2004Steadi-Newbies forum
Career path and equipment choices for starting as a steadicam operator with DV cameras
22 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Work with DV-class cameras as a steadicam specialist is limited; most DV stabilization jobs go to generalist cameramen or DPs who added the skill rather than dedicated steadicam operators.
- Taking a formal steadicam course is valuable because it helps clarify equipment and business decisions that newcomers otherwise struggle with alone.
- Prior hands-on experience with a stabilizer rig before formal training makes the course content more meaningful and easier to retain.
- The Tiffen Flyer stabilizer offers superior arm design compared to other stabilizers in its class for the camera range being considered.
- Breaking into steadicam work requires several years of dedicated practice and hard work beyond initial training, not a quick path.
- The film and video industry does not strongly differentiate between stabilizer brands when hiring, though equipment choice should match the cameras and work available in your market.
- Steadicam operators tend to share knowledge freely because poor operator performance discourages directors and producers from using stabilizers on future projects.
Depends on
- Discussion from 2004; equipment models and industry conditions may have changed significantly.
- Advice addresses DV and Mini-DV era cameras; applicability to modern digital cinematography unclear.
- No consensus on whether to start with lightweight affordable rigs versus renting professional equipment first.
- Glidecam versus Steadicam brand preference not definitively resolved in thread.
- Career viability for DV-class steadicam work is presented as limited but not completely impossible.
- Advice assumes prior experience as a general cameraman; path for complete newcomers not fully addressed.