What's the best Stabilizer?

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new_dvx_user

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Using the HMC150, what's the best handheld Stabilizer for me to buy?

Is it the:

1. Merlin Tiffen Steadicam?
2. Varizoom Flowpod? Or Varizoom Ultra light?
3. Or the Glidecam 4000 Pro?

and why?...

:dankk2:
 
One thing to keep in mind with the "Steadicam" type of stabilizers, is that your arm gets tired pretty fast unless you've got a proper vest and arm support.

...I own a Merlin, which I use from time to time ( I haven't coughed up for the vest yet ), but recently I've become very attached to the Manfrotto FigRig.

Fig Rig Camera Stabilizer : $300
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/381894-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_595B_595B_Fig_Rig_Camera.html

Manfrotto FigRig Site : Check out the videos
http://services.manfrotto.com/figrig/

Yes, running around with a "steering wheel" looks dorky, but I quite like the look of the shots I am getting. I find the "Steadicam" shots a little too artificial sometimes ( ghost-like floating POV ), while the FigRig brings a little more reality back into the shots. ( it's also easier to shoot top-down/bottom-up angled shots )
 
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Yes, you hold it closer to your body and the weight is more evenly balanced between both arms. ( with most of the SteadiCam type stabilizers, most of the weight is being supported by one arm, while the other helps guide the camera )
 
We have the Glidecam 4000, and yes they get heavy pretty fast.

We have a music video coming out soon with steady cam work. After 10+ run throughs of the song my arm was done for the day.

I would recommend the Vest and Arm if you are really considering longer then a few minutes of use per time. Its on our list.
 
imo, if you want stability and can only invest minimally, go fig rig...or build your own 2-handled grip from pvc (fig rig is metal, heavier than plastic and expensive).

otherwise, i think you should go all the way with a full rig. in which case, my fave is the Steadicam Pilot for around $3k.
 
averan said:
(fig rig is metal, heavier than plastic and expensive)
Click to expand...

Actually, I was surprised how light the FigRig is when I first got it. Yes it's metal, but it's all welded aluminum and very solid. At $300, I personally think it's kind of cheap compared to the commerical alternatives.

I would be afraid of any kind of wiggle you might get from pvc plastic when you need to make a quick camera movement.
 
I own and operate a Steadicam SK2(vest, arm, and sled), and even this rig gets tiring.....I wouldn't even think once about using a handheld gimbal stabilizer. Unless you're 6' 10" and 400 pounds of pure muscle, stick to a figrig, shoulder mount, handheld, jib, tripod, etc. etc.

Also I don't suggest getting into Steadicam unless you are willing to REALLY put in the time, which means practicing daily, for weeks and months and years...and attending a workshop, which should be done BEFORE you buy a Steadicam or similar rig.....you can literally INJURE yourself if you don't operate properly.

My suggestion....if you want Steadicam shots, hire a Steadicam Operator.
 
Fig rig ties up both hands, so you are limited to any camera controls you can do.
The fig rig will get heavy fast with anything larger than a palmm sized camera.

I had it and don't recommend it...it will get heavy fast.
 
Nick Walters said:
My suggestion....if you want Steadicam shots, hire a Steadicam Operator.
Click to expand...

Second that! i'm am a steadicam operator myself and belive me, nobody
realizes how hard it is to shoot with it properly, i'm talking properly, not
just carrying camera straight.

steadicam is complicated system, which requires tons of knowledge and even
more practice and what is the most complicated thing, using is where it belongs,
you can't shoot with it anywhere or use it instead of a tripod or dolly, because
there are certaim aesthetic things to concider while working on your picture.

Furthermore, even the lightest system mounted on your back will tire you
ALOT, not talking about heavier cameras, like hpx500 (which i work with)...

so , 1 - you get knowledge when and where to you steadicam properly
2 - you train ALOT to get your shots clean, and believe me, it's not two weeks,
rather a few years until you get it close to what you want
3 - it is physically hard to work with steadicam, be prepared to sweat.
 
Don't forget the Indicam.com I have one of their sleds and its really solid...yes gets heavy but very robust gimbal and relatively easy setup.
 
TheDingo said:
Actually, I was surprised how light the FigRig is when I first got it. Yes it's metal, but it's all welded aluminum and very solid. At $300, I personally think it's kind of cheap compared to the commerical alternatives.

I would be afraid of any kind of wiggle you might get from pvc plastic when you need to make a quick camera movement.
Click to expand...

that's what pvc cement is for! ;) use thicker tubes and you don't get any flex at all.
 
Green Hornet said:
Fig rig ties up both hands, so you are limited to any camera controls you can do.
Click to expand...

Yes, I agree with you here, but what is a better solution ?
( for most of my handheld shots, a zoom controler bolted to the FigRig is all I need )

I've tried a few shoulder mounts, but it always felt like the camera was strapped on to me, where with the FigRig it feels like I am free to move the camera any way I want.
 
The Steadicam Merlin works great. Takes time to use it properly for sure and the learning curve isn't exactly easy either. It can be heavy and you will get tired too. Fortunately, the shots (once you learn how to control it) are fantastic and well worth the pain and tireless efforts you put into learning.

Vimeo (for uploaded videos) both the steadicam Merlin and the Fig Rig and judge for yourself. If in doubt, start doing pushups at night and/or any arm exercises too. If you work out regularly, the steadicam isn't an issue you'll find :)
 
worked with my glidecam this afternoon , it went pretty sweet.

Go with the best stabilizer you can afford....
 
I do think there's merit to hiring a pro guy when the job calls for really high end work.. when an executive is watching.. and or when talent is costing you a fortune... and it's all high priced stuff.. yada yada..

BUT other than that... buy something at about 3 days worth of a steadycam guys rate, take a month... practice and... well then you'll own it and you'll make way more cash shooting your projects and having this as an option to add to the production quality.
 
I just bought the poor man's stabilizer... seems like a great deal and at this price.. who cares. I'll post some footage with this whopping 35 dollar stabilizer... Maybe I'll get a more expensive one soon too, but I have a no budget project and this low dough rig seems like the option.
 
I have bought the Merlin Steadicam for music videos, and the comments on this thread are kinda worrying me. Especially the one about needing to be 6'10 and 400 pounds of muscle to do steadicam. I am nowhere near that build, but have shot hand held with the PD170 before, and didn't really find it exhausting (just difficult). Hand held with the HVX200 was almost too much though. In times like this I'm glad I got the HPX170 instead of the Canon XL H1...
 
new_dvx_user said:
thanks a lot guys! for the moment I'll go for the FigRig and will buy a remote with it. looking forward to it!
Click to expand...


I also wanted to try out the fig rig, mostly due to the part its used in the moc music video that Panasonic made for the HMC150 DVD.

Here is what I came up with, it works way better then I expected. Its simple, strong and effective.

We will be putting it to use in a music video in the next couple weeks.

fig_rig.jpg
 
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