2007Steadi-Newbies forum
Operating a Panasonic HDX900 camera on a 12V Flyer steadicam rig
19 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- A stripped-down HDX900 camera without viewfinder, matte box, or on-camera battery can be successfully flown on a standard 12V Flyer rig.
- When maxing out a Flyer with an HDX900, the arm typically floats at or slightly below horizontal and balancing is achievable without gimbal issues.
- Using lighter camera batteries like IDX Endura 10 V-mount packs instead of larger PAG batteries on the camera can help offset the total system weight.
- The Flyer vest can become uncomfortable during extended shoots with maximum payload due to pressure concentration at the lower front edge rather than load distribution across the pelvis.
- An SDX900 has also been successfully flown on a Flyer with similar stripped-down configuration.
Depends on
- The experience is limited to specific stripped-down configurations without certain accessories.
- Vest comfort issues were specific to one operator and frame and may not affect all users equally.
- The practical comfort limits of the Flyer system when at maximum capacity for long shooting days were not fully resolved.
- Some operators initially expressed doubt about whether an HDX900 could work on a Flyer, though successful attempts proved otherwise.