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Home: Video University Forums: Wedding & Event Videography:
So long Steadi cam

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al4video
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May 4, 2005, 8:54 AM

Post #1 of 61 (2642 views)
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So long Steadi cam	Can't Post

Love my Steadi cam but...

This is out.

Meet The Fig Rig.

This is in.

Like any steadying device it looks kinda goofy. And they all do. But I love this concept.

Anybody want to buy a steadicam?

Al

kentr
User

May 4, 2005, 9:07 AM

Post #2 of 61 (2620 views)
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Re: [al4video] So long Steadi cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

I played with one of these at NAB - seems like arm fatigue would set in quickly, even more so with larger cams - I dont know if I would ditch the stedi just yet.... imo

Sony Vegas ROCKS!

Jeff N
Veteran

May 4, 2005, 9:13 AM

Post #3 of 61 (2614 views)
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Re: [al4video] So long Steadi cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

Al,
The question I have about this is that without a gimbal, how would the shot be isolated? I agree it would be easier to use but I would think there would be a lot of bounce.
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AEMIKEA
User

May 4, 2005, 9:57 AM

Post #4 of 61 (2591 views)
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Re: [hotstepper] So long Steadi cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

you ar kidding, right? Your going to put that monster Sony on the stearing wheel? :)

mike

GmElliott
Veteran

May 4, 2005, 10:14 AM

Post #5 of 61 (2575 views)
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Re: [hotstepper] So long Steadi cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Al,
The question I have about this is that without a gimbal, how would the shot be isolated? I agree it would be easier to use but I would think there would be a lot of bounce.

Here comes the hot stepper....worrrrrd em' up! Nice! Cool

Wait didn't I hear a VU member talk about wishing there was a camera grip/stabilizer that was shaped like a steering wheel? Or wait maybe that was Virtual Charlie.

Glen Elliott
http://www.GmElliottVideo.com

al4video
Enthusiast

May 4, 2005, 10:25 AM

Post #6 of 61 (2565 views)
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Re: [kentr] So long Steadi cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

kent,

You wouldn't get fatigue with larger cams. It's not made for larger cams. It's definetly be made for control of POV shots with todays smaller digital cameras. And it seems to do that quite well.

al

(This post was edited by al4video on May 4, 2005, 10:26 AM)

al4video
Enthusiast

May 4, 2005, 10:32 AM

Post #7 of 61 (2548 views)
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Re: [hotstepper] So long Steadi cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Al,
The question I have about this is that without a gimbal, how would the shot be isolated? I agree it would be easier to use but I would think there would be a lot of bounce.

I see what you mean by no gimbal. But I think it would do well as is . Oftentimes getting a steady shot while still or moving depends on the ability to grip the camera in a suitable fashion. I think this product allows that.

Even my steadicam doesn't just give you a smooth shot just because it has a gimbal. With that gimbal comes the weight of the camera. after a while with a Sony 300 or equivalent like I showed in my clip, it becomes a struggle with the lower back. So gimbal or not, it's still tough and depends mostly on the operator.

al

(This post was edited by al4video on May 4, 2005, 10:32 AM)

szerangue
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May 4, 2005, 11:37 AM

Post #8 of 61 (2510 views)
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Re: [al4video] So long Steadi cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

Downloading the movie clip now to see how it works. I used the glidecam 4000 this weekend after about 3 weeks of trying to balance it. I get it balanced, seems to work, go play with it, seems out of balance, balance it, seems to work, go play with it, seems out of balance, balance it, seems to work, go play with it, seems out of balance., blah blah blah... get to the shoot, have it balanced, put the camera on it, seems out of balance, shoot with it anyway, just a tad bit better than shooting handheld... I'm really not that dumb and pretty mechanically inclinded, this thing is just a little bit nuts... maybe this bogen thing is better, it will be interesting, till then, balance, ok, play, balance, ok, play, balance, ok, play, etc...
Miracle Pictures
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szerangue
Veteran

May 4, 2005, 12:24 PM

Post #9 of 61 (2469 views)
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Re: [al4video] So long Steadi cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

Ok, I downloaded the demo clip from that website, watched it... I don't get it? Why don't you just go to a junkyard, find a big steering wheel, go to homedepot for some rigging clamps, and build your own? I don't get the whole steady thing of this device. Seems like it would help but not sure I would call it a "steady device"
Miracle Pictures
"If it's a good picture, it's a Miracle!"

