Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Generally Tiffen will add a proprietary anti-reflective coating to the OEM monitors they use for the lower-end rigs. But they don't (or shouldn't!) claim to be manufacturing the monitors.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

While many of us are all awake at the same time (!) here are a few more pics. There is no doubt that this is the same monitor Mark mentions. Will make further comments about other posts above soon.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Tom W: the dovetail plate itself was not faulty, but one of the smallest (and ironically most critical)parts of the rig, the pictured adjusting screw, wasn't able to be tightened enough to hold a camera plate on. I presume the Dealer here had to get right in and under the plate to re-set it but I wasn't going to touch anything that would void the warranty. Charles P: yes please make a DVD and take pre-payment up front. I'd pay $100 U.S. no problems. Barry J: Sorry as I work at the office/edit suite in the rural area of town its not often I have anyone out here to take shots while I've got it all on! Maybe the kids can have a try. Mark S: I hope that image gives you what you need on the battery bracket. You are absolutely correct on the dual battery mount always being offered on the website etc., the original press release even says "Optional 2nd battery mount for parallel 12V capability or 24V capability" You will note one of the images I've posted also has that printed on the actual machine. If people have bought this as a requirement I'd be asking for my money back.

Also the monitor specs are disappointing, I know they are nothing more than a framing guide, nevertheless it would be nice to be able to play back at least a good standard res image when out if the field to get a better feel for what you've got. But the resolution is a rubbish 480 X 234. in PAL countries it is even more noticeable as we are used to 576 lines of vertical res, am I right in saying this is half SD resolution? This raises the question if Tiffen call this an SD monitor when it is nothing like it, what do they call an HD monitor? This becomes even more important when the list price between the Zephyr SD and HD kits vary by $3500 and the monitor seems to be the only point of difference.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Chris, thank you for the photos. I'm really jazzed about the changes. The lower spar looks great amongst other things.

One thing I am curious about is the very bottom of the rig, the underside of the lower spar and particularly right under the post. Wondering if it is suitable to get some additional machining done to mount a battery plate directly under the post. If you wouldn't mind taking a picture of that, it would be most helpful.

A shot of the top stage showing the slots and attachment mechanisms for the wedge plate would be helpful as well.

Barring any announcements on Steadicam suitable monitors at NAB, I would be adding this monitor that has a battery plate on the back: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=702619&is=REG
and the A/B hotswap device, if I were to get this rig. TIFFEN's decision to not have a second battery mount on the rig aside, I simply see these, particularly the hotswap as essential...http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/255058-REG/Anton_Bauer_QR_HOT_SWAP_GM_QR_HOTSWAPGM_Hot_Swap_Battery_Plate.html

One thing to keep in mind about this monitor, that I mention above, is it does not do image flip so it becomes an ordeal if you have to go into low mode.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Andrew, hope these are helpful. As you can see it does indeed have a mounting point below (sorry have no idea what the thread is!) While the outer wings are made of moulded plastic as part of the whole lower post cover, it does seem very solid, probably high impact material.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-hard case
 

A few people have also asked about the Zephyr hard case, not having had one before I'm not sure if this is new or has been around for a while.

Overall it is quite good even for desert conditions where dust and dirt road vibrations are your worst enemy. However, even this has issues. The way it is packed, due to the way they have arranged the foam cut-outs, is that the arm is on the top, making it top-heavy especially as you wheel it around corners. To exacerbate this the handle meets the case very low and the aluminum rods have a real torsion issue, twisting quite badly when it has the zephyr in it. It feels very flimsy as if either the rods or the light plastic handle will break eventually, and I have tipped it over on several occasions going around corners. Not a good look at an Airport. A couple of images show the handle distorting with no weight load on it with just a slight twist of my thumb.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Better than I thought! Is that a threaded metal tripod mount style hole on the bottom of the lower spar?! Chris, you probably have both a 1/4" 20 and a 3/8" 16 threaded bolts with your wedge plate or a tripod on hand. Give if a go see if they fit and if it's robust enough to support a few pounds.

Photos are nicely done. Many thanks Chris!

EDIT:

Just saw the 3-pin lemo on the lower spar. The unit should then be wired for 24 volt operation. You may have to do have the wiring done up a bit to utilitize it and get a switch installed. There are people around who specialize in doing this kind of stuff.

