olly law

Thanks Charles, Sorry, I couldn't find my original post, so posted a new thread. Thanks for directing me to DVinfo, you're right, a lot of small parts breaking seems to be the main issues with the flycam 6000. I think I will have to invest in a Pilot - although I definitely cannot afford to buy new. Do you know a good place where I can buy 2nd hand steadicams? Bearing in mind that I am in England. Thanks

Hi, I am seriously thinking of buying a Sony EX1 and need to find a affordable steadicam for it. The Magic Arm and Flycam 6000 seems to offer the perfect solution - with a tripod as well - all for a mere $1000 - although I'm always a little skeptical of anything that has 'magic' in the title). Costs are starting to pile up , even without considering a tripod, extra battery, SxS cards (or SDHC equivalent). This seems like a wise choice as it includes a tripod and allows Camera weighing up to 15lbs. Has anyone had any experience of using this steadicam? The others I have looked at are the Merlin Pilot, but they are too expensive and the Merlin army and vest would not suitable as the EX1 weights a fair bit. Again the Glidecam 4000 is also far to expensive. It will mostly be used for filming weddings, but some corporate filming too. Thanks

I am seriously considering buying a EX1 - although I need to check that it is going to be versatile when using it with a steadicam. I am new to the world of steadicams, but from what I have gathered so far, balance and weighting are really important. I was discouraged from the FX1, because after adding a battery and light, it would be too heavy for the Merlin Arm/vest. Plus it's HDV and a pain compared to DVCAM apparently. Does anyone have any experience of using the EX1 with the merlin? Or maybe there is another affordable steadicam option you know of I should be looking at? For info; the camera will be used mostly for filming wedding and some corporate video - the final out put of which must be able to be played on non-HD TV's - additionally, it will be exported for web - I am a little concerned as one review (http://provideocoalition.com/index.php/awilt/story/review_sony_pmw_ex1_1_2_3_cmos_hd_camcorder/ ) stated that the EX1 is...awkward to handhold, some controls are hard to use, and it lacks SD recording, but its excellent pictures, comprehensive image tweaks, and pin-sharp LCD make it a compelling HD camcorder...I would need the output to be displayed on both HD TV and Standard Definition TV - would this still allow this? If indeed these are problems to be seriously considered, then what would be the next best option, i.e. good in low light, minimal drop outs etc.