"Life Productions, coming out of the dark, into the light"
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influx
User

May 4, 2005, 12:28 PM

Post #10 of 61 (2452 views)
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Re: [szerangue] So long Steadi cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

any pricing on this unit? if it wasnt too expensive, this would be a nice thing to try.

B
Influx media LLC
http://www.influx-media.com
"imagine. evolve. achieve."

Video <> Web Design

stromm
Novice

May 4, 2005, 12:35 PM

Post #11 of 61 (2448 views)
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I am with you on the Glidecam 4000, I have a Pan,DVC 80 and, I have been working on the balance off and on for about 2 months. I used it for a music video, seemed to work for a little bit then it some how went out of balance. Back to the drawing board!! They made the ad video look so good. I believe they slowed the ad video down also to make it more fluid. I am only good for 2 min intervals with it then my back is killing me. (hehehe)

Cosgray Digital Imaging............

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Jenn M
Veteran

May 4, 2005, 12:44 PM

Post #12 of 61 (2434 views)
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Re: [stromm] So long Steadi cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

We had the Glidecam 4000 as well w/ Sony VXs. Eventually gave up on it and replaced it w/ the SteadiTracker, which admittedly is a little less sophisticated, BUT I can handle it and it serves the purpose.

You may want to page Glenn (aka Snow) or Dave Williams. They are the Glidecam balancing wizards. My understanding is, also, that you may be able to get away w/ the 2000 which is a little less cumbersome. But we tried both and still prefer, for now, the SteadiTracker.

This new device looks interesting. I can just imagine the looks on people's faces as we steer around the crowd. I giggle thinking about it...

szerangue
Veteran

May 4, 2005, 12:44 PM

Post #13 of 61 (2432 views)
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Re: [stromm] So long Steadi cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

There are people on here that use the Glidecam and are having great results with it. I am sure it can be done and I am not giving up on it. It just seems that I can balance it, do the test where I extend my arm horizontally holding the glidecam and make quick movements forward and backward and it looks exactly like the video. When I stop, the camera stops. Side to Side, same thing, looks right. Then I start from a standing position, camera in front of me, about shoulder high, 2 fingers lightly positioned under the gimbal, start to walk, bang, I get a slight pendalum effect. Its tough... I think it requires a lot of practice after you get it balanced.
Miracle Pictures
"If it's a good picture, it's a Miracle!"

"Life Productions, coming out of the dark, into the light"
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al4video
Enthusiast

May 4, 2005, 1:14 PM

Post #14 of 61 (2408 views)
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Re: [szerangue] So long Steadi cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Shane,

Did you watch the video? It appears to work quite well. Excuse me for the way it looks. But did you see my steadi cam in the other video. That looks pretty stupid at an event too. but it also works.

Now if you think it's little more than a steering wheel, i await your demonstraion of your mechanical prowess.

I watched the video and this thing looks pretty good for it's purpose.

But like any steadying device it will look wierd in a event. I also have a glidecam like yours also. Which iI don't really like.

I don't know what the price is yet. We'll see.

Jenn M
Veteran

May 4, 2005, 1:24 PM

Post #15 of 61 (2399 views)
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Re: [al4video] So long Steadi cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

But like any steadying device it will look wierd in a event.

You're so right about that.
We had the Glidecam - comments included: "What the heck is that thing?" "That's bizarre."
We have the SteadiTracker - comments include: "That's quite an interesting contraption you've got there..." (with a skepital face)

And so on.
But this new one looks comical. However, if it works... after they see the footage... who will be laughing last...? Wink

szerangue
Veteran

May 4, 2005, 1:36 PM

Post #16 of 61 (2388 views)
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Re: [al4video] So long Steadi cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hey Al, forget about the way it looks, that does not concern me. Too me, the mechanics of it, appears to be a circular shaped device with a mounting bar stretched across the diameter. What's the sophistication? I am not saying that any mule can create one, what I am saying, is from the video, that is what it looks like... a steering wheel with a bar across it and and camera attached to the bar. Am I wrong, surely I am missing something... I mean, it sounds like an April Fools Joke.
Miracle Pictures
"If it's a good picture, it's a Miracle!"

