Hello fine steadicam folks.
I'm a long-time lurker, first time poster here. Have been flying a glidecam X-10 for the last 4 years and am really itching to make the jump to a proper rig. Used Zephyrs are high on my radar.
But as I get closer to buying a rig, I began wondering if handheld stabilizers are becoming a serious competition to steadicam ops. I'm well aware of all the benefits steadicam offers compared to electronic gimbals (zero-latency mechanical input versus motors, no issues with translation from body movement, heavier payloads achievable); however, I wonder if producers understand these benefits?
It used to be that green steadicam ops could cut their teeth on low-budget indies to learn and start paying off their rig investment. Do you think these days are dying as low-budget indies are more inclined to rent a MOVI or Ronin opposed to paying an op? Have you seen a decline in steadicam hire in your region, losing jobs to gimbals? Anybody diversifying and purchasing electronic gimbals to adapt to the market?
I love operating steadicam, and am really itching to buy a rig, schedule a workshop and refine my skills. However, I unfortunately need to be realistic about the state of the market. Any advice on this manner is greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Patrick Kaplin
Director of Photography
CANADA: +1.613.701.4667
www.patrickkaplin.com
