HorseFilms
Look ma no hands
In the latest issue of DV Magazine (I think), Varizoom had an ad that showed a dual arm system. Has anyone seen anything more about that?
Varizoom Flowpod and DV Sportster Review
- Thread starter Jarred Land
- Start date
pookie_old
Veteran
HorseFilms said:
Well, I've seen it.......
and.......
HorseFilms
Look ma no hands
Enough said. 
Thanks, pookie!:beer:
Thanks, pookie!:beer:
pookie_old
Veteran
The Varizoom people make some very nice products. Their lens controllers, tft monitors, pan/tilts are very good products. And now they've even included the DV Rig Pro to their list.
But, their stabilizer systems, while low priced, are not what I personally consider a good investment. The quality of their arms and vests are not up to the level I consider acceptable for any "hard: read serious" usage. The cost is too high for most (average) people to justify, considering the people who want a full rig are most likely going to be using it almost daily, as opposed to a $300 hand held.
If you're looking for a handheld stabilizer, there are a wide variety to pick from, and with a little practice, all will provide good shots. With a full body mount rig, you're in a different league from handhelds. Quality is first. Repairs or failures can kill a shoot, whether you're working on your own project, or are being paid to shoot.
But, their stabilizer systems, while low priced, are not what I personally consider a good investment. The quality of their arms and vests are not up to the level I consider acceptable for any "hard: read serious" usage. The cost is too high for most (average) people to justify, considering the people who want a full rig are most likely going to be using it almost daily, as opposed to a $300 hand held.
If you're looking for a handheld stabilizer, there are a wide variety to pick from, and with a little practice, all will provide good shots. With a full body mount rig, you're in a different league from handhelds. Quality is first. Repairs or failures can kill a shoot, whether you're working on your own project, or are being paid to shoot.
For one, both the Flowpod and DV Sportster are very well constructed. This isn't shoddy stuff by any means. For two, I think the prices are completely in line with the potential users. If you're using a full rig almost daily, there's a word for you--professional Steadicam Operator, and no, this isn't a product for you. Since 99.999 % of the users on this site are not professional Steadicam Operators, these products may be of some interest. As I mentioned previously, the FlowPod and DV Sportster occupy a unique niche for both function and price--that are in line with many of our users' applications.
pookie_old
Veteran
OK I give up Barry.
If anyone has any questions for me to answer, please PM me, I won't post here.
If anyone has any questions for me to answer, please PM me, I won't post here.
Haku
New member
Re: Footage!
Re: Footage!
I just want to point out that the above link is misleading. That clip was shot with the Hollywood Lite GT rig (vest, sled and arm). I remember seeing that same clip on Hollywood Lite's website (prior to joining with Varizoom) a couple years back. If you look at the Varizoom FlowCam GT page on Varizoom's website, you'll see that it references the same video demo.
I'm sure that footage achieved would be quite similar with the Navigator+Flowpod setup. I find it misleading that the Navigator page references the same video--implying that the video was shot with a Navigator+Flowpod setup.
I don't know if the Navigator and Flowcam GT are based on the same single arm design, or simply rebadged...it doesn't matter. I think the video demo footage on the Navigator page should at least be sourced from a Navigator+Flowpod shoot if not also with Glidecam sled.
Just lookin out!
Re: Footage!
jdanstan said:
I just want to point out that the above link is misleading. That clip was shot with the Hollywood Lite GT rig (vest, sled and arm). I remember seeing that same clip on Hollywood Lite's website (prior to joining with Varizoom) a couple years back. If you look at the Varizoom FlowCam GT page on Varizoom's website, you'll see that it references the same video demo.
I'm sure that footage achieved would be quite similar with the Navigator+Flowpod setup. I find it misleading that the Navigator page references the same video--implying that the video was shot with a Navigator+Flowpod setup.
