2004Operating forum
Budget prioritization for beginning Steadicam EFP operators
22 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Formal operator training workshops provide more value than equipment upgrades when starting out, even compared to high-end new gear.
- A poorly fitting vest can usually be adjusted properly to fit different body types without needing replacement.
- Monitor brightness issues can often be managed with accessories like hoods rather than requiring a new monitor.
- Formal training prevents developing bad habits that would be harder to unlearn later through self-teaching.
- Observing experienced operators at work provides valuable learning opportunities in addition to formal instruction.
- EFP monitors supplied with older rigs are generally considered low quality.
Depends on
- This advice assumes commitment to Steadicam as a serious career path rather than casual use.
- The specific recommendation for a formal workshop assumes one is available and feasible given time constraints.
- Budget constraints were noted as a limiting factor in the original question.
- Discussion focused on EFP rigs specifically, which may not apply to other Steadicam configurations.