I know the unit was originally pitched as being 24 volt ready but obviously with only one 12-14 volt mounting point it isn't quite 24 volt ready but it shouldn't be hard to get it there. Way easier than retrofitting a standard Flyer to be 24 volt capable.

We may even find out if all the stuff is there inside for this to be so.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Andrew, just given it a go on my way out the door. The larger of the two screws you get on any number of
camera plates fits perfectly. I suspect a few pounds is no problem as I would be very surprised if the female thread goes anywhere but into the end of the post.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Thanks Chris. That's a 3/8" 16 thread mounting screw (bolt).

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

I have been asking for specs on the monitor (knowing that they add their own special sauce as far as coatings and perhaps other enhancements by the OEM to Tiffen specs), but they have been unable to provide them. So I got curious and did a little Googling to see what I could see.

Still waiting for Tiffen's specs.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Chris, re: the case:

It's a Thermodyne case, same as they use for the Flyer and Archer. My case shows the same handle behavior but I haven't had any practical problems. Biggest challenge is when inexperienced production assistants try to use it to lift the case by that handle!!

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Chris,

Thank you for your pictures. They're very helpful. I just wonder if it possible to swap the SD monitor on the Zephyr? Would you mind telling me the screw diameter on the monitor mount?

Thanks.

Best,
-terje

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

No problems Terje, its half an hour after midnight here now, so I'll have a look in the morning and maybe post another image (they're not great photos but I never said I was a stills guy!)

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

When you get a chance, could you post a pic of the arm as well, just to complete the set? Also, does the arm post spin, ala pilot arm with nylon flange inserts around the arm post, or is it fixed?

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Look I must apologize again for the lack of sharpness, but I'm hand holding on very low shutter speed (1/3"), I just don't have time to be setting up tripods at the moment! Anyway hopefully these will be good enough.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Forgot to mention the purpose of taking a shot of the v-lock plate! In case you might need a longer-shafted screw wheel to put on your new monitor, the thread is identical to the female in a v-lock plate.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Hey Chris,

Not sure if you have had a lot of time to fine tune your arm but I noticed something that would cause most people a bit of problem keeping the sled from wanting to fly away from you.

Note the threads on the two eye bolts in the last photo. You want the top one to be snug up against the travel of the threads much like it is but the one on the bottom is extended really far out. Not sure of your build but you might want to try dialing that one in somewhat. Most people have it dialed in so you can see about 3 to 4 rounds of threads. I think you have about 10 showing there. Everyone is different but that does appear extreme.

If that was me the rig would just fly away from me the instant I let go of the sled. Ideally you want to have the rig so when your posture is good and erect that the sled should hover in front of you and you adjust it with tiny micro-movements of your body. If you have to arc yourself way back you want to dial in the threads again. If you slams against your chest dial it out.

Terje, that would be a 1/4" 20 threaded bolt/screw. That is pretty much the standard on monitors whether the threaded holes are on the bottom, sides or the top.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Thanks Andrew, but I'm still way off getting time to play with it properly. I'm sure I would have been more enthused if I was able to bring the whole rig back with me from the workshop. Waiting weeks for a simple repair on a straight from the factory stabilizer was not a good experience, also meaning a lot of the freshness of the learning experience was lost.

On top that I've been very busy with other things and as a result the rig has mainly been sitting on a c-stand in the office. I had one fly with my Z1, but after a quick attempt at balancing the PMW 350 a few days later (with many random macro adjustments!) I convinced myself I didn't have time right then, which I didn't as it turns out. What you are looking at then is one of several blindly adjusted screws from an abandoned balancing attempt!

I'll set aside a day soon to actually put the instruction dvd up on the mac screen and all will be well, but thanks for the observation!

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Chris,

Thank you! Excellent job! Your photo answered my long wondered question. It seems doable to attach a Marshall V-LCD651ST monitor on the Zephyr using composite in. That's really great.

Thanks Andrew for comfirming that it's a standard 1/4" 20 threaded bolt/screw.

Best,
-terje

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Fair enough Chris. I can understand your frustration. Hopefully you can get everything sorted...soon.

