Study in Steady-Cam

CaptainMench

CaptainMench

Carbonite Member
No, not steady cam... Varizoom Flowpod. Actually, this is turning into a study in uploading a movie file to a .mac account!!! I believe only half of it made it.

Ok.
Nothing much:
Second attempt at using the steady pod. First attempt was the WWII memorial (that I'm STILL having problems uploading)
DVX100A - 30P
"Ok boys, run around..."

http://homepage.mac.com/captmench/steady.mp4

Oh -- the best part didn't make it... when I ran backwards full on into the swingset braces and my 4-year old starts laughing at me. Now I know why you guys use cable pullers!

CaptM

PS - just in case this magically appears,

http://homepage.mac.com/captmench/memorial.mov
 
Re: Study in Steady-Cam

Looks really nice! I use the Steadi Tracker and I get pretty good results as well. I get visions of the shining when your chasing your son arouond the house!
 
Re: Study in Steady-Cam

How does your arm feel after running around with the Flowpod for a bit? I know the glidecam gets very tiring after a while (1-2 hours).
 
Re: Study in Steady-Cam

Nice! Very smooth. Looks like you're floating.

Which is better the Varizoom FlowPod or the Glidecam 4000?

I'll be buying one soon and I need to make a choice.
 
Re: Study in Steady-Cam

Super smooth! Great job Captain!

I was so having SHINING flashbacks! Redrum! Redrum! Run little boy! Run!
 
Re: Study in Steady-Cam

[quote author=Mark_Monciardini link=board=Clips;num=1084879773;start=0#4 date=05/18/04 at 16:10:42]Which is better the Varizoom FlowPod or the Glidecam 4000?

I'll be buying one soon and I need to make a choice.[/quote]

I bought the varizoom because of it's monopod feature. BUT it is VERY heavy. Past posts on this subject have indicated that the 2000 is more than enough for this camera. The 'gimble' thingie in the varizoom isn't really as good as the glidecam's, but that's one reason I put this up, so you could see that it does work -- even very well.

You guys are killing me with the shining reference. Nathan's got a HUGE smile on his face... These poor boys have had a camera in their face from minute 10. (old joke: I didn't want to risk dropping the camera in the delivery room as I dropped it twice during conception...)

CaptM
 
Re: Study in Steady-Cam

:D

I have the GC 2000 Pro and it is m u r d e r on the forearm; but no worries! plan the shots.
 
Re: Study in Steady-Cam

You know, that is REALLY the best advice. Plan the shot and don't overuse it. Remember that seasick feeling you got watching Russian Ark???? Ok, I got seasick.

CaptM
 
Re: Study in Steady-Cam

Looks great, I did notice some vignetting are you using a matte box and if so what kind.
 
Re: Study in Steady-Cam

Raptor -- I like that word vignetting I used to get it with my TRV but always just called it crud-around-the-edge... those darn French have a word for everything!

No -- My mistake. I stuck the polariz filter over the UV filter. Goes away when 1) I zoom in and 2) take the darn UV off FIRST!

LOL.

CaptM
 
Re: Study in Steady-Cam

CaptM,

I tried the Flowpod for a week but ended up returning it because (1) it was too heavy and (2) it wasn't working as well as I had hoped it would... It seems that the camera would be bouncing up and down trying to balance itself after I walk a few steps... Maybe I'm just not balancing it correctly.

Out of curiosity, how many weights did you add to the Flowpod, and did you add them at the top or at the bottom?

Thanks!
 
Re: Study in Steady-Cam

Kerjen -- Yes, the balancing is key as is the tension knob. I had to work quite a bit on both -- getting them just right for my hand and camera. I used two weights just under an inch from the bottom.

My big problem after I figured I had it balanced was the panning it did on its own. That's where the tension knob helps. I found keeping a thumb on the flowpod just above the gimble works to help steady that.

Anyway, the link above is only half the movie. If you want to see the rest -- and another short I did with the steady cam - on my first try - where you can REALLY see it bouncing and jigging go to:

http://www.hydradv.com/rwarren/

CaptM
 
Re: Study in Steady-Cam

Nice smooth footage.

BTW, I see DC in your profile. I have had my DVX for a little over a week now, and if you ever need a second camera for a project I'd love the practice.
~Andrew
 
Re: Study in Steady-Cam

Andrew -- That would have been great!! However, the military is uprooting my family and I from the scenic DC landscape and minimal traffic to the neverending/neverchanging hills surrounding Napa Valley, CA. Leaving early June. Sorry.

CaptM
 
Re: Study in Steady-Cam

Hey CaptM,
Ive watched your Flowpod video a few times and the footage is impressive, but I think youv'e also captured some pretty sweet moments of youthful innocence. I grew up in a neighborhood like that in Atlanta and your Cinéma Vérité footage really brings back some memories. BTW, youv'e already got a cast there for a 'Stand by Me' style movie. ;)
 
Re: Study in Steady-Cam

How easy is it to go from stabilizer to monopod and back? When you switch from monopod to stabilizer, how much adjustment must you do to get it to "flow" well? I really like the idea of a combo unit, but am wondering how practical it actually is.
 
Re: Study in Steady-Cam

Magic -- How easy?? VERY -- just drop the leg. The unit has a solid leg that drops down like a tripod leg in three segments and there is an extra handle in addition to the 'gimble' grip that you can hang on to. This is if you aren't using the 'low angle' adapter which is sold seperately and hooks onto the peg at the bottom of the unit.

OK -- you guys are in trouble now... I'll be posting another "home movie" the TwoBoys and I have done!! I've been holding out as it wasn't shot with the DVX but I'm starting to feel at home here - don't worry... it will be the only one not shot on DVX.

Maybe tonight... look for the CaptMench StarWars Screen post!!
 
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