2008Steadi-Newbies forum
Choosing a Steadicam model and accessories for Sony Z-1 and EX-3 cameras used in wedding, documentary, and commercial work
18 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The Steadicam Pilot VL can support both the Sony Z-1 and Sony EX-3 cameras.
- The Pilot has a maximum payload capacity of 10 pounds total, including the camera, all accessories, and counterweights.
- The Sony EX-3 weighs 7.6 pounds, leaving approximately 2.4 pounds for accessories and counterweights when used with the Pilot.
- Smooth panning with the Pilot on an EX-3 typically requires adding about 1.2 pounds of weights at the bottom of the rig.
- Adding heavy accessories like external hard drives or 35mm lens adapters exceeds the Pilot's payload capacity.
- Lightweight accessories suitable for the Pilot include video transmitters under 0.2 pounds, shotgun microphones with mounts around 0.7 pounds, and wireless audio receivers near 0.6 pounds.
- The Steadicam Flyer-LE can handle heavier payloads than the Pilot but costs approximately twice as much.
- Using a lighter camera like the Sony EX-1 at 5.3 pounds allows more accessory capacity with the Pilot.
- A Panasonic HVX-200 with a 35mm lens adapter requires the Flyer-LE due to increased weight and creates a rig approximately 2 feet long, making it impractical in tight spaces.
- Attending a workshop before purchasing a Steadicam rig helps determine whether the equipment suits individual needs and workflow.
Depends on
- No specific workshop availability was confirmed for the requester's location at the time of the discussion.
- The payload calculations depend on achieving proper balance, which requires counterweight placement knowledge.
- The discussion focuses on specific camera models from 2008 and may not reflect current equipment options.