2011Steadi-Newbies forum
Choosing an entry-level Steadicam rig for a young production company owner
15 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Purchasing off-brand or knock-off stabilizer models results in poor resale value and should be avoided in favor of established brands like Tiffen, Glidecam, or Sachtler.
- A used original aluminum-post Flyer can be found in the 4000-4500 dollar range with a 15-pound camera capacity, while a used second-generation carbon-post Flyer LE costs 5000-6000 dollars with a 19-pound capacity.
- Taking a two-day Steadicam workshop is more valuable than immediately purchasing equipment and helps operators understand their actual needs before making significant investments.
- Entry-level rigs become obsolete quickly as operators gain experience, so eventual resale losses are likely regardless of initial purchase choice.
- For production companies that use Steadicam infrequently, hiring experienced operators for specific projects is often more cost-effective than owning equipment.
- Branded stabilizers hold their resale value significantly better than generic camera equipment like digital bodies.
- The Pilot model has a 10-pound camera weight limit which constrains its usefulness for heavier cameras like a RED.
Depends on
- The discussion centers on 2011 equipment pricing and availability, which may not reflect current market conditions.
- Specific operator recommendations and availability in particular regions may have changed since the thread was posted.
- The young person's actual budget constraints and final purchasing decision are not definitively stated in the thread.