Thanks to all for the feedback, it is greatly appreciated.
For the most part I am the sole member of the crew, so lightweight and easy setup are two important features. In reality I know I will never move to a Pro or Big Time situation, for me this is closer to an expensive hobby that pays for itself. I'm actually a studio engineer and music editor by trade. Over the years I've always had some type of camera in the studio, and many musicians I have worked with started to call me to shoot when they went on tour, I guess they just felt comfortable around me, and thus my current situation was born.
My goals are...
With lots of practice (maybe a workshop if I can swing it) I'd like to achieve a fluid walk-and-talk, maybe a few "cool" shots from time to time.
Also I am looking for better support from a health stand point. Working on my own I wind up with a camera on my shoulder for as long as the tape and batteries last. I believe that even when factoring the added weight of a steadicam the distribution of that weight will be better in the long run.
Peter -
You bring up some great points on the mini. When I started my search for info I somewhat glossed over the mini as an option due to the weight limit. Since whatever sound I get into the camera is the sound we use, I tend to have a couple of wireless receives velcroed to my XL-1, along with a shotgun. Sometimes I even wind up with a light in the shoe. All this can put me right near the top rating for the mini. I was concerned that steadicams where rated like everything else in the world... how often do you really see the MPG your car was rated at? or Have you ever tried to run software on a computer that just met the minimum requirement? Based on your (and the others) suggestion I will definitely give the mini serious consideration, I've waited this long to get a steadicam, and I'm in no rush to make the wrong choice.
Hopefully I'll be able to make NAB fit into this year's schedule so I can take a better look at my options.
Once again, thanks to all for the feedback.
