(I had this in the wrong section before)

I rented a Steadicam Scout to see how it is and how hard these are to use. As predicted they are difficult. These obviously require alot of patience. And my rig at 11lbs with Century wide angle, matte box, 4x4 polarizer filter, and Sennheiser isnt lite weight( not like a old 30lb tape unit). With the harness and arm and plate its a true test of your fitness if worn for more than 30 minutes walking, steps etc.

So today after 2hrs total strap in time I decided to ask my assistant to help me make a short test video because I wanted to see how bad I was and how far I have to go before I dare take this on a gig working in the pits for autoracing etc.

And to make the shots even more critical I added in a 2.35 letterbox which shows all the mistakes etc. But now I have a much better idea of whats involved and I will say I like the challenge of using the Steadicam. It "seems" like if you spent the time daily chasing kids thru the house, doing various spontaneous type shots where your footing isnt always known you would adapt in due time. I have a long way to go but these are great for what I do.

First time.
Steadicam Scout test with Carol Hall on Vimeo

Second time next day
Steadicam test part 2 Ashley on Vimeo

Very nice, and i can tell second shot was pretty windy, so you did amazingly well for the second time wearing the rig, I always keep my setup at it's weight limit, doesn't make it lighter, but it sure makes it easier to fly, especially outdoors

thanks man. Thanks for the feedback. I am ordering one next month.

Mw

Myles:

Good work for your first few outings with the Scout! You have an aptitude for it.

To get your accuracy down, rather than "chasing the kids through the house" you will be better off with the more structured and time-proven exercises that we use with all operators to train the operating hand. While more rambunctious and spontaneous subjects are good to practice with to develop skills that will help with documentary-style shooting, it's important to get the basic skills and form down properly for more controlled shots. As you may have noticed, it's a lot tougher to walk slowly and shoot wide architectural shots than chase someone around.

I'd recommend your first purchase be the least expensive Steadicam accessory that is also one of the more important: The Steadicam Operator's Handbook. Years in the making, it's the definite work on the subject and contains descriptions of the various "line dances" that have been the cornerstone of learning Steadicam since the beginning.

Have fun!

And I thank you dearly for this advice Charles. Ordering this NOW ! It also makes sense too. I posted this to get feedback and take it all in and get better. I also play drums and compare the "anticipation" to that in a big way. Getting 3 things to do 1 thing smoothly is very difficult.

thanks again !

Myles

Looks good. Next purchase should be a circular polarizer :) ...although having just re-read your post I see there's a 4x4 in a matte box.. hm...sorry?

sorry just saw this. Yes a 4x4 polarizer. I am starting to play with more but will probably get a new matte box soon to increase the options available to me.

Myles:

Good work for your first few outings with the Scout! You have an aptitude for it.

To get your accuracy down, rather than "chasing the kids through the house" you will be better off with the more structured and time-proven exercises that we use with all operators to train the operating hand. While more rambunctious and spontaneous subjects are good to practice with to develop skills that will help with documentary-style shooting, it's important to get the basic skills and form down properly for more controlled shots. As you may have noticed, it's a lot tougher to walk slowly and shoot wide architectural shots than chase someone around.

I'd recommend your first purchase be the least expensive Steadicam accessory that is also one of the more important: The Steadicam Operator's Handbook (http://www.amazon.com/Steadicam®-Operators-Handbook-Jerry-Holway/dp/0240811658). Years in the making, it's the definite work on the subject and contains descriptions of the various "line dances" that have been the cornerstone of learning Steadicam since the beginning.

Have fun!

BTW bought this book and WOW ! Its an eye opener. Loving it and benefitting very much. Now time to find a used Scout or Zephyr.

Mw