5D kit purchase, tell me what you think

[Paul Cronin]

Agree Richard that is what I was told, the II Versions have made a nice step up. I will see this evening.

[Olof Ekbergh]

Paul,

I use a StediCam Mini. It is an older version of the Pilot I think. It was made for DSR500 (up to 20 lbs) class cams and I have used it a lot on boats. It works very well on my EX3/1R and 5D as well, it was $7000.00 back in the 90's but I think they can now be had for a lot less.

It was the smallest full size Stedicam with a vest setup back then. I have even shot Heli footage with it.

[Paul Cronin]

Hi Olof,

Thanks that sounds like a nice rig for the EX and DSLR. I do like the idea of the Pilot and maybe a Merlin but easy to get out of control on cost.

A StediCam on a boat wow not the on the water shooting I do. And in a machine with a StediCam, really? What type of shooting on boats are you doing with it? Most of my shooting is on high performance sailboats/powerboats where 75% of the time you need one had to just hold on.

By the way sent you another email on the 5D subject.

Happy Thanksgiving.

[Olof Ekbergh]

Paul,

Here are some samples, these are really old clips 5 years or so. 90% of them are with StediCam, I have a Texan friend that is 6'4" he holds onto me and I get the shots. There are a few shots from boat manufacturers that I did not shoot, they are easy to spot, from a higher perspective.

There is even an airboat shot in this intro.

The bumpiest conditions were shooting the patrol boat offshore in FL, we were doing about 45-50 and it was bumpy.

Westside A V Studios Videos

[Paul Cronin]

Olof,

Thanks for the examples.

I guess with a big enough platform and fairly calm water you can do it. But it really limits your movement. I prefer a gyro lens and the ability to move in tight spaces.

Either way I am ready to start using a StediCam. Now to fit it into the budget.

[Olof Ekbergh]

Paul,

I agree that gyros are better, in tight situations. Actually I want to try gyros on my StediCam as well.

When you come up you are welcome to try my rig. I sent some still tips in an email.

[Paul Cronin]

Here is shot of the type of shooting I am talking about. This was a 4 day shoot with three Swam 45's in the Gulf Stream off Ft. Lauderdale in December 2006. Ah the old Sony Z1.

Look forward to the visit, I can tell we won't have enough time to do everything. Means a second trip and one where you visit in the Summer.

[Luc De Wandel]

...looks very familiar, Paul. Usually there's my wife as a 'cameraman-holder' in these situations :-)

[Olof Ekbergh]

Here is a comp of the FL shoot in the previous post.

You can see Kurt 6'4" getting ready to keep me on board.

[Paul Cronin]

Thought you would like that Luc. I was a pro sailor for 30 years, so it is nice to be with some old buddies and a familiar environment capturing it in HD. Makes my day to get beat up and be challenged on board.

My wife also has worked with me on jobs and was on this job. We both still compete at world level, but now for us not for the paycheck.

[Paul Cronin]

Cool Olof,

NIce to have beef you trust with a hand on you.