Terje, the Zephyr is to be wired for a High Def montior so you shouldn't have a problem going over to that Marshall.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Andrew,

You're probably right. I just wasn't sure about the mounting options for an alternative monitor OR if the HD and SD version of the Zephyr have the same wiring? There are very few monitor otpions out there suitable for bright daylight use AND with HD-SDI+HDMI+component (or composite) input, without spending an arm and a leg buying it, of course. The Marshall monitor is an acceptable compromise, I guess. :-)

Best,
-terje

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

From the Steadicam Zephyr web page section on the sled base:

"- Standard HD BNC video connector and interchangeable monitor harness."

Considering that other features and options have been changed without Tiffen changing their website, we can't be sure that this is true and accurate information.

I will have more to contribute next week after I bring my Zephyr home.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Why do you want HD? With the size of a steadicam monitor and the typical distance from your eyes, I don't think it will make much difference.

And what about wireless video? HD wireless costs a fortune. So if the camera doesn't offer a composite output, you'll still need an HD to SD downconverter box to run wireless video for the director and DP.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Dave,

I don't neccessarily want a HD monitor on the Steadicam. It all started when I saw the price difference between the Zephyr SD and HD version. I rather buy the SD version and have the option to upgrade the monitor to one that'll do a better job, that can be used with ALL of my cameras (HD-SDI/HMDI/component/composite) during ANY work scenario. As long as this goal is in reach, I'm happy. I haven't even started evaluating the monitor needs on the Steadicam itself, which I believe your response was all about?


Best,
-terje

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

I must say Terje, I'm much the same. I think few of us here are planning to be just Stabilizer Operators, for me its another tool in the kit. As the world changes and we all take on multi-roles I want to be able to mix and match my equipment as well. For instance I was hoping to use this for occasional playback to Clients on a shoot and even being able to mount it on my jib when need be. It's quick and easy to do, so why not?
I agree with Dave that we don't need a HD monitor on the stabilizer, but I think we should at least be getting top quality SD, I find it off-putting to see a lousy, VHS-ey, (dare I say) NTSC-ey image when my whole camera career has been trying to achieve the opposite in my viewfinder/monitor.

I know, I know, it's only for framing and I'll get used to it, but why do I keep feeling this cheap Chinese monitor that according to the website specs doesn't even reach NTSC SD line standard, let alone PAL, is a disappointment.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Many operators still subscribe to the "monitor is strictly for framing so SD is fine" idea. That works fine if you are working high-end, with a focus-puller, or working low-end with a wide angle lens and tons of depth of field. But if you aspire to work in live TV, for instance, where (in the US anyway) you are expected to set your own focus, I see the value for an HD monitor. Or even in situations where playback may be done on the sled from time to time.

As reasonably-priced HD monitors become more available, more and more ops will get the "the more resolution the better" religion, I predict.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Agree Mark, but I'm afraid the old timezone thing has got me again so off to bed. Actually I should be able to give you a very good idea of a retail price on what these Zephyr monitors actually cost in the morning, of course to Tiffen they would be a lot cheaper. Like to hazard a guess on the retail?

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

The cheapest and most straight forward way of getting all the different camera outputs to work with a steadicam is with an HD to SD down converter box, like this:
Redbyte Decimator 2 Miniature (3G/HD/SD)-SDI to HDMI w. De-embedded Analog Audio & NTSC/PAL Downconverted Outputs

And for Steadicam, I find wireless video indispensible. When the director or DP can't see the shot, they're not happy. And you don't want to be bumping into the director because he's hovering around you. And running a wire to your rig is a real pain. So I looked around and found many inexpensive solutions for wireless video, provided you use SD composite. Specific products vary depending on where you live, but most countries seem to offer reasonably priced wireless SD video solutions. By contrast, HD wireless is very expensive. So my point before was that, if the camera doesn't have composite out, you'll need a down converter to run wireless video anyway, so you can use that signal for the Steadicam monitor as well.

The Marshall monitor that Andrew mentions is close to $2000, and it's only 6.5", and that's 4x3 aspect, so it would be even smaller widescreen.
Marshall Electronics V-LCD651STX-3GSDI-AB
For non-steadicam HD monitoring, I would want a larger screen. Most larger LCDs don't work well in direct sunlight, but with sticks, dolly, jib, etc, you can use a hood and angle the monitor as necessary, so it doesn't have to work in direct sunlight.

