News Shooter | NAB 2013: Steadicam Solo combination stabiliser/monopod and Steadicam Curve for GoPro (http://www.newsshooter.com/2013/04/08/nab-2013-steadicam-solo-combination-stabilisermonopod-and-steadicam-curve-for-gopro/)

Just give me a price, and my wallet is open.

Ha, Dan Chungs's videos are so awkward at times!

But yea, this is fab! Would perhaps convince me to get a GoPro again! You could simply have it strapped to you, whilst doing filming outside church or on photoshoot, then just grab it and really quickly do some nice wide angle freehand stuff.

Aww man, why did I sell my GoPro??

Just realising... were you talking about the monopod steadycam??

I do like the look of the monopod/steadycam.

You need a strong arm to hold that thing for longer periods, just look at 00:40 when Garret lifts the steadicam up how his hand shakes because of the weight, he tries to make it look easy but you can bet it isn't, better use it in combination with a arm and vest.

Not sure what to think about that mini steadicam, it looks like a gadget but need to see some live action footage.

Just realising... were you talking about the monopod steadycam??

Yep! I think the thing is built for DSLR wedding shooters! So many situations where it could come in handy. Eg:

-- if you need to travel light, like on an aeroplane, that's one device instead of two.
-- during photoshoot. Get some static shots, then get the steadicam shots, all without switching out gear. If you're lazy, don't even bother bringing the slider.
-- Jewish wedding. Film the groom signing the contract in monopod mode, then switch to steadicam mode (assuming you can quickly balance the thing) and jump in front of the groom's procession as they walk up to the unveiling.

I've often resorted to very dodgy steadicam substitutes for shot variety when I can't be bothered switching gear or couldn't bring more gear in the first place. So to have the option always there to fly -- that's big news to me.

That monopod steadicam definitely has a purpose for use in weddings.

Imagine having to use a steadicam all day long without rest. Atleast with the monopod functionality you can rest your arms! and just do some still footage.

In my eyes, it's perfect.

Yep! I think the thing is built for DSLR wedding shooters! So many situations where it could come in handy. Eg:

-- if you need to travel light, like on an aeroplane, that's one device instead of two.
-- during photoshoot. Get some static shots, then get the steadicam shots, all without switching out gear. If you're lazy, don't even bother bringing the slider.
-- Jewish wedding. Film the groom signing the contract in monopod mode, then switch to steadicam mode (assuming you can quickly balance the thing) and jump in front of the groom's procession as they walk up to the unveiling.

I've often resorted to very dodgy steadicam substitutes for shot variety when I can't be bothered switching gear or couldn't bring more gear in the first place. So to have the option always there to fly -- that's big news to me.

The monopod steadicam idea isn't new to me. I've definatly seen it before, but not sure by whom. Maybe not a reputable brand, but it has been done before. I'm not a fan monopod use anyway.

I'd rather stay on tripod (and slider), and use a GoPro with Steadicam for spontanious handsfree clips.

GoPro and this steadicam would be like £400/500. Which is appropraite for footage that will make up only a small persent of final footage.

The monopod steadicam idea isn't new to me. I've definatly seen it before, but not sure by whom. Maybe not a reputable brand, but it has been done before. .

The Varizoom Flowpod has been around for a good 8 years or so.

Charles, thanks for mentioning that one. I've got a feeling I've heard of it before, but had long since forgotten it!

Anyone here have any experience with how well it functions?

Pricing: $399 for the Varizoom; $799 for the Steadicam.

Hi Adrian

There was also a device called the "stedipod" which essentially is a monpod with extended feet and counterbalance weights on them and then about 1/3rd from the top you have a free rotating ring that allows the monopod to turn. I made my own a few years ago and it's quite an interesting concept!! With mine I used a chunky Benro monopod and latched a mic stand base undernearth and it worked pretty darn well.

Chris

There are some things I wouldn't mind buying a cheaper knock-off version of, but not Steadicam. Invest in a real one and you will see that the difference is really night and day. They are pricier but will save you A LOT of time and give you way better result.

Hope I am wrong but I'm not convinced on the steadicam \ monopod.

My monopod has my camera with light, wireless receiver and shotgun. We all know how precise balancing has to be. After you have been shooting normally you have been adjusting your light, LCD and tilt head for hours on end, when you come to want to do some steadicam shots is your rig still going to be exactly balanced as you when you calibrated before the shoot?

My glidecam just has a DSLR with lens and you only have to look at for the balance to be off when you come to use it.

Hi Dan

A decent sled will keep it's balance and a hybrid monopod/steady pod has no gimbal so it can actually be way off balance and still work. Personally I wouldn't use one at all and I stick to a proper sled with a gimal vest and arm and it works. I guess the idea of a hybrid unit is that it DOES satbilize footage to a degree and can be used as a rest/monopod ..the varizoom is a good example here .. when you get tired you put it down on it's "shoe" and continue shooting which you cannot do with a vest/arm/sled rig!!

However if you want something that flies like it should then the rig must have a gimbal at least and IMHO also a dual arm and vest.

Chris

Funny how Garret Brown has gone with the Glidecam design. I own a Steadicam Merlin and its probably been the biggest waste of money I've ever spent. Overpriced Steadicam that requires a degree in physics to balance.

Tiffen brought out this model, not Garrett. Easy to confuse the two but they are distinct entities.

My monopod has my camera with light, wireless receiver and shotgun.

That's a fair point. That amount of stuff on top I think will make it very difficult to fly... But I'm fairly sure this Solo is flyable with just a Rode VMP on top -- after all, a Merlin is.

Funny how Garret Brown has gone with the Glidecam design. I own a Steadicam Merlin and its probably been the biggest waste of money I've ever spent. Overpriced Steadicam that requires a degree in physics to balance.

Well, Merlin is definitely more flexible. Easier to fly above things (eg above people on the dance floor; over the side of banisters and railings to give sense of flying), and somewhat easier to carry when you're walking backwards in a crouched position preceding the couple through the farewell arch.

I guess "Glidecam vs Merlin" has been done to death though, so apologies for any repetition. (I don't hang around Steadicam forums; wouldn't know.)

Hi Adrian

The point with balance is actually making sure that your static and dymanic balance is done with the camera as it's going to be used ..you can't of course add a video light or mic to a rig and expect the centre of balance to remain the same. Just using a different weight battery can change the balance especially on the lighter rigs. I use a big brute with a full vest and dual spring arm BUT I don't go inside venues at all ..it's mainly just for the outdoor videoshoot then it's put away .... using a rig inside a crowded venue is a tough ask. My buddy Philip has one of the new GoPro stedicam rigs ..I will ask him how it's working out for him. Want some really cool overhead shots of the dance floor? Just bring a bunch of helium party balloons to the venue and hang your hero under them ...works a treat!!

Chris

I have mental images of my Hero 3 floating up to the ceiling, bouncing gently along, being carried by a sudden gust outside the reception venue, and then floating up, up into the night sky as I tearfully bid $400 bon voyage...

But I'm definitely going to try it anyway. Thanks Chris!

Hi Adrian

This guy used them for really high shots and used a fishing rod so he could retrieve his camera! It would be quite a nice shot if you were doing a big outdoor wedding!!

Skyfishing: Cheap Aerial Shots with a GoPro HERO - YouTube

Chris