View Full Version : Steadicams


Christopher Bishop
November 1st, 2004, 11:01 PM
Hello, I'm new to the board and somewhat new to DV. I have a film I plan to shoot next year using an XL2 and it features a few tracking shots. Does anyone know where I can get my hands on a good steadicam? What is the steadicam shown in the expandable section of the CanonDV website?

CB

Rob Lohman
November 2nd, 2004, 04:30 AM
For a good steadicam there is more to know than just that you
want a good one. Keep in mind that tracking shots (depending
on the exact type of the shot) can usually be done with a
(homebuild) dolly as well which is much cheaper.

But if the shot is more complicated or you do not have enough
room a steadicam might be needed indeed. What would be your
budget for such a device? A good/usable steadicam for DV work
will cost you at least around $2000, unless you have ways to
build one yourself (ie, have engineering skills and time).

Charles Papert
November 2nd, 2004, 10:56 AM
Christopher:

The Steadicam shown on the Canon site is, as far as I can tell from the brief flash (so to speak) shown, the Tiffen Steadicam Flyer (http://www.steadicam.com/). This is the top-end unit for this weight class, and it will set you back about $6500. As Rob pointed out, there are a number of units in the $2000 range that will also support the XL2.

Alex Cano
November 3rd, 2004, 07:10 AM
Check out www.glidecam.com

I believe their V-8 model works with the XL2 weight class (the model is carrying an XL1). It runs $2,400. I just saw a used one on ebay, seemed to be in good shape from a reputable seller (a production company) selling for $1,650.00

James Emory
November 3rd, 2004, 11:16 PM
Hey Charles. Where is the Flyer pictured on the Canon site?

Charles Papert
November 4th, 2004, 12:55 AM
James:

Here's the address of the page (http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=ProductCatIndexAct&fcategoryid=102), it's in the first two shots of the Flash intro. It's pretty darn quick, but what tipped me off was the dual-section arm which proves it wasn't a Steadicam Mini, and the top stage seen in the first shot is almost surely a Steadicam product.

Cosmin Rotaru
November 4th, 2004, 08:07 AM
Here are the pics:
http://w1.226.telia.com/~u22607422/XL2onFlyerStage.jpg
http://w1.226.telia.com/~u22607422/XL2onFlyerFull.jpg

Judging by the dual section arm, is the flyer, indeed.

Say Charles, any other differnece between the mini and flyer, other than the arm?

James Emory
November 4th, 2004, 08:23 AM
Thanks Charles and Cosmin. For some reason the Flash animation won't load for me. It doesn't even ask for a download upgrade. I have not been able to load this for a while. It always says 1 item remaining in the bottom left of my screen and there's a big blank area in the top left where I presume this is supposed to be.

Charles Papert
November 4th, 2004, 10:39 AM
Cosmin:

A few other differences: the vest has been upgraded, and the LCD monitor is brand new. It's actually really impressive, very bright in sunlight and good off-axis viewing. Probably a few other tweaks in the sled that I didn't notice. Mostly it's that luscious arm.

Cosmin Rotaru
November 5th, 2004, 11:02 AM
Yes the arm looks lovely! :). By the sharp angle between the spring and the shell, and the off axis adjustment (the spring adjustment screw looks sloped, rather than straight up) it follows the PRO arm concept, I think... Really nice and simple! I like it!

If it performs like GB advertised it (I've read the flyer .pdf) I must say it is also a cheap product (coming from "steadicam"). It should well deserve its price.

Charles Papert
November 5th, 2004, 04:59 PM
Cosmin:

It performs astonishingly well. It feels like a miniature version of the PRO arm. Silky,"invisible" tracking throughout its range. Hope you get a chance to audition it.

Terry Thompson
November 8th, 2004, 01:09 AM
I was fortunate enough to try out the Flyer and Mini as well as most of the camera stabilizers I could find at the last NAB. The Flyer is a big improvement over the Mini! It's the top of it's class in the lighter camera systems. I wish my system had many of the finer attributes of the Flyer's engineering (although it's still good).
There are a lot of good stabilizers out there and for a lot less $ which might fit the bill so do your homework.

Cosmin Rotaru
November 8th, 2004, 05:59 AM
"Hope you get a chance to audition it."

Yea! Next time they show it in Romania, I'll be there! :)