Walking with XHA1

[Tariq Peter]

Hi Guys,

I purchased the XHA1 and a Glidecam4000 and its still way to heavy. Now I have to go and make another investment to by the vest. It is costing a hell of a lot I wish they made it shoulder mounatable. Can anybody give me any tips on how to walk with the A1 without getting the shaky movements as I am filming a wedding soon and I am going to film the bride and groom walking up some stairs and then into a main hall.

[Don Palomaki]

Some things just cost money

OIS turned on.
Roll your feet as you walk.
Avoid sudden turns and fast movement.
Try using a monopod as a simple stabilizer.

Put the tripod on dolly (or even a wheel chair) for even movement. (Larger wheels are better.)

Practice, practice, practice

If you can't get satisfactory results, consider using a different shot technique, may put the camcorder on a tripod and follow their movement using pan and zoom, and letting them walk to you.

If it is a shot they insist on and you can't quite make it work reliably, have them repeat the movement several time so you can use the best of several, especially going up the the stairs.

[Bill Pryor]

Shoot strictly wide angle; the more you zoom in the shakier it will be. Do a sort of shuffle walk, letting your toes hit the ground first rather than your heels, as if you were walking over delicate things that might break. Hold the camera out in front of you, using the LCD as a viewfinder so it doesn't bump up against your eye. It's still going to be shaky--this is why they make steadycams.

[Josh Green]

Why oh Why did you get the glidecam? Ouch! That thing is way too heavy. Send it back and get the Merlin. It works great with the XHA1.

[Doug Davis]

Lot's of forearm exercises... : )