One-man steadicam operation for doco?

[Emmanuel Dinh]

Craig, sorry I have just discovered this thread...

Anyway, I have started with a Pilot and by carefully reading The Steadicam® operator Handbook before going to a workshop. Today, although I now own an Archer2, I am still using my Pilot (upgraded with Frederic's grip : http://www.steadicamforum.com/index.php?showtopic=20614&hl=) mostly for documentary shooting. Actually, in documentary shootings I am working for, there is no money to hire a big steadicam nor for one more person, and maybe no need too, using mostly ENG type cameras.

 

So here are my thoughts based on extensive use as one-man band :

 

- the Pilot is exactly the rig you should go for : you can pack it in its bag, walk in the jungle or climb mountains if necessary, then build it in 3 minutes and you're good to go. Also, you can wear it hours long so you can go with it without carrying the stand when you are really part of a small team (my case). Moreover in documentary shooting you never know where you're going to shoot, and can not change whether conditions... So a light rig is a real asset.

For example, here are some shots I've made with my Pilot I believe I could not have done with a bigger rig :
> Climbing in a township (95°F / 75% humidity) :

> Test shot in rough terrain :

 

- considering focus, I would say it won't be an issue as long as you are using ENG-style cameras. With SONY PMW-200 (PMW-EX1/EX3) you can set once your focus, while with other cameras like Canon XF series you should take advantage of their brilliant AF. Here is an exemple using XF100 in AF mode :

I am also working for live TV (SD) at constant focus, it works pretty well (this example with my Archer2 :

). In case you are using a 5D, C300 or anything like that, of course you will have to keep the distance with your character.

My answers are certainly a little bit late (?), but I hope at least they may help somebody else ? Happy owner of an Archer2, I am still using my Pilot. Actually the Pilot is more difficult to use (balance, very light touch needed) than a bigger rig, so it is a very good training indeed.

[Kevin Cobello]

Mr. Wang you my man need to take a 5 day course in etiquette. You should never discourage someone because they ask a newbie question. You were one once.

 

Kevin