Steadi Newbies

[Aldrian]

Hello

 

I'm new here in the forum and also new on steadicam.

 

I've been noticing that the office I'm working with currently has a steadicam and I'm thinking to learn it.

I think it's Zephyr and it's with its standard configuration (The sled, arm, and vest with one battery mount)

 

Would it be possible if I learn it with a P2 202 or perhaps would it be better if I try with a P2 502?

Since I've read in the manual a Zephyr is to hold from 4kg to 10kg but when I visit the forum quite a number of people use Zephyr with Arri Alexa.

Thank you for your help, and nice to meet you guys!

 

 

Aldrian

[Lars Erik]

Hi Aldrian,

 

welcome to the forum. The Zephyr is for light to medium cameras. However, even though you can fly an Alexa on it, the camera would be very stripped down, and not a good example of how the real shooting world functions. I use Alexa a lot, and have seldom gotten it under 15 kilos.

 

Your camera needs to be heavy enough to balance the rig properly.

 

Since you're saying you want to learn it, I assume your knowledge of Steadicam is limited.

 

So I have copied a video from YT that basically explains how to balance the Zephyr.

 

 

Good luck.

[Victor Lazaro]

Hi Aldrian,

Welcome to the world of Steadicam.

If you want to use the 202, I would recommend getting a weight plate to put under the camera since the Zephyr works better on the upper weight range. You can get a plate from Janice Arthur here on the forum. A 502 will work without a weight plate.

 

If you have never used a steadicam before, I would recommend you do those 3 things:

1- Buy and read the Steadicam Operator's Handbook http://www.amazon.com/Steadicam%C2%AE-Operators-Handbook-Jerry-Holway/dp/024082380X You will find the answers to all the basic questions about Steadicam.

2- Buy and watch the EDP training DVD http://www.ebay.com/itm/STEADICAM-EFP-TRAINING-DVD-WORKSHOP-STEADYCAM-GLIDECAM-/271007608431 It is old (SD, originally on a VHS) but what they say is still true today for any Steadicam. You will get to see some of the best operators teaching you a proper posture to avoid learning bad posture and hurting yourself when operating.

3- Take a Workshop. This is the most important part, it might be the hardest to do, but I personally took two workshops (a 2 days Tiffen workshop, and the week long SOA workshop). Instructors (who are also great operators themselves) will get to correct your operating, you will be introduced to various tools, Steadicam models, and vehicles, along with discussing the aesthetic of framing with the device and how to translate emotions through a lens. I see you are in Indonesia, we had two student who traveled from Malaysia coming to Pennsylvania for the SOA workshop and they went home happy of their trip. Believe me, if you are serious about Steadicam, a workshop is very important.

[Aldrian]

Hi Aldrian,

 

welcome to the forum. The Zephyr is for light to medium cameras. However, even though you can fly an Alexa on it, the camera would be very stripped down, and not a good example of how the real shooting world functions. I use Alexa a lot, and have seldom gotten it under 15 kilos.

 

Your camera needs to be heavy enough to balance the rig properly.

 

Since you're saying you want to learn it, I assume your knowledge of Steadicam is limited.

 

So I have copied a video from YT that basically explains how to balance the Zephyr.

 

 

Good luck.

 

Hi Erik,

 

Thank you for the video! I've watched it and it gives me a better understanding of steadicam.

 

I see, so if let's say I practice myself with the P2 502 or betacam it should be fine as long as it does not pass 15kg?

 

Thanks and cheers!

 

 

Hi Aldrian,

Welcome to the world of Steadicam.

If you want to use the 202, I would recommend getting a weight plate to put under the camera since the Zephyr works better on the upper weight range. You can get a plate from Janice Arthur here on the forum. A 502 will work without a weight plate.

 

If you have never used a steadicam before, I would recommend you do those 3 things:

1- Buy and read the Steadicam Operator's Handbook http://www.amazon.com/Steadicam%C2%AE-Operators-Handbook-Jerry-Holway/dp/024082380X You will find the answers to all the basic questions about Steadicam.

2- Buy and watch the EDP training DVD http://www.ebay.com/itm/STEADICAM-EFP-TRAINING-DVD-WORKSHOP-STEADYCAM