I don't know if the Navigator and Flowcam GT are based on the same single arm design, or simply rebadged...it doesn't matter. I think the video demo footage on the Navigator page should at least be sourced from a Navigator+Flowpod shoot if not also with Glidecam sled.
Just lookin out!
Tom McKay
Varizoom
VariZoom
VariZoom
Pookie I appreciate the kind comments about our VariZoom products but I respectfully disagree with your take on my stabilizer rigs. One thing I try to do with any product I put out to market is make it affordable and high quality. The other thing, if possible, is make it upgradeable. Navigator is perfect for this because you can up grade from the FlowPod to either an Aviator or Gt sled.
The Navigator has the same arm as the GT series. You will find ball bearings and needle bearing where others use brass bushing or no bushings at all. Just yesterday I was told that a D.P. used the FlowPod to shoot portions of a newly released movie "Throttle".
I am gathering up testimonials and we will keep adding them on the site soon so people can hear from people that own the rig.
Our vest pads and linings are made by the same company that makes Steadicams. The gentlemen that build these arms and sleds for me in Los Angeles both worked many years at Cinema products and were responsible for quality control and manufacturing the arms for Steadicam. Ned was the director of manufacturing for 7 years. Garry was a head machinist for 14 years. As well one of the design engineers (6 years) from the same company helped designed these same arms that you are referring to.
These units are made in quanities of hundreds and each part is milled exactly as the other and kept to very tight tolerances.
We had a gentleman that brought his arm in for a tune up yesterday in Los Angeles. First time he brought it in since purchasing it in 1999 and he was going on about how glad he was he bought the arm because the money he saved allowed him to A. Get in the business. and B. Afford accessories like a Matte Box etc.
These arms are not terribly complicated but the machining is critical. That's why when a do it yourself guy makes a rig with a screw gun and some hardware from Home Depot it usually does not work to well and will usually require a can of
WD-40 on the set.
Come down to my booth at NAB and bring your calipers and test gear. I welcome any specific criticism you have and if it has merit we will change it. We are there for everyone to compare our products to the competition.
We just shot pictures today of our new female model with the Navigator/FlowPod. I am positive you will like her more than the products.
If I can come back attach a new picture I will.
Best regards,
Tom
VariZoom
Pookie I appreciate the kind comments about our VariZoom products but I respectfully disagree with your take on my stabilizer rigs. One thing I try to do with any product I put out to market is make it affordable and high quality. The other thing, if possible, is make it upgradeable. Navigator is perfect for this because you can up grade from the FlowPod to either an Aviator or Gt sled.
The Navigator has the same arm as the GT series. You will find ball bearings and needle bearing where others use brass bushing or no bushings at all. Just yesterday I was told that a D.P. used the FlowPod to shoot portions of a newly released movie "Throttle".
I am gathering up testimonials and we will keep adding them on the site soon so people can hear from people that own the rig.
Our vest pads and linings are made by the same company that makes Steadicams. The gentlemen that build these arms and sleds for me in Los Angeles both worked many years at Cinema products and were responsible for quality control and manufacturing the arms for Steadicam. Ned was the director of manufacturing for 7 years. Garry was a head machinist for 14 years. As well one of the design engineers (6 years) from the same company helped designed these same arms that you are referring to.
These units are made in quanities of hundreds and each part is milled exactly as the other and kept to very tight tolerances.
We had a gentleman that brought his arm in for a tune up yesterday in Los Angeles. First time he brought it in since purchasing it in 1999 and he was going on about how glad he was he bought the arm because the money he saved allowed him to A. Get in the business. and B. Afford accessories like a Matte Box etc.
These arms are not terribly complicated but the machining is critical. That's why when a do it yourself guy makes a rig with a screw gun and some hardware from Home Depot it usually does not work to well and will usually require a can of
WD-40 on the set.
Come down to my booth at NAB and bring your calipers and test gear. I welcome any specific criticism you have and if it has merit we will change it. We are there for everyone to compare our products to the competition.
