SteadiStand
6 threads in the archive
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If your camera is mid-weight, a Steadicam® Pilot is a solid place to start, since it handles something like an HVX-200 1. You get real foundational experience on it 1. Among rigs under fifteen thousand dollars, Steadicam® products clearly outperform the alternatives 2.
The questions 1
Is a Steadicam® Pilot a good budget starting point for me?2 threads · latest 2009
In short
Yes, if your camera is mid-weight, since a Pilot handles something like an HVX-200 and gets you foundational experience 1. Among rigs under fifteen thousand dollars, Steadicam® products clearly outperform the alternatives 2.
How the pros do it
- Match the camera to the rig, and count the wireless gear and accessories in your load, because they add significant weight 1.
- Don't buy a Merlin as practice for bigger rigs, because it works differently from full-size Steadicams and the training doesn't transfer directly 1.
- Stay away from cheap off-brand rigs, because poor tolerances make them hard to balance, and one that looks balanced shifts again when you rotate it 180 degrees 2.
- Mount a monitor on the bottom of the rig, so you don't have to hold the rig out in front of your body to see the display 2.
- Keep your setup consistent, because with the same camera, sled post height and accessories a Steadicam® rig balances dynamically in about 5 to 10 minutes 2.
- Plan for resale and travel, since a Pilot holds its resale value and can lead to a Flyer or Archer2 1, but the backpack is big and won't fit in aircraft overhead storage 1.
Don't push the arm past its rated weight, even if the arm tests above spec by a few pounds, because you risk damaging the gimbal in regular use 1.
Sources 2
What operators found
- The Merlin 2 typically requires frequent horizontal axis trimming, especially after being physically moved or set down and picked up again2013 Steadi-Newbies
- The Merlin arm and vest system comes with a backpack for transport as standard equipment2010 Steadi-Newbies
- The Flyer LE features a carbon fiber telescoping center post while the standard Flyer uses an aluminum fixed-length post, allowing the LE to support greater payload weight.2010 Steadi-Newbies
- Entry-level stabilization rigs like the Pilot can handle mid-weight cameras such as the HVX-200 effectively for gaining foundational experience.2009 Steadi-Newbies
- Budget stabilizer rigs from manufacturers outside established equipment makers often have poor tolerance specifications and inferior components that make consistent balancing difficult2009 Steadi-Newbies
- The Tiffen SteadiSTAND is suitable for supporting a Pilot with less total weight than typical professional Steadicam setups.2007 Cases/Carts/Stands and Transport
All threads
- 2013Frequency and necessity of horizontal axis trimming adjustments on a Merlin stabilizerSteadi-Newbies
- 2010Steadicam Merlin package contents and weight support requirementsSteadi-Newbies
- 2010Differences between Steadicam Flyer and Flyer LE models and weight capacity considerationsSteadi-Newbies
- 2009Selecting a starter steadicam rig on a limited budget with weight and camera compatibility considerationsSteadi-Newbies
- 2009Comparison between budget stabilizer rigs and professional Steadicam Pilot for wedding videographySteadi-Newbies
- 2007Stand options for a Steadicam Pilot system with lightweight camera rigCases/Carts/Stands and Transport