2007Steadi-Newbies forum
Choosing between regular and goofy-foot stance when operating a Steadicam with smaller video cameras
19 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Goofy-foot operation can feel natural and comfortable for some operators, particularly those accustomed to handheld video work, and is a valid technique for general use with compact cameras.
- An operator's preferred stance appears related to which hand performs better at fine control tasks—the dominant hand typically works best on the gimbal handle performing detailed adjustments, while the non-dominant hand manages the post.
- Most operators settle on one stance and rarely switch, and comfort with camera positioning and monitor access typically outweighs any inherent mechanical advantages of either approach.
- Cable management between camera and rig significantly affects the practicality of either stance, and securing excess cables with velcro ties or tape prevents snagging and improves balance.
- An unexpected push from behind may reveal natural stance preference, similar to patterns observed in board sports.
- Using an LCD monitor effectively requires proper cable routing; a cable flopping freely can seriously degrade balance and control in either stance.
Depends on
- The relationship between physical dominance and stance preference remains not fully understood.
- One operator's experience with switching to goofy-foot was complicated by unfamiliar cable management rather than the stance itself.
- The preference determination method mentioned (response to unexpected push) was incompletely remembered by the contributor.