We just shot pictures today of our new female model with the Navigator/FlowPod. I am positive you will like her more than the products.
If I can come back attach a new picture I will.
Best regards,
Tom
pookie said:
Tom McKay
Varizoom
VariZoom
VariZoom
Haku,
You are right we used a GT clip. It is a GT arm on the Navigator so it will get a comparable ride in that application. But you are right it is not an exact representation. We will be getting it swapped out eventually and I appreciate you pointing this out.
Thanks
Tom
www.varizoom.com
VariZoom
Haku,
You are right we used a GT clip. It is a GT arm on the Navigator so it will get a comparable ride in that application. But you are right it is not an exact representation. We will be getting it swapped out eventually and I appreciate you pointing this out.
Thanks
Tom
www.varizoom.com
Haku said:I just want to point out that the above link is misleading. That clip was shot with the Hollywood Lite GT rig (vest, sled and arm). I remember seeing that same clip on Hollywood Lite's website (prior to joining with Varizoom) a couple years back. If you look at the Varizoom FlowCam GT page on Varizoom's website, you'll see that it references the same video demo.
I'm sure that footage achieved would be quite similar with the Navigator+Flowpod setup. I find it misleading that the Navigator page references the same video--implying that the video was shot with a Navigator+Flowpod setup.
I don't know if the Navigator and Flowcam GT are based on the same single arm design, or simply rebadged...it doesn't matter. I think the video demo footage on the Navigator page should at least be sourced from a Navigator+Flowpod shoot if not also with Glidecam sled.
Just lookin out!
Tom McKay
Varizoom
Pookie I appreciate the kind comments about our VariZoom products but I respectfully disagree with your take on our stabilizer rigs. One thing I try to do with any product I put out to market is make it affordable and high quality.
The Navigator has the same arm as the GT series. You will find ball bearings and needle bearing where others use brass bushing or no bushings at all. Just yesterday I was told that a D.P. used the FlowPod to shoot portions of a newly released movie "Throttle".
I am gathering up testimonials and we will keep adding them on the site soon so people can hear from people that own the rig.
Our vest pads and linings are made by the same company that makes Steadicams. The gentlemen that build these arms and sleds for me in Los Angeles both worked many years at Cinema products and were responsible for quality control and manufacturing the arms for Steadicam. Ned worked as a quality control and director of manufacturing for 7 years. Garry worked there 14 years as head machinist. The engineer that designed our arms also worked at the Cinema products as a design engineer working on the SK and Master Series.
These units are made in quanities of hundreds and each part is milled exactly as the other and kept to very tight tolerances. We just had a customer bring his unit in for a tune up. He purchased it in 1999 and it was still as good as new. He commented that he was very pleased with his purchase because
A. It was affordable and allowed him to get in to the business.
B. The money he saved allowed him to buy a mattebox and other accessories.
These arms are not terribly complicated but the machining is critical. That's why when a do it yourself guy makes a rig with a screw gun and some hardware from home depot it usually does not work to well and will require a can of WD-40 on the set.
Come down to my booth at NAB and bring your calipers and test gear. I welcome any specific criticism you have and if it has merit we will change it.
We are there to show our products and have them compared to the competition.
Best Regards,
Tom
The Navigator has the same arm as the GT series. You will find ball bearings and needle bearing where others use brass bushing or no bushings at all. Just yesterday I was told that a D.P. used the FlowPod to shoot portions of a newly released movie "Throttle".
I am gathering up testimonials and we will keep adding them on the site soon so people can hear from people that own the rig.
Our vest pads and linings are made by the same company that makes Steadicams. The gentlemen that build these arms and sleds for me in Los Angeles both worked many years at Cinema products and were responsible for quality control and manufacturing the arms for Steadicam. Ned worked as a quality control and director of manufacturing for 7 years. Garry worked there 14 years as head machinist. The engineer that designed our arms also worked at the Cinema products as a design engineer working on the SK and Master Series.
