Jeff Blugrind

The display works surprisingly well in the sun.

I attended Peter's Flyer workshop in Las Vegas last month to learn the Pilot. He took time to help me adjust the Pilot vest and center post which are a bit different than the Flyer. Outside of setting up the vest and balancing, the Flyer instruction translates to the Pilot. Check out his sites... http://www.steadicamflyer.com http://www.thesteadicamworkshops.com

Would these work? http://www.mysimon.com/9015-10945_8-33775895.html http://www.travelproducts.com/store/luggage.htm

Thanks Erik: I learned how to compute watt hours today and and it all adds up. The back of the 5.8" display on the pilot says it's 9 watts and 10 AAs are about 18 watt hours, so in theory the AA option should last 2 hours. I got a bit more in my test. The IDX E-7S is 71Wh so it should in theory last 7.88 hours - just powering the 9 watt display.

I found that the ten AA batteries last about 2 hours and 20 minutes of continuous use with the 5.8" monitor. Does anyone know how long the IDX E-7S batteries last just powering the Pilot's 5.8" monitor? This is the battery that the Pilot manual recommends.

Thanks Jess. I'll order the Steadistand tomorrow.

Looks Like the Steadistand will be my choice. I was concerned about its durability. Before I order, does anyone think this is a better choice... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1497...ight_Stand.html http://www.adorama.com/AEA450.html Also, what size/weight sandbag should I get for this or the Steadistand, with the Pilot and HVX200?

I did not think about using a light stand.... hmmm. Would I need a sandbag?

I just ordered the new Steadicam Pilot which comes with everything but a stand. My camera fully loaded is only 9 lbs, the Pilot and arm are probably 10 lbs each? I don't need the burley stands that the pros use but would like something well built. The Pilot collapses into a backpack and carry all the gear. Since I do not have a cart or an assistant, the goal is to find a stand that collapses easily and is light weight. The Steadicam Steadistand is a perfect perfect example of portability, but I am looking for something a bit more rugged Your suggestions are appreciated.

I had an oppertunity to use the Pilot prototype for a week. I used it with my HVX200, shotgun mic and fisheye lens without any problem. I am new to the Steadicam world but Charles Papert and Ron Baldwin tried flying my HVX on the Pilot and made some amazing shots after they showed me how to balance it correctly. I also tried it with the shotgun mic and a 1.5lb wireless mic receiver mounted on the right side of the HVX with a metal bracket. If felt really nice with the extra weight but I did need to use the screw-on weights to balance it.