Steadicam Pilot Ok for newbies?

[Ruben J Silva]

Hello

 

Im a college student and Im about to graduate this summer with a BA on Media Communications. I've been interested in being a steadicam op for a little while.( Since I met Tim Yoder at my internship last summer) By looking at the prizes and comments on steadicam rigs looks like the pilot is a good starting point but Im not sure.

 

I have a little experience with DSLRs, I own a Nikon D7000 right now. Also Im working at a news station here in town operating a sony cinealta xdcam hd ex3 for broadcasting. I can only afford the pilot for now but I like to know if its safe to start with the Pilot or not?

 

Im guessing that if eventually I need to get a bigger rig the pilot could be sold or just keep it for DSLR kind of stuff. I just feel like going straight into a 10K - 30K rig may not be wise.

 

Any suggestions or advise will be appreciated. By the way I just bought the

The Steadicam Operator's Handbook. And if possible I like to attend to a Workshop.

 

Thank you in advance.

 

 

[Robert Starling SOC]

Hi Ruben and welcome to the Steadicam Forum

 

Tim is a great guy and can teach you a lot; he took my two day intro workshop and two day business consult and has probably done more with it in a shorter time than anyone.

 

The Pilot is a fine little rig for getting started and learning the basics on. Due to their lightweight and less mass, small rigs can be more of a challenge than a big rig.

 

As long as you go into knowing it's a stepping stone you'll be fine. You can do a lot of shots with once again as long as you understand it has some limitations such as powering bigger cameras and attaching accessories. Buy it, learn to use it and get feel if this is something you want to pursue in a bigger way. Others here can likely give you some great advice as well.

 

Robert

[Ruben J Silva]

Thank you Mr. Robert

 

I'll try to get it touch with Tim. Yes I think I like to start with the smaller rig so that I can learn. Hopefully after finishing college this summer I can spend a lot more time trying to learn steadicam. looking forward to get more involved with the steadicam community.

[Victor Lazaro]

Hi Ruben, the pilot is a great rig for DSLR. You can also look into a used Pilot LE. Remember that beside the rig, you will need to invest in batteries, a stand and low mode bracket. Then you'll need wireless focus and video (optional at first). Don't forget to count it in your budget.

[Nelson Villamil]

HI Ruben.

 

Welcome to the Steadicam Forum

 

I agree with Robert, and my own experience, the small rigs are a great challenge, and if your learning stage, it will be a good choice.

Of course, according to YOUR business project, you'll always have a large platform reviews that will be better. More competition, more choices etc take jobs.

but you're starting, Your projects, your business, your projection and understanding in the business will be a great guide and other things.

I think you have an excellent teacher and professional, also will help.

But do not forget, a lot of practice, a lot of discipline, loyalty and ALWAYS FLY SAFETY.

 

All the best.

Edited March 16, 2014 by Nelson Villamil

[Ruben J Silva]

Oh yes, I just realized that there are a few other accessories for the rig. I've seen this at B&H Photo

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/536219-REG/Steadicam_PILOT_VLB_Pilot_VLB_Camera_Stabilization_System.html/prm/alsVwDtl

 

I haven't found a good site to look for used gear. If anybody knows of one please let know or post a link.

 

Thanks !

 

By the way this forum is very helpful.

[John Stout]

Ruben,

 

We have a Pilot rig that is in great shape that we are looking to get rid of.

 

I has vest, sled, monitor and batteries.

 

You can contact me at jstout@diakontv.com if you are interested.

 

John

[Ruben J Silva]

Thank you John!

 

Im sending you an email.

[Robert Starling SOC]

Depending on where you are at I just saw that Tiffen / Steadicam has some small rig workshops coming up this year. It's a good start to get some training for someone brand new.

 

Robert

[Mark Schlicher]

I strongly second Robert's advice. I would add that a secondhand Flyer LE is also an excellent starter rig, and it will handle configurations that are a bit heavier than the Pilot.

[Ruben J Silva]

Just a quick update.

 

I finally purchased the Steadicam Pilot VLB. I've been reading the steadicam operators manual by Jerry Holway and Laurie Hayball. I just like to thank you all for the input. Now Im going to spend quite some time learning how to use the rig.

 

Hopefully one day I can be a member of the SOA.