Help in deciding what system to buy

[Mihai Nicolau]

Hello,

 

New to the Steadicam world. Based on my budget I narrowed my search to 2 models. The glidecam x-10 paired with the HD4000 sled and the Varizoom prolite http://www.varizoom.com/product.aspx?productID=VZPROLITE&category=Vest/Arm%20Supported%20Stabilizers .

 

Which one would you recommend. The only thing that the Varizoom doesn't seem to have (from my limited perspective on the tools of the trade) is the adjustment between the vest and the arm. It has it only on the more expensive models. I don't know if this is such a big feature to have.

 

I plan on using it with a sont fs100 camera and maybe a Red Epic of course stripped to the minimum (brain and sidehandle for battery and of course lens).

 

Also the Varizoom come with a monitor included albeit an SD one. Would you recommend an HD monitor or does an SD one do the job ?

 

So what about the design, construction of the components of these 2 systems ? The Glidecam is a bit more expensive but i'm willing to pay that little extra for the better system, if indeed it is better.

 

Thanks,

Mihai

[Thomas K. Jensen]

I would not buy any of the two rigs. Save up some money and buy a Tiffen rig (Pilot or Scout) Or the Zephyr is even better as you can handle more cams.Another advantage is that when you decide to upgrade, you get alot more for the used Steadicam, than you will for a non steadicam brand.

 

[Eric Fletcher S.O.C.]

Hello,

 

New to the Steadicam world. Based on my budget I narrowed my search to 2 models. The glidecam x-10 paired with the HD4000 sled and the Varizoom prolite http://www.varizoom.com/product.aspx?productID=VZPROLITE&category=Vest/Arm%20Supported%20Stabilizers .

 

Which one would you recommend. The only thing that the Varizoom doesn't seem to have (from my limited perspective on the tools of the trade) is the adjustment between the vest and the arm. It has it only on the more expensive models. I don't know if this is such a big feature to have.

 

I plan on using it with a sont fs100 camera and maybe a Red Epic of course stripped to the minimum (brain and sidehandle for battery and of course lens).

 

Also the Varizoom come with a monitor included albeit an SD one. Would you recommend an HD monitor or does an SD one do the job ?

 

So what about the design, construction of the components of these 2 systems ? The Glidecam is a bit more expensive but i'm willing to pay that little extra for the better system, if indeed it is better.

 

Thanks,

Mihai

 

 

Look for something used, both of those rigs are garbage

[Nicholas Davidoff]

If you're planning to be a professional steadicam operator, you need a rig that handle at least a 20 pound camera. Anything less than that, in my opinion is a child's toy. I don't know your particular market, but in the U.S., you can't show up on a set and tell the DP your rig only takes a "stripped down" Epic. Even an Epic will require a lens, matte box, filters, preston motors and MDR, usually a cinetape, time code box, maybe some other stuff and all the brackets and cables to go with it. Save up the proper capital for this business investment. Otherwise you're stuck with a rig that's only good for practicing and maybe an occasional freebie or amateur video.

[Wolfgang Troescher]

Saving money can be expensive. I bought a cheap Glidecam product first, but it isn't worth the money.

[Mihai Nicolau]

Ok so let me put it this way. I won't be paying for the stabilizer a director friend of mine will. He wants to up the quality of his productions (mostly low budget stuff, with the ocasinally music video or short film now and then) and he thought about buying a stabilizer. He came to me with these 2 options after surfing the net for some cheap alternatives and I said i'll look into it.

I'd love operating a steadicam but telling him he will have to shed the additional 500-600$ because all the others are crap won't cut it. So if you could just give me a little more thorough explanation on what to expect with each product it would be great. I don't even know what to ask you, as i've said i'm a total beginner in this field.

 

So I guess this will be it then http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/494658-REG/Steadicam_PILOT_VL_Pilot_VL_Camera_Stablization_System.html . I chose the v-lock mount because I have some switronix batts laying around in good shape that I could use. Are there any other additional or hidden costs or is that a complete kit with all that I need to start operating (aside from a wireless FF of course) ?

 

many thanks.

[Janice Arthur]

Ok so let me put it this way. I won't be paying for the stabilizer a director friend of mine will. He wants to up the quality of his productions (mostly low budget stuff, with the ocasinally music video or short film now and then) and he thought about buying a stabilizer. He came to me with these 2 options after surfing the net for some cheap alternatives and I said i'll look into it.

I'd love operating a steadicam but telling him he will have to shed the additional 500-600$ because all the others are crap won't cut it. So if you could just give me a little more thorough explanation on what to expect with each product it would be great. I don't even know what to ask you, as i've said i'm a total beginner in this field.

 

So I guess this will be it then http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/494658-REG/Steadicam_PILOT_VL_Pilot_VL_Camera_Stablization_System.html . I chose the v-lock mount because I have some switronix batts laying around in good shape that I could use. Are there any other additional or hidden costs or is that a complete kit with all that I need to start operating (aside from a wireless FF of course) ?

 

many thanks.

 

M

 

We all see this question a lot.

 

Take the money the director gives u then u put inthe

Difference and just buy a pilot from tiffen.

 

Youll solve your issues and it will be good gear.

 

As for more details as to the differences in the rigs u have sited

You have to do that research yourself. We've given u a helping hand

Now the rest of the work is up to u. Good luck

 

(you have the rest of the Internet to do the research including calling the companies and asking them)

 

Ja.

[Thomas K. Jensen]

I wish I had asked the forum before I just jumped in and bought a low budget rig - but I didn't.

So this is why you want to buy a solid rig, that is tested and professionals use all the time.

 

Well, the Tiffen rigs are great quality (there are other brands that are even better, but not in the under 10k segment)

 

1.

When you are adjusting the balance, the tiffen rigs holds the position when locked down.

The low budget rig I had, would shift when I locked it down, so it was impossible to get it into static balance.

You should be more than lucky to get it near.

 

2.

The Tiffen vest is much better quality, so you can use it for longer periods, without it rotating out of position all the time...

 

3.

Tiffen Arm is Iso elastic, and it performs nearly as the big arms

 

4.

The wirering is professional, with real professional connectors.

 

5.

The build is just much better...

 

I really hope that you take the advise your'e given.

If you buy low budget gear, you will waste your money and in a short while you will end up selling it again and upgrading. I know i did and lost the money I spend :(

[Mihai Nicolau]

thank you for the additional info. My mind was pretty made up from the first couple of posts. I'll go with the Pilot.