is the weight of the camera (and the size, within reason).

You can't touch the camera while it's on a Steadicam; so any controls you need to access during the shot (Focus), must be controlled remotely.

- Mikko
Click to expand...

What he said.
 
Just acquired a T2i a few weeks ago so haven't had a chance to fly it on my Glidecam X-10. It's really just a matter of adding some weight to the rig to compensate for such a light camera. If you use any kind of a stabilizer with spring arms, that will be something to deal with.

A remote follow focus is very helpful but not absolutely necessary. Especially on a budget. Very, very pricey. And nobody ever mentions that slick AC you need to accurately follow focus. Shoot closed down, wide and maintain a constant distance from your subject and you're cool.
 
my question still remains which products people recommend for small cameras like the 7D?
Click to expand...

This is the best stabilizer $185 will get you:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/568490-REG/CobraCrane_5045_210056_SteadyTracker_UltraLite.html

I run one of these for T2i and works like a charm. Dont expect a Steadicam performance, but with less than an hour practise you'll be getting incredible walking shots that is impossible to get handheld.
Just use a wide angle with a bit higher aperture, fix your focus to a certain distance and keep it.
 
5 years ago I bought a Glidecam V8 on craigslist for 1200.00. Well worth the money but it is important not to overuse it in your films. I wouldn't recommend it for just stabilization in the place of a tripod or for very small moves. Glidecam's strength is in long hallway shots for example. People who buy them tend to overuse them and shots that probably shouldn't be a Stedicam / Glidecam shot are.

Ebay is full of Stedicam copycats that you might want to look into. If I were you I'd save up and invest in a Glidecam with vest and arm or Stedicam. They are expensive but will last you forever. I have owned mine since my DVX days and now use it for 7d.

You can always start with just buying the gimbal and using it handheld for a while until you have money to buy the vest and arm.
 
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