I'm looking at handheld steady cam mounts for my next project. Ill be shooting action shots that require a lot of shooting versatility and maneuverability. Most of my shots will be handheld because of the necessary flexibility. I've been looking at affordably priced steady cams and was wondering if anybody has any experience with these models? Here are the top three contenders so far:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=397958&is=REG

Looks like a good basic system. But doesn't have up and down gimbal ability.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=193812&is=REG

Might be better than the Variozoom model because of the up and down gimbal movement.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=328388&is=REG

I like this one because of the ability to shoot ground level shots but may be a bit too pricey for my project.

I didn't include the Merlin in this list because of the $800 price. ouch.

Anyway, thoughts, feedback? Any other options?

Thnx!

It's hard to recommend a stabilizer without knowing what camera & accessories you want to Fly.

Also, what is your budget and what type of shots (specifically) do you want to achieve?

- Mikko

It's hard to recommend a stabilizer without knowing what camera & accessories you want to Fly.

Also, what is your budget and what type of shots (specifically) do you want to achieve?

- Mikko

Ack, ya sorry about that. Excuse my noobishness.

Sony A1U, sony wide angle lens/hood. Pretty basic setup. Nothing elaborate. Just like my budget!

Budget: $300-400 to get started. A setup that allows for the potential to upgrade/expand would be a plus.

Shots: I'm looking to shoot some really slow pans and dolly like shots of still environs: dilapidated warehouse interior and exterior.



I was considering steady shots for another project (as referenced in my original post) but have since reevaluated that choice as I've come to find that steady mounts are not as "at home" in spontaneous environs.

Your best option for this, may actually be a dolly! Especially on your budget.
The only downside with a dolly is the setup time.

Though the Merlin would definitely give you that freedom you wanted along with the precision for making dolly-like shots with some practice.
Not sure if any of the other units would be precise enough for what you want to do (the Flowpod at least won't be) the Glidecam could be.

- Mikko

Jacob,

Mikko is right in that real slow shots look best on a dolly or a jib. There are many do-it-yourself plans out on the web as well as companies who make some good equipment.

You can get some good dolly type shots using a stabilizer but it take some serious practice and is much harder that using the above mentioned equipment.

What is your reason for looking into handheld stabilizers if I might ask?

Terry
Indicam