FS PRO SM1 Stabalizer
 

Has anyone used the FS PRO already? I'm about to purchase one and I'd like to read some opinions.

Price is around $2150, it is capable of supporting cameras up to 20 pounds or 9 kg and it looks well built.

http://www.fsprostabilisateur.com/

In both the demo clips the operator's shoulder is visible a few times in don juan position. I wonder if that is from operator error or a design flaw?

That has nothing to do with the design; at least from your reasoning. If the person behind the camera is not a train operator you get the same mishap with any stabilizer. He just couldn't control the rig as it was slopping around on him. It seems to need a little fine tuning. Meaning the spring needs to be more relaxed from what I can see from the video. Then again, I could be wrong. You should also take a look at the running clip. It seems to handle the shocks pretty well. You do notice a little jitter in the beginning of the run but that could come from something else. Not too bad though.

Interesting...I think they could use some better demos though. It's always a good idea if the stabilizer manufacturer uses the rig regularly or gets a professional to do the demo work. That way you can see how well your shots can look.

I have to say the switch was fairly well done though.

Terry
Indicam

Hello
 

Hi everybody!

I decided to leave the shoulder of the operator within the frame, We visualizes although the arm absorbs the movements well by seeing the shoulders gone from top to bottom, but it was not desired at the beginning, these two sequence were shot only one time,

Thank you for your comments
Frédéric Savard
FS PRO

Frédéric,

I've done the same thing in a few of my shots. One was at an outdoor wedding where I was leading the bride and her father across an open area to where the ceremony would be performed. That wide angle lens will get you every time if your don't watch out. Since then I have been very aware of the possibility of getting a shoulder in the shot so I work had to keep it out.

My best to you and FS PRO,

Terry
Indicam

Hi Terry,

To be honest whit you a dont do this kind of mouvement often, but whit practice it is could be better.

Other sbject:
Your discreet vest was a very good idea!

Good luck to whit the Indicam!

Frédéric Savard
FS PRO

That was a good idea in fact, but in my opinion you should post a third video without the shoulder. I will talk to you soon.

Thank you all for your posts.

Hi people,

I have seen a third video where we follow a guy through a building to get a drink.

Frederic you should put that up on the site.

Maybe Fredric needs authorization to put videos from others on his site...

Diogo,

If I'm not mistaken the video I saw was at the same location as the "running" clip.

Hi,

Yes, probably soon, we make this shot to Spira Film
in Québec city,

Greeting!
Frederic Savard

Interesting rig. . . I didn't know it before and until to read it there:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread...571#post803571

It seems the Red buyers are looking for affordable solutions. And it seems this rig will be the best bang for the buck.

9 Kg / 20 lbs. . . Hmmmm. . .

Or will the Indicam be on the indie race?

That vertical arm tip seems an interesting feature. I agree.

just to add to the appeal for any further user experiences/information with the fspro sm1 or earlier version. It looks an interesting prospect for the lightweight market.

Also if there are any views on the floatcam fc9 please, but not just based on pictures (i've seen some idiotic and really inaccurate condemnation in other forums based on pictures). I have tried this myself but dont rate my own opinion due to my inexperience so dont want to talk at length about it here...i will however say that despite the arms unusual appearance in pictures it is great in reality, build quality is top drawer, the gimbal seemed liquid smooth to me and everyone i saw trying it was deeply impressed especially given its price.

I talked to Emanuel from DVXuser forum on the phone about the FS PRO for the RED camera. The camera is lightweight, but will use the same heavy accesories used on the 35mm cameras. I really don't know if the FS PRO will be able to handle it.

The Indicam will probably be on the indie race, but the FS doesn't cost much more and supports heavier cameras.

Gentlemen,

I'll have to pipe in here as we are working on a double upgraded arm which holds a total sled weight of 24 pounds (picture attached). We need to have some testing time to see how it and the operator hold up. We have used it for about 20 minutes with the full load and think you have to be crazy to carry around that much weight unless you are the big guys and get paid the big bucks. Neverthless, it seems like we will be doing the testing if there is enough interest out there.

Once tested we hope to produce these on an "on order" basis. Pricing hasn't been determined at the present time but it will be affordable.

Hey, we thought cameras were getting smaller.

We will be checking out NAB in April and hope to meet many of you there.

Terry
Indicam

Terry, that looks very interesting. That would be exactly what I need but can't afford at the moment. And yes, cameras are getting smaller and lighter but when you add all accessories the weight turns to be a problem for weak arms. I work for TV with heavy cameras like digibetas or full sized DV models. A digibeta that all TV broadcasters use here in Portugal weights around 22 or 23 pounds. I am a camera operator and I'm beginning to operate steadicam now. I can't just use light cameras, I need to be able to use any camera including 35mm for publicity. My problem is I can't afford an expensive system, so I need one able to handle as much weight as possible for a low cost, of course built quality and good handling are also a must. For now I just whant to use a stabilizer with my HD100 and it's accessories, if I'll need a bigger system I'll just rent one. The FS pro seemed to be the first really affordable solution in its category, comparing for example with the Flyer it supports heavier cameras and costs a third of the price. I think Indicam is doing right in developing a stronger arm, there are no affordable systems supporting heavier cameras. Terry, please keep us informed of your progress.

Diogo (great name),

Thanks for the post. I will have to look for my old Panasonic news camera. It should be heavy enough for a good test...at least it seemed heavy at the time I was hauling it around.

I will keep everyone informed but probably on a different thread as this one is about the FS Pro and we want to keep it that way.

Terry
Indicam

New demo
 

Hello,

A new demo is now available!
http://www.fsprostab.com/english/dem...demomovies.htm

Greeting
Frédéric Savard
FS PRO

new demo FS PRO and stairs
 

Hello,

For those who are interested a new demo is available. It is the same shot sequence turned shot handle and with the stabilizer. He contains staircase as well as the mode don juan and missionary

http://www.fsprostab.com/english/index.htm

sincere Greetings
Frédéric Savard
www.fsprostab.com

Question
 

I just received your email regarding your system. I am just now looking into a rig for my Z-1. By looking at the pics, it looks like you might bang your knees unless the sled is extended from you. Is this something to consider? I have never used a steadicam type system.

Jeff

Hi,

Thanks for your interest!

What do you mean by bang you knees it is" band or bang"

Our system manipulates as all other systems of stabilization. It is necessary to walk as normally as possible. fact to walk with knees to bend lightly can help movement so that it is the most perfect possible.

Greeting!
Frédéric Savard
www.fsprostab.com

What I meant is that as you walk forward, do your knees bump into the sled? I can see when you have the unit extended away from you, you would have enough space for your legs to not hit it at the bottom. Pardon my inexperience. I have never used a unit like this and wanted to see if this is an issue.

Jeff

Ho... ok!

absolutely not, if knees bang the sled would be not fonctional. You can manipulate it as all other systems. Your knees will never stick, unless you force yourself to make it And that you put near the sled on your knees. You would find it difficult to see The screen of your sled or your camera.

the picture on the web site it is to present de system and not a way to manipulate it.

Greeting!
Frédéric Savard
www.fsprostab.com

Frédéric,

Thanks. I'm in Dallas, Texas. Anywhere or anyone nearby where I can demo one?

Jeff

I'm gonna send to you an email. can you email us at contact@fsprostab.com
for your email!

Greeting!
Frédéric Savard
www.fsprostab.com

Great looking Videos! Love the stair one, very nice.

Hi mister Eastwood.

Thank's you for your comment it is really appreciated!

Greeting!
Frédéric Savard
www.fsprostab.com