Steadicam Pilot versus the Flyer

[Milena Pastreich]

Hello again.

 

I want to test this out but it would be great for your input. Does anyone know which rig I will need to rent if I will be using the following:

 

7D

lightweight mattbox

wireless follow focus unit

wireless monitor out

wireless transmitter

marshal 7" monitor

 

 

Thanks so much.

Milena

[Michael Shu]

Hello again.

 

I want to test this out but it would be great for your input. Does anyone know which rig I will need to rent if I will be using the following:

 

7D

lightweight mattbox

wireless follow focus unit

wireless monitor out

wireless transmitter

marshal 7" monitor

 

 

Thanks so much.

Milena

 

 

Hi Milena,

 

My experience with the particular camera setup you have is limited but I've flown with the Pilot and a bare 7D for some time so maybe can help you out. The 7D is barely any weight for the Pilot so I had to add a weight plate to it to have enough mass for decently smooth operation. That being said, it looks like you're pretty stacked up. If you check the weight of the camera rig, if it's 10 lbs or under then you should be good to go. If anything over then the Flyer is definitely the safest bet.

 

Have you weighed the camera setup yet?

[Brian Freesh]

Hello again.

 

I want to test this out but it would be great for your input. Does anyone know which rig I will need to rent if I will be using the following:

 

7D

lightweight mattbox

wireless follow focus unit

wireless monitor out

wireless transmitter

marshal 7" monitor

 

 

Thanks so much.

Milena

 

 

I'ma broken record: Weigh it all. Any rig that can take at least that amount of weight will work just fine. :)

[Dave Gish]

Hello again.

 

I want to test this out but it would be great for your input. Does anyone know which rig I will need to rent if I will be using the following:

 

7D

lightweight mattbox

wireless follow focus unit

wireless monitor out

wireless transmitter

marshal 7" monitor

 

 

Thanks so much.

Milena

 

First, I would use 8 pounds as max working weight for the Pilot. You'll want to add a pound of screw-on weights on the bottom for stability, and the Pilot's battery pack isn't included in the 10 pound limit.

 

Beyond that, I would agree with Brian - you should weigh everything. For $40, you can get a good scale from the post office:

https://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10052&productId=10001609&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=10000002&top_category=10000002&categoryId=10000022&top=&currentPage=0&sort=&viewAll=N&rn=CategoriesDisplay&WT.ac=10001609

 

And be sure to include everything. For example, you don't mention rails or filters in your list.

 

Also, make sure you don't add things that are unnecessary. For example, why do you need to fly a separate marshal 7" monitor on steadicam? The Pilot and Flyer both have their own separate monitor on the bottom.

 

In addition, you may want to investigate ways to lighten the load. For example, lightweight rods can be expensive, but they're much less than the difference between the Pilot and Flyer.

[RobVanGelder]

Just used the Pilot with 7D/5D and a Bartech FF, it almost maxed out with the HDMI monitor.

The arm is not capable of much more, a mattebox and filters is probably the most

[James Davis]

Without even weighing it, I can tell you that you will either be at the limit, or over it with that amount of kit, flyer with a weight plate (if needed) would be a lot better, I would always recommend the flyer anyway as the gimbal + arm are far superior, can't remember what a pilot vest is like though.

 

If you are thinking of mounting a second monitor for the focus pullers benefit, I suggest putting the money into a good set of zeiss compact primes so your focus puller/AC can take nice and accurate focus marks, and enjoy a lens with a bit more throw as opposed to using a modified stills lens, most would sooner prefer this to still lenses with a separate monitor.

Also if you are looking for a lightweight matt box for use with the 7D or any SLR I highly recommend the Genus matte box.

 

Regards

 

James

[Milena Pastreich]

Thanks for all the advice!

I finally found a rental house with all the appropriate gear.. I'll let you all know the outcome.

Best, Milena