Best steadycam for mini-dv? - IndieTalk

alexpw · 05-20-2005, 07:59 PM

I'm starting pre-production on a short film that will include a lot of very long, smooth camera shots that can only be captured using a steadycam or dolly. So...I'm in the market for a steadycam that's not ridiculously expensive (preferably $300 USD or under) but that will suffice in keeping the camera very steady.

Any suggestions?

**Zensteve** · 05-20-2005, 08:07 PM

There are a lot of people who make cheap (and pretty effective) hand-held stablisers, using a few dollars worth of parts from the local Home Depot. Simple physics at its finest.

You can find plans on how to make them on the 'net easily enough.

***John@Bophe*** · 05-20-2005, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zensteve

There are a lot of people who make cheap (and pretty effective) hand-held stablisers, using a few dollars worth of parts from the local Home Depot. Simple physics at its finest.

You can find plans on how to make them on the 'net easily enough.

Zen--I've seen this on the web also. One of the guys who wrote out the instructions to build your own (for $14 in parts) also offers to sell one pre-made for $49 plus shipping. I'll see if I can find that link...

***indietalk*** · 05-20-2005, 08:44 PM

Zen already got suckered by one of those, don't get him started.

**Zensteve** · 05-20-2005, 08:59 PM

I got it eventually... only several months late

A few people to watch out for, if buying a pre-assembled one, but they are easy enough to make oneself if you have a bit of spare time.

alexpw · 05-20-2005, 09:00 PM

Alright, I did a little searching. I assume that this is what you guys are talking about:

http://www-2.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/steadycam/

Damn, thanks alot for the suggestions, you guys just saved me heaps of cash that I can now use on making my movie better.

***John@Bophe*** · 05-20-2005, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexpw

Alright, I did a little searching. I assume that this is what you guys are talking about:

http://www-2.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/steadycam/

Damn, thanks alot for the suggestions, you guys just saved me heaps of cash that I can now use on making my movie better.

Yep. That's the GUY!!!!!!

**Will Vincent** · 05-21-2005, 10:16 PM

I made one of those.. it works quite well.. just umm.. if you fall whilst running with one, watch your head, that little counter weight can hurt quite a lot.

UprightCitizen · 05-24-2005, 07:33 PM

Oh! This is VERY helpful. I was actually about to post a topic about this. Thanks guys!

**FilmJumper** · 05-24-2005, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexpw

I'm starting pre-production on a short film that will include a lot of very long, smooth camera shots that can only be captured using a steadycam or dolly. So...I'm in the market for a steadycam that's not ridiculously expensive (preferably $300 USD or under) but that will suffice in keeping the camera very steady.

Any suggestions?

I highly recommend the SteadyTracker. I have both models... The small one AND the large one. They both work really well and create outstanding, smooth shots although you do need to buff your arm up a bit for the larger one. I think they are slightly overpriced for what you get but I must admit, they work really well and balancing them is fast and easy... They come with a video and takes less then 5 minutes to balance. A little practice and you're ready to shoot.

Here's their web site:

http://www.steadytracker.com

Here's the SteadyTracker UltraLite on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...517855750&rd=1

Should you decide you might want something larger, I also recommend the Magiqcam... I bought one of these last year and within a couple of months (about 10 hours), I was able to create some outstanding footage with the DVX100A with it.

Magiqcam's web site:

http://www.magiqcam.com

For sale on eBay by Magiqcam (that's where I purchased mine):

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...518451961&rd=1

Good luck!

filmy

Leigh Wanstead · 06-04-2005, 07:48 PM

Hello,

I manufacture full rig stablizer and I look forward to your comments regarding to the steadyness of my demo video.

Here is a video moving forward shot by me using my stablizer. This is a single shot.
Click here

Here is a video shot backward using my stablizer.
Click here

Regards
Leigh

SPaulovich · 06-04-2005, 10:59 PM

I made one of the $14 models myself, but the galvanized pipe is pretty heavy (and I have bad shoulders.)

I think I'll try making one out of PVC. Hmmm...

**Zensteve** · 06-05-2005, 02:19 AM

'sup fellow Kiwi.

***WideShot*** · 06-06-2005, 02:30 AM

My SteadyGrip has been a long time in the making but I am just about to release it hopefuly by the end of summer.

It is NOT a gimbled or gyro'd device meant to compete with the SteadyCam of Glidecam etc. It does eliminate camera shake, soften camera movements by 75-85%+, and allows you virtually unlimited manueverability with the camera, from toe shots to over the tops of crowds to whip pans all in one shot it can be done. It is very lightweight and quickly folds into a small 10"X10"x1" case. It will sell for under $60US.

Leigh, those look superb. I went to your main site though and did not see any pictures or prices for your rig.

Leigh Wanstead · 06-07-2005, 03:44 AM

Thanks Zensteve

I think that I need to test how is handheld shot compare to stablizer's shot, so I make following video yesterday. First part mainly handheld shot, second part is my stablizer's shot. I can feel my hand shaking in handheld shot, and I wish that I have a crane. Shot by JVC GY-DV5000 with Fujinon s20x6.4BRM-SD lense.

WMV format
File Size around 52m bytes

Click here

Small file
WMV format
File Size around 28m bytes

Click here

Quote:

Originally Posted by WideShot

Leigh, those look superb. I went to your main site though and did not see any pictures or prices for your rig.

My rig is in development stage. :-)

Regards
Leigh