"Life Productions, coming out of the dark, into the light"
4EVER GROUP AFFILIATE

jletempt
User

May 4, 2005, 1:39 PM

Post #17 of 61 (2384 views)
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Re: [al4video] So long Steadi cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

It certainly has a lot of utility but the shots didn�t look too steady. I use a steadytracker that works quite well but fully loaded weighs 13 pounds. I�ve got my eye on the Merlin from Steadicam. It looks like it works well and will reduce the weight of my rig by at least 6 pounds. It will be available in 90 to 120 days and has a msrp of $899. At 54, I think I can extend my shooting style another 11 years with it.

Jim LeTempt

szerangue
Veteran

May 4, 2005, 1:57 PM

Post #18 of 61 (2364 views)
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Re: [jletempt] So long Steadi cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

That Merlin looks pretty interesting,, seems small for a Sony Z1, but who knows, maybe its the answer to our prayers?
Miracle Pictures
"If it's a good picture, it's a Miracle!"

"Life Productions, coming out of the dark, into the light"
4EVER GROUP AFFILIATE

al4video
Enthusiast

May 4, 2005, 2:29 PM

Post #19 of 61 (2351 views)
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Re: [szerangue] So long Steadi cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Hey Shane,

I hear you. But i still say it appears to work well. I thought the shots in the video were smooth. I think the simple design affords a lot of control over the style of shooting. I don't care whether it's not sophisticated. I like simple as long as it works.

Now if it cost $10,000 what a useless pice of crap.

Actually I think all steadying devices are to obtrusive in nature for event work. When used at a wedding or reception. you're not taping the show, you are the show. And I think that's wrong.

Al

(This post was edited by al4video on May 4, 2005, 2:31 PM)

szerangue
Veteran

May 4, 2005, 2:37 PM

Post #20 of 61 (2335 views)
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Re: [al4video] So long Steadi cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

Check out that Merlin thing from Steadicam... looks easy, small, light...
Miracle Pictures
"If it's a good picture, it's a Miracle!"

"Life Productions, coming out of the dark, into the light"
4EVER GROUP AFFILIATE

DVideography
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May 4, 2005, 2:50 PM

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al4video
Enthusiast

May 4, 2005, 3:00 PM

Post #22 of 61 (2318 views)
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Re: [DVideography] So long Steadi cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

I was not impressed with their demo reel.

I hear you Dave.

I doubt everyone would. I don't like most demos of steadi cams. But most at least show what potentialit might have in my hands.

The Merlin that Shane suggested looks good, and very unobtrusive. I tend to like the gimbals on the Tiffen products too.

Wonder what the price will be?

Al

influx
User

May 4, 2005, 3:19 PM

Post #23 of 61 (2297 views)
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Re: [al4video] So long Steadi cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

did a google search and it seems the Fig Rig will be around $350 (starting). Hmm... is it worth it? I like new toys; maybe a good tool for promotional videos and commercials... I don't know. I want to see more footage.

B
Influx media LLC
http://www.influx-media.com
"imagine. evolve. achieve."

Video <> Web Design

Oscar
Enthusiast

May 4, 2005, 3:25 PM

Post #24 of 61 (2290 views)
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Re: [DVideography] So long Steadi cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

I second that.

Didn't look too smooth. Better than hand held, and certainly gives you more "fingers" for mounting all the gear a decked out camera requires, but as a steady device... I'd say that's not an accurate description. No gimbal or damper mechanisms to isolate unwanted movement.

Still, I could see some creative uses for it during reception dancing. Barrel roles and such. Also, probably neat for filming yourself waking. I'm sure it has it's applications, but an honest steady device probably isn't one of them.

Just my little opinion.

.
Thanks,
Oscar

WsC
User

May 4, 2005, 3:51 PM

Post #25 of 61 (2275 views)
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Re: [al4video] So long Steadi cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

Yo!

A really cool way to use this thing would be to get the bride and/or groom to hold it, arms locked, with the camera facing them a la DoggieCam. If a waist mounting device was created for it, this could be hot.

And if that doesn't work and it's shaky, you could always roll it down your street and spy on your neighbours.

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