In other words, it may be better to buy 2 monitors, one for steadicam that's optimized for sunlight, and another larger HD monitor for non-steadicam. Depending on what you buy, 2 monitors may actually be less expensive.

I'm confused. Are you pulling your own focus during the shot, or do you just set it at the beginning?

If it's just at the beginning, aren't there ways to achieve HD focus using an SD monitor? Also, if the focus is that critical, how does that work when you're moving aound? It's rare that I do a move exactly the same way twice. Even when it's blocked out with marks, it seems to vary a few inches each time.

If you're pulling your own focus during the shot, how do you do it? I find it takes all my concentration just to keep the right frame steady. Keeping the exact frame is easy if you don't worry about stability, and keeping it stable is easy if you're not too concerned with framing, but consistently getting both at the same time - that's what seems to take years of practice.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Lots of things to respond to here.

The monitor issue. First off, if anyone is going to be buying a monitor I would hold off until NAB is over. Each year Marshall has new offerings and with the huge upsurge in the DSLR market and the AF-100 roll out there are bound to be manufacturers coming out with some attractive monitors in terms of an increase pixel resolution, both HDMI & SDI inputs. There could be a couple of Steadicam oriented monitors coming out. Last year Marshall came out with the one mentioned and Nebtek came out with one that caused competition for the high end Steadicam monitors. We may see some downward pricing pressure on some units come NAB.

For non Steadicam use I would have a serious look at the TV Logic 6.5" monitor. It has scope software built into it along with a bunch of other features. Presently, I am using an SD monitor with a Decimator as much of the work I do it live work where I am shooting wide or medium shots on an EX3 or similar cameras but that is all going to change in a month or two.

The reason why I have plugged the 2,000 dollar Marshall is... this unit is the cheapest truly daylight viewable monitor out there. A couple of years ago Charles Papert had a monitor shootout and a few monitors came to the top. A Marshall was up there, the Nebtek, the Transvideo and a couple of greenscreen monitors. I'm not even sure if the Marshall mentioned above was in the shootout but in any event during the fallout from the shootout, this monitor was recognized by a fair number in the Steadicam Community as the go to deal of the year monitor.

There was a thread on the Steadicamforum about the optimal monitor size for Steadicam operating. Most agreed that 8" was too big and that scanning the eyes back and forth across the monitor was required at that size. 6.5 to 7 inch monitors were seen by many as the preferred operating monitor size. It was also pointed out that the macula, the portion of the eye that sees detail, accounts for about 2 percent of your field of view, so there was some fact to back up the notion that one has to scan back and forth if the monitor gets too big.

BTW, like Dave, I use a Decimator. It is a fantastic little box. Don't leave home without it.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Dave what is your wireless solution?

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Andrew,

It's a good point to wait until after NAB. It's a long trip, but I'm really happy to go this year. I'll definitly check out the monitor options for sure :-)

Best,
-terje

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

I use the same system (900mhz version) but i replaced the antennas with proper, longer antennas (which reduce heat and improve range). Also added a heatsink.

I had a long post about monitors but somehow lost it. Tomorrow...bedtime now. :-)

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

I've been doing some research on the Zephyr monitor, but despite the manufacturer promising to send me the wholesale price, it is yet to arrive by email.

Below, I've made a list, not as serious suggestions but just to give us a sense of how low-end the zephyr monitor is and ball park figures on similar products. It would appear that these monitors could not be costing Tiffen more than $100 each and could well be as low as $50. Again the one at the end is not a specific suggestion but indicates that an SD touchscreen, a far more clever (less fiddly) option for a steadicam, could probably be sourced for just $120 each.

7 Desk-top Car LCD Monitor Black for sale at Gadgettown.com

7 Widescreen TFT LCD Monitor with Built-in Speaker for sale at Gadgettown.com

7 TFT Color Car LCD Monitor for Sale at GadgetTown.com

7 TFT Color Car LCD Monitor Black for Sale at GadgetTown.com

8 Inch Touchscreen LCD Monitor (PC, POS, Media Remote)

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Lilliput makes some 450nit 640x480 monitors with composite and HDMI for around 200 US. I have one that I use for my small jib and its bright and sharp when fed HDMI. Disappointing scaler when fed SD composite.

