Steadicams for our camcorders.

Jeskid

Jeskid

Active member
Anyone know of a robust solution for a camera of this weight - without paying 7000 for Steadicam's Flyer model?

I use the Steadicam JR for everything - so am very curious.

Jes - Long time lurker :)
 
Get a Glidecam 4000 Pro and if you have the cash get the Smooth Shooter vest and arm that attaches to the 4000 or 2000 models.
 
Yes I've used it many times. I don't have the vest or arm but it has a real gimbal and balancing did take a while (1/2 hour) before I got used to it but now I can balance it under 12 minutes.
 
Well, I just got a Steadycam Flyer and it is built VERY well and is SOLID.


I looked at the glidecams and tried them but in the end went with the original.
 
I've used a Hollywood Lite, and just bought a Steadicam Flyer. The Flyer is VASTLY superior. Look at the GIMBAL design. The real Steadicam allows you to do a full 360-degree tilt. The Hollywood Lite does not. Is the Flyer $3,000-$4,000 superior? To me it was. That said, I'm sure you'd get 90% of the results you're looking for from a Glidecam or Hollywood Lite. I also tried the FigRig--that thing is AMAZING!!!
 
Jeskid said:
Have you used it - I wasn't a fan of the original glidecam. Does it work well?
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I have used it. It works very well. The Glidecam without the vest and the arm isn't worth to much. The HVX is 5.5lbs as I know. It means it is just perfect to the Smooth Shoother.
 
Will Merlin work w/HVX?

Will Merlin work w/HVX?

evinsky said:
Try the Merlin, it's supposed to be amazing for $800. As long as you can do without a vest/arm.
You won't be able to use any accesories though.

http://www.tiffen.com/Steadicam_Merlin_brchr_9.pdf
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According to a DV magizine review of the Merlin, it holds only up to a five pound camera... So I don't know if it will work on the HVX. It is something I've been thinking about as well, because the Merlin did get a great review from DV...

Anyone know for sure what the HVX weighs w/battery?
John
 
NBCshooter said:
I've used a Hollywood Lite, and just bought a Steadicam Flyer. The Flyer is VASTLY superior. Look at the GIMBAL design. The real Steadicam allows you to do a full 360-degree tilt. The Hollywood Lite does not. Is the Flyer $3,000-$4,000 superior? To me it was. That said, I'm sure you'd get 90% of the results you're looking for from a Glidecam or Hollywood Lite. I also tried the FigRig--that thing is AMAZING!!!
Click to expand...

Damn, Shooter, you like that thing? I saw it on the DVD extras to Figgis' "Hotel" and really couldn't get into it. What camera did you use on it?
 
Having flown most all of the rigs mentioned so far in the thread, I woudl whole hartedly recomend the Flyer (which I currently operate) a pimpped DVX or HVX is the Perfect weight for the Flyer. It flies like a dream!

- Mikko
 
If you're a "do it yourself" type, like me, check out

www.codydeegan.com

I bought the plans, built the "steadycam" and have been using my rig for over a year now.

It takes some time, but well worth it in the end. The whole thing cost under $500.

Cody's plans are awesome.
 
martinimitt said:
If you're a "do it yourself" type, like me, check out

www.codydeegan.com

I bought the plans, built the "steadycam" and have been using my rig for over a year now.

It takes some time, but well worth it in the end. The whole thing cost under $500.

Cody's plans are awesome.
Click to expand...

Wow, you're very first post is a plug. Hmmm...
 
David G. Smith said:
Damn, Shooter, you like that thing? I saw it on the DVD extras to Figgis' "Hotel" and really couldn't get into it. What camera did you use on it?
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Holy crap!!! Don't knock it till you've tried it! I know it looks gay, but damn, it works! They bought one for the show I work on and put a DVX100 (our show now owns FOUR DVX100s!!!) in it. I was TRULY impressed!
 
mikkowilson said:
Having flown most all of the rigs mentioned so far in the thread, I woudl whole hartedly recomend the Flyer (which I currently operate) a pimpped DVX or HVX is the Perfect weight for the Flyer. It flies like a dream!
Click to expand...
I wholeheartedly agree with Mikko! I bit the bullet and went for the best--which is the Steadicam Flyer. I also really lucked out and took advantage of an NAB show special. Anyway, here's some of the rationale . . .

1. I'm a certified Steadicam operator (I used to own an old Model II), but I actually suck compared to "The Greats."
2. Proficient Steadicam operation is so damned hard to do in the first place, that the last thing I want to be fighting against is my own rig.
3. Everything on the Steadicam Flyer is SILKY smooth, and built to stay that way (sealed bearings, etc.).
4. According to the rep, Garrett Brown spent four years fine-tuning the Flyer, and boy did he come up with a winner. It's the lightest, most agile Steadicam ever designed.

If you're lucky enough to live in L.A., try each system on and see the differences. They're subtle, but big. Then again, the Flyer is a lot more money than its copycats. Many will be happy with a copycat version. I was not.
 
Okay pookie, now your just out to confuse the hell out of all of us.
 
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