Steady Tracker and Lighter Cams
 

Ok, I’ve heard that devices like the Steady Tracker aren’t too great for prosumer cams, but how are they with cameras that are under 2 pounds? Would a lighter cam work well with a device like the Steady Tracker? I was looking to use the Optura Xi (1.6 lbs.) with a Steady Tracker, how does that sound?

As long as....
 

you get some practice time in you should fare well. I've found that with some work on the foot work and turns my mono-pod tracker smooths out. It's a bitch if you have to work on a shot for long duration but...can't be helped sometimes.
Obviously, light weight cams allow longer time on track...you still get tired. Good technique and practice helps a lot.

I have a glidecam 2000 which I use with a Sony PDX-10 (~2 lbs, maybe less without the XLR box and mike). I think this makes good sense because the handheld stabilizers would be a real workout with a camera like a PD-150, and I can't even imagine using one with an XL-1s.

The only issue is that they are very tricky to balance. It took me literally hours to get this right, and you won't need very many of the included weights. It might be easier to fine tune the balance with more weights and a heavier camera. But the payoff will be that you can "keep it up" for much longer with a smaller cam. ;-)

Let's see if Charles Papert chimes in on this. When I was asking around here awhile ago he was not a fan of the SteadyTracker because it doesn't have a gimbal (IIRC).

They say the Flowpod is quicker/easier to balance than the other devices such as Steadicam JR. And it has a gimbal. Suppose to be solidly built.

"Let's see if Charles Papert chimes in on this. When I was asking around here awhile ago he was not a fan of the SteadyTracker because it doesn't have a gimbal"

Totally agree with him. You really need something with a true gimbal. There so still a lot unstability that still gets through which has strong influence on the sled while operating. You get better performance and funtional usage with a proper gimbal. Just my take. I'll let Charles take it from here...

Eh. You guys said it all already.

Chiming in late here - I have a vintage, mint Optura Pi headed my way. I want a stabilizer but wondered what is the lightest gimbal model on the market?

Hollywood Lite has a tiny little stabilizer with a "partial" gimbal. Check their website.

Charles:

Thanks. I forgot about Hollywood Lite. I didn't realized they added to their product line.