EFP DVD or The Steadicam® Operator's Handbook
 

I will start my own local buisness in march 2011 produsing comercials, weddings and short movies.
Does anyone have one of these products?
i want to buy a steadicam zephyr until march but i want to have a look before i spend too much money...
If anyone could send me the dvd or the ebook i would really appriciated.
I know i can buy them but after i bought the sony PMW EX1R i am out of money and i will buy the steadicam with bank loan
thanks in advanced

If you're considering purchasing a Zephyr, the few dollars more for the DVD and Handbook will be a worthwhile investment. I have them both and they are both excellent resources. The Handbook is a bit more comprehensive than the DVD, which was actually shot a number of years ago. Though the rig in the DVD is "outdated" the information about it is every bit as relevant as ever. It is really nice to be able to see many of the principles in motion and for that reason I really like the DVD. I find myself referring to both the DVD and the Handbook quite a lot.

I would recommend buying both of them. If you get the rig you will need them, as well as to take a workshop. If you end up not getting the rig you could easily resell them.

I do hope you understand that if you get a rig in March that it will be some time before you are able to get good, usable footage with it, unless you have prior experience with stabilizers. Flying a camera is a skill. Much the same as buying a guitar does not make you a good musician, buying a Steadicam® does not make your shots smooth. It is the tool with which you learn to make smooth shots.

Good luck!

Just to reinforce the point that if you are going to invest in the Zephyr you really should take a workshop. Just a couple of day of being shown the basics by an experienced operator will make all the difference.

In the meantime The Steadicam Operator's Handbook is a fantastic resource & a really interesting read (I have it on my bedside table & usually read a little every day). It's the most comprehensive & well presented instructional manual on any subject that I have ever read.

The Zephyr and Scout both ship with the EFP DVD.
http://www.tiffen.com/userimages/Ste...tPL_110910.pdf
http://www.tiffen.com/userimages/Ste...ISTPL_9910.pdf

And I wouldn't be surprised if they include this in the Pilot as well.

For the few dollars Tiffen makes on selling this DVD separately, I doubt it's worth their time. Tiffen should put the EFP video online. Just selling one extra rig because someone saw it on YouTube would more than make up for any money they lose in EFP DVD sales.

As for the handbook, just buy it. It's great for beginners, and a good reference going forward.

You don't get a copy of the EFP DVD when you buy a Pilot which does seem awfully mean.

I have both. I must say the book is really comprehensive! Its worth getting. The DVD is outdated but the concepts are still good. Anyway, you can start with that but i really suggest getting some training but i guess its one step at a time for you.

Would suggest you focus on the basic gear before you go on to invest so much.

I have both, but you must do a workshop. The book and DVD are good to consolidate what you will learn at the workshop.

other option
 

We also have the "Stabilizer Basics" traning DVD that is for anyone who operates a steadycam type rig.

Tery

Re: EFP DVD or The Steadicam® Operator's Handbook
 

Terry - are you guys out of business? I have tried your site a couple of time to get the DVD and it seems that the last update was 2005 and there are PHP errors to the point I can not contact you through your own site?

Contact me either here or PM - but I am interested in getting a copy of the Stabilizer Basics - specifically a download version to watch on my iPad.