Which of these 2 stabilizers to buy?

B

bbinnard

Well-known member
I've been researching low-cost GH1 stabilizers suitable for an amateur like me. These seem to be the 2 best ones:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Camcorder-Camer...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5ad457cc5d

http://www.balvanzenterprises.com/MiniDV Steadycam.html

I'm having trouble deciding which one to get.

The Balvanz has a real gimbal instead of a ball/socket join, and this seems to be a definite advantage. But the Indiehardware looks lighter, smaller, and would be easier to pack into suitcases.

The Balanz places the camera /stabilizer center of gravity (CG) a few inches in front of your hand, whereas the Indihardware has your hand directly under the CG. This seems a definite advantage since it should be much less tiring to hold.

The Balanz has a foam grip handle whereas the Indihardware has a hard plastic handle. Foam would be better for me since I have sweaty palms.

I'd appreciate suggestions/feedback from anyone who might have tried either of these (or something different for that matter. ) Thanks in advance.
 
hey,

I had a uflycam from india, which has also a ball joint thing as a "gimbal". it sucked for other reasons too but now I have a Glidecam HD2000 which looks very similar to the balvanz and ... well, even my brother can do steady shots now :)

so I´d definitely take the Balvanz.
 
The Balvanz sure looks good but it says it's maximum capacity is 2.25 pounds. Do you think it will handle a slightly heavier load?
 
// guesswork on

well, I don´t have one.

I tend to think that those max weights come from simple math, calculating how many weights are delivered, how far the post can be pulled out and so forth.

If it is built sturdyly a slight over weight shouldn´t be a problem as long as you can add enough counter weight.

the balvanz seems to be metal only and sturdy, like my glidecam, so there I´d GUESS "yes". With the other one I would not risk going beyond its specs.

// guesswork off
 
i have a Hauge MMC http://www.cameragrip.co.uk/acatalog/hague_mmc_mini_motion_cam_steadicam_type_stabilizer.html which looks like its what the ebay one is based on , and its surprisingly good for the price..the "gimbal" part being a ball socket isn't as fluid as a proper gimbal, but the camera is positioned above your grip and not forward like the other stabilizer , which imo would introduce more strain as its forcing your wrist forward and down, where as the ebay/Hauge one isnt.. so if long usage is a thing..its worth baring in mind.

It will do me untill i can justify a Merlin.
 
androoow said:
i have a Hauge MMC http://www.cameragrip.co.uk/acatalog/hague_mmc_mini_motion_cam_steadicam_type_stabilizer.html which looks like its what the ebay one is based on , and its surprisingly good for the price..the "gimbal" part being a ball socket isn't as fluid as a proper gimbal, but the camera is positioned above your grip and not forward like the other stabilizer , which imo would introduce more strain as its forcing your wrist forward and down, where as the ebay/Hauge one isnt.. so if long usage is a thing..its worth baring in mind.

It will do me untill i can justify a Merlin.
Click to expand...

I heard the GH1 falls off that rig pretty easily. No?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top