Tiffen generally adds antireflective coatings, which will add some cost.

I don't mind a cheap monitor on the Zephyr if it's got a reasonable nit rating (at least 500 but I was hoping for 700 like the Archer). I would like at least a true SD resolution, like you.

At least they provide a standard power connector and composite connector, unlike the Flyer, so it is not a big deal to swap it out with something better. A range of SD and HD options at different price points and performance levels, to suit my operating markets and preferences.

If they cheap out somewhere I'd rather it's the monitor and not the arm. :-)

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

It is unfortunate that the smaller stabilizers (and really, the whole Tiffen line) are not modular units--you have to buy the whole enchilada. Compare this with the high end offerings from manufacturers like GPI (Pro), XCS, Mark V and others--the rigs are really components that are all bought individually and many are interchangeable. It's the reason I ended up with a sled that was a composite of four manufacturers and custom parts; I started with a stock rig and over the years upgraded as I saw fit.

Yes, it's a bummer that you spend x amount on a rig like the Zephyr if you don't happen to like the included monitor. But then there is nothing stopping you from moving to a monitor you like and having parts machined as needed to make it work. I've seen very few serious mods to a smaller Tiffen sled and it's discouraging in a sense--the spirit of customization hasn't seem to trickle down into that world the way it has been for 30 years in the full-size rig community. The Flyer, for instance, was a decent overall rig that was, in my mind, severely hampered by the design of the lower spar. It would be a pretty simple task to design a dual 15mm rod conversion for that base, with the monitor and battery riding on the same rods (and the rods able to drive fore and aft; you could make use of the many options of mounting bracketry now available for many manufacturers such as Redrock. Some four years ago I briefly considered making such a conversion kit and selling it to Flyer owners, but ultimately assumed that by the time the venture was up and running it might be at the end of that rig's shelf life. Who knew it would last as long as it did.

The Zephyr has a much better lower spar design with both monitor and batteries able to migrate individually; even though I haven't spent any serious time with it, it looks good on paper. I would personally mod either the supplied or a replacement monitor with a yoke mount so that it can be tilted without any affect on balance, since all LCD's still suffer from limited vertical viewing angle and need to be adjusted throughout the day for maximum image quality. By using spring washers or similar, you can tension the tilt adjustment so that it can be done with one finger but still stays where you leave it, so you could conceivably adjust the tilt during a shot if required!

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Took delivery of my new Zephyr from Showcase Atlanta yesterday. Will post observations, opinions, and experiences as I have time over the next few days. So far, so good.

The vest is a major upgrade from the Flyer vest. Rachet buckles, beefier vertical spar (borrowed from the LX, I believe), more adjustment points, thicker padding. The arm looks like a slightly scaled-up Flyer arm. The sled is an elegant, clever design with a tools-free, beefy-looking gimbal. As Charles points out, the bottom stage is a much-improved design that incorporates two of the aluminum tubes seen in the Pilot design. In theory, much easier to tune dynamic balance as well as tweak inertia to your liking.

Tiffen has postponed or cancelled their announced plan for a second battery mount option (though it's still on their Zephyr webpage). This creates challenges for using heavier cameras without being forced to extend the post. Also no hot-swap without buying a 3rd party bracket or stackable batteries. Nothing insurmountable, but a pain.

In the year since they announced the Zephyr and finally got it into production, many specs have changed. Most of the changes are improvements (new vest, new arm, increased payload).

I will try to generate some objective comparision data between the old Flyer monitor vs. the Zephyr monitor, to see whether it is a step forward or not.

The photos and specs on the Tiffen and dealer websites in many cases are outdated/inaccurate.

I'll have much more to contribute as time permits.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Mark,

I'm looking forward to hear more about your observations. I plan to order a Zephyr after I've checked it out at NAB 2011. In other words, your observations are really appreciated.

Best,
-terje

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Mark, based on some of the previous posts, I was left feeling doubtful about the accuracy of current info on Tiffen's website. Like yourself, at this point I would want to see the product in person before leaping into a purchase. I will be looking forward to your comments and observations, so thanks in advance for sharing your insights and experiences. Cheers!

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

Haven't yet had time to do measurements, weights, load testing, etc. Here are some photos in the meantime.