These units are made in quanities of hundreds and each part is milled exactly as the other and kept to very tight tolerances. We just had a customer bring his unit in for a tune up. He purchased it in 1999 and it was still as good as new. He commented that he was very pleased with his purchase because
A. It was affordable and allowed him to get in to the business.
B. The money he saved allowed him to buy a mattebox and other accessories.
These arms are not terribly complicated but the machining is critical. That's why when a do it yourself guy makes a rig with a screw gun and some hardware from home depot it usually does not work to well and will require a can of WD-40 on the set.
Come down to my booth at NAB and bring your calipers and test gear. I welcome any specific criticism you have and if it has merit we will change it.
We are there to show our products and have them compared to the competition.
Best Regards,
Tom
mikkowilson
Steadi-Guru
Who puts WD-40 on a stabilizer?
- Mikko
- Mikko
Haku
New member
No problem Tom. I hope I didn't come across as being a Varizoom basher. Just trying to clear up any possible misinformation. I look forward to seeing some actual Navigator+Flowpod footage. I'm considering that combination if not a Sportster+Steadicam Jr/Merlin setup for light tracking work.
Cheers
Cheers
mikkowilson
Steadi-Guru
...a lubricant would be better.
- Mikko
- Mikko
Please correct me if I'm wrong. Based on what I have read in this helpful thread -- not on my experience, I'm a newbie and looking for information how to invest in my new video taping business --
1. When well-mastered, a steadycam like Glidecam2000 or Flowpod operated in your own arm can result a better result than in a single-arm body support such as Smooth Shooter or Sportster, assuming that you can hold the weight without shaking. If most of your shooting is just about a few minutes, use your own arm insted of the mechanic one.
2. But because your arm will get tired soon and start to shake, you need a mechanic arm attached to your body to prolong the work.
3. If most of your work is in a flat terrain and you do not need to run or jump, a single spring arm body supporting system should be good enough for your job. A dual spring arm system will not make a big difference in this case but only get you tired sooner because of its heavier weight. But how about running slowly? And How about for up and down stairs? Does a single spring arm work nicely in this case too?
4. But if you are going to take action video in a bumpy terrain and you need to run swiftly, you have to get a dual spring arm system.
I think I will start with the one that will allow me to do some basic smooth shooting. I've already got a Glidecam 2000, and am thinking about to get a Sportster or Smooth Shooter. Most of my work is taking scenery video and it requires me to travel a lot. Here is a list of what I am looking for:
1. Light weight.
2. Easy to put on and take off.
3. It has to produce professional result for normal walking shooting
Any recommendation or comparison of these two products?
1. When well-mastered, a steadycam like Glidecam2000 or Flowpod operated in your own arm can result a better result than in a single-arm body support such as Smooth Shooter or Sportster, assuming that you can hold the weight without shaking. If most of your shooting is just about a few minutes, use your own arm insted of the mechanic one.
2. But because your arm will get tired soon and start to shake, you need a mechanic arm attached to your body to prolong the work.
3. If most of your work is in a flat terrain and you do not need to run or jump, a single spring arm body supporting system should be good enough for your job. A dual spring arm system will not make a big difference in this case but only get you tired sooner because of its heavier weight. But how about running slowly? And How about for up and down stairs? Does a single spring arm work nicely in this case too?
4. But if you are going to take action video in a bumpy terrain and you need to run swiftly, you have to get a dual spring arm system.
I think I will start with the one that will allow me to do some basic smooth shooting. I've already got a Glidecam 2000, and am thinking about to get a Sportster or Smooth Shooter. Most of my work is taking scenery video and it requires me to travel a lot. Here is a list of what I am looking for:
1. Light weight.
2. Easy to put on and take off.
3. It has to produce professional result for normal walking shooting
Any recommendation or comparison of these two products?
Invito
Member
Check out this dual arm stabilizer. I'm thinking of getting one. It's only $1495 for everything:
http://indicam.com/
http://indicam.com/