Sorry for the newbie questions. I’ve tried for days to reach somebody at Steadicam for advice, and then fortunately I found this forum. I am buying a Steadicam Scout for my son. I am aware that professional operators prefer the higher-end Steadicam models, but we just don’t have room in the budget for a Zephyr . At least we came up with enough to avoid Glidecam or other cheaper options.
The camera will be a RED Scarlet-W that will weigh in at around 14lbs with: body, 5” touch screen, Brick battery, I/O expander, 2 Mini-Mags, handle, Canon lens, RTMotion Lattitude follow focus transmitter, Wooden Camera Scarlet kit, SmallHD 702 Bright 7” monitor.
I am looking at buying a Scout HD Kit that includes: Stabilizer, camera mounting chassis, centerpost w/gimbal handle, 2-stage arm, HD monitor, standard vest, V-mount plate, docking bracket, dovetail plate, 12V power cable, 3’ BNC video cable, soft case, BNC-to-RCA adapter, RCA-to-BNC adapter.
Questions:
Steadicam says the Scout will work with cameras from 5-18lbs. As a practical matter is this correct, will the Scout really handle the 14lb. Scarlet-W and be reasonable to operate? (If the answer is “No”, I’m not sure what we’ll do……….as I said, Zephyr is too costly). I see lots of “Optional accessories” listed in the Scout Manual. Are there other items I need to buy in addition to the Kit? What batteries should I buy? How many? Is the V-mount plate the correct plate? What is the best training course for my son to take? Are good video instructional courses available?
Thank you for the help.