Hello all,

I am thrilled to be part of this forum and a new Steadicam Pilot owner!

That being said, here is my first question;

How important is the CG being about 1/2 inch behind the post? The reason I ask is because the holes that I use on the stage is either right in the center or the next hole back is too far back. When I attach my manfrotto 577 plate the cameras CG is right in the center. If I make the CG about 1/2 inch behind with the fore and aft knob it puts it pretty much all the way back.

Thanks for your help.

-marco

I also use the Manfrotto 577 with the 1/4-20 tie-down screw, and I use the center hole in the Pilot stage plate. This puts the majority of the 577 behind center, like this:
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/attachments/stabilizers-steadicam-etc/8895d1220486370-if-can-go-wrong-will-go-wrong-pilot-error-p9030095.jpg
In the end, this all has to do with dynamic balance, which is explained in post #27 in this thread:
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/stabilizers-steadicam-etc/129251-if-can-go-wrong-will-go-wrong-pilot-error.html

I've noticed that many Sony cameras seem to be heavy on the lens side. I've flown the EX1, EX3, and the V1U (just today). In all 3 cases I had to move the 577 one hole back in order to get dynamic balance. In this position, the 577 hangs off the back of the stage plate about 1/2".

Sorry for the delay Dave, I didn't know you replied. I selected the "Instant email notification" but did not get an email?????

I don't know which screw size I am using, but I know it fits in the front hole of the Manfrotto 577. The middle hole is biggest and the last hole I don't know.

I have a tie down screw for the (big) middle hole on the Manfrotto 577 but its too big for the holes on the stage plate. Any thoughts?

Here is a link to some pictures I took;
Flickr: Pilot Pictures (http://www.flickr.com/photos/31721515@N06/)
I put a white sticker to show the CG when I balanced it on a ruler

Thanks for your help :)

use the 1/4-20 screw. that's a pretty standard size and will fit the front hole of the 577 plus any camera store should carry them. The other one is a 3/8 screw which I don't belive the stage plate will handle. I could be wrong.

Don

Here is a link to some pictures I took;
Flickr: Pilot Pictures (http://www.flickr.com/photos/31721515@N06/)
I put a white sticker to show the CG when I balanced it on a ruler
I would guess that shotgun mic will force you to go one hole back on the pilot stage plate. The 577 hangs off the back a little, but I've flown it this way and it seems to work fine.

I use a shorter lighter shotgun with my HVX200 for Pilot run-and-gun type stuff. It's the Rode NTG-1 with SM3 shock mount and Dead-Cat furry windscreen. All 3 together weigh less than 1/2 pound, and cost around $300 shipped:
Rode NTG-1 & SM3 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/400812-REG/Rode__NTG_1_Shotgun_Microphone.html) Rode Dead Cat Wind Muff (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/392861-REG/Rode_DEAD_CAT_Dead_Cat_Wind_Muff.html)
I like the NTG-1 sound, but you can judge for yourself here:
DV eStore Theatre - Shotgun Shootout (http://www.dvestore.com/theatre/mics_guide.html#)
The NTG-2 and NTG-1 are identical except for the power source (battery vs. phantom).

use the 1/4-20 screw. that's a pretty standard size and will fit the front hole of the 577 plus any camera store should carry them. The other one is a 3/8 screw which I don't belive the stage plate will handle. I could be wrong.

Don

Hi Don,

Oh... is that other screw a 3/8. Thanks I didn't know what size it was.
But I couldn't understand why it would come with the Pilot if it is too big to fit in the stage plate????

I would guess that shotgun mic will force you to go one hole back on the pilot stage plate. The 577 hangs off the back a little, but I've flown it this way and it seems to work fine.

I use a shorter lighter shotgun with my HVX200 for Pilot run-and-gun type stuff. It's the Rode NTG-1 with SM3 shock mount and Dead-Cat furry windscreen. All 3 together weigh less than 1/2 pound, and cost around $300 shipped:
Rode NTG-1 & SM3 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/400812-REG/Rode__NTG_1_Shotgun_Microphone.html) Rode Dead Cat Wind Muff (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/392861-REG/Rode_DEAD_CAT_Dead_Cat_Wind_Muff.html)
I like the NTG-1 sound, but you can judge for yourself here:
DV eStore Theatre - Shotgun Shootout (http://www.dvestore.com/theatre/mics_guide.html#)
The NTG-2 and NTG-1 are identical except for the power source (battery vs. phantom).

Dave that was a great link! Thank you. I am waiting to go HD with the new Sony HVR-Z5U. Then I will be replacing my shotgun mic. It is not that I am unhappy with the sound from the Senn ME 66 but it is TOO long. It gets in the way when I want to get a close up shot of the brides bouquet or ring.


(I don't understand why I'm not getting emailed when someone replies to my post? Any suggestions?)