Hello everyone!
I have just completed the Tiffen Gold Workshop, which was amazing and learned a huge amount!
Now that I realized that this is the direction I want to take, I definetely need a steadicam, both for practicing and, hopefully, to start working and build a showreel.
Unfortunately I am still not very experienced (the workshop was my first chance to actually operate a steadicam), but I have got few ideas of what I want... which I am writing here so that you, with your experience and wisdom, you can tell me what I NEED and hopefully if some of you has something second hand which meets these "criteria" maybe we could make a deal?
I am based in London, so if someone from UK has an offer for me would be ideal, but I am absolutely opened to anyone in any country.
Therefore, I would like to build with you a list, so I can use that list to focus on buying what I actually need at this stage.
Ok, so:
SLED
- Something strong enough to support an Alexa, maybe an Archer? (I have heard many times of people who lost jobs because they couldn't use an Alexa with their steadicam)
- Tilt head
- Connectors... what conneectors do you think I should definetely have on the sled, in order to be able to operate a reasonable wide range of cameras?
- stiffening system? (but maybe it might be too much a this stage for me?)
- double-side battery plate? V-mount?
VEST
I tried few times the new Exovest at the workshop and I liked it. I know it's more of a personal choice, but if you have any suggestions about it please tell me.
ARM
I was thinking something like the G-50X? Again, please tell me your thoughts about it, if you have other arms/brands in mind.
MAINTENANCE
What should I need to keep everything clean and in perfect working conditions? Any lubrificant, cover (especially for the arm), way to clean the vest, etc..?
DOCKING STAND
I really liked the "Jerry Hill's" type of stand (the one that "clicks" when the sled is in position), I found the other ones a bit annoying to put the little pin every time you dock the Sled.
SAND BAG?
Maybe I need one or two sand bags, to put on the stand for when I practice at home?
TRANSVIDEO MONITOR (or maybe you could suggest me something else?)
- Not sure yet about the inches.
- I was thinking something with anti-reflection coating
- Flip and tilt on its CG
- Framelines and artificial horizon, something that can help me to quickly check the verticals (I know you can check for verticals on the frame, but as I still need to practice, it might be handy to have some kind of tools to help me at the beginning, what do you think?)
BATTERIES
- I was thinking 4, plus one charger... would it be enough? And what brand would you suggest?
FOLLOW FOCUS
I know everyone would go for a Preston, but what about the RT motion and AXIS1? I found them not bad I must say.
WIRELESS VIDEO TRANSMITTER
Which brand would you suggest, apart from the Teradek? Even though I know that the last generation of Teradek is much better.
BITS AND PIECES
Anything else I should consider?Tools, cables, bags, cases, screws, anything?
Sorry for this long message, but as you know, steadicam is something as beautiful as expensive! So I really want to be sure about what I need to practice effectively... and making some money out of it!
therefore I am looking forward to every suggestions that can help me to build a precise and clear list of what I am looking for.
Thank you very much for your patience, wish all of you a lovely day.