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Which steadicam to get?

Dutchboy

Dutchboy

I'm looking for a steadicam to shoot houses for a real estate company, as well as future short films. Right now I'm looking at 2 different ones for my Canon XL2:

1. Merlin
2. Steady Tracker forum link removed

I've never used a steadicam before but I'm definitely looking to invest in one. Any recommendations? Thanks.
 
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Dutchboy said:
I'm looking for a steadicam to shoot houses for a real estate company, as well as future short films. Right now I'm looking at 2 different ones for my Canon XL2:

1. Merlin
2. Steady Tracker

I've never used a steadicam before but I'm definitely looking to invest in one. Any recommendations? Thanks.
Click to expand...

I used a Merlin about a year ago with a DVX100. It's a great system and works really well but man is it a pain to balance. And, you'll have to balance it with every shoot. If it's windy outside -- assuming you use it outside -- it's even more of a pain.

I own two SteadyTrackers... While not as nice as the Merlin, they are easy and FAST to balance and set up. You can get just as good shots with the SteadyTracker with some practice but it is heavier so you'll be wanting to beef up your shooting arm.

filmy
 
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Glidecam 2000: Brilliant Steadicam for canon xl1s

I have used the glidecam 200 and has worked really well, Espiecally with the canon xl1s. This is because it is a heavy camera and the counter balanced was good. I have also used this steadi-cam with the Canon HV20 and it worked ok but i had to balance the weights to make it more smooth.

If you would like to see some footage of my work with the glidecam2000 check out this:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Np8_ILzHVo4&feature=channel_page

By the way this was only a test and the storyline is irrelevant, it was merely just a test of the canon xl1s and steadicam.

Hope this can help you,

James Chegwyn
 
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SteadyTracker...

Dutchboy said:
How exactly does the Steady Tracker work? It sounds as if the steady tracker is the way to go...
Click to expand...

SteadyTracker:
http://www.steadytracker.com/steady10.html

Assembly:
http://www.steadytracker.com/assembly.html

How to use:
http://www.steadytracker.com/howtouse.html

People using SteadyTracker:
http://www.steadytracker.com/Using.html

Compare:
http://www.steadytracker.com/compare.html

The SteadyTracker doesn't use a gimbal rather, after it's properly balanced, a rubber pad fits over your hand grip in a somewhat lose technique but tight enough to keep hold of the assembly.

Customer videos...

Test:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kav4lhlpYoM

Skating:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPS4waRundE

Skating in Low Mode:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ud0NrdrHD18

Aside from obvious i.e., that with a little practice you can easily equal shots done with the Merlin, the SteadyTracker is cheaper and easier to set up and you can literally be shooting decent video within minutes of receiving it in the mail.

Much harder to do with the Merlin or Steadicam Jr. because of the balancing that's GOT to be done.

filmy

EDIT: Forgot to add that I bought mine off eBay for almost $100 less than retail... You have to search everyday but should be easy to find one.

http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nkwZsteadytrackerQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZR40QQ_mdoZ
 
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MGrinstead said:
Just wondering, do steadicam systems fit to any old camera, or does the camera have to have an attachment or something on it when you buy it?
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Any camera with a 1/4" tripod thread on the bottom should be fine with any prosumer steadicam system. Be sure to check the weight limit of the system before buying anything.
 
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Recker said:
Hey, I would also recommend the EEMOV stabilizers. From independent filmmakers to independent filmmakers, so: affordable and pro.
http://www.eemov.com
Click to expand...

I tried the link, but they are looking for dealers and are not publishing prices.

I'll be purchasing a Glidecam X-10/HD4000 kit and a Manhattan 7.1 monitor in the next month or so. The best deal with a reputable company I can find for what I'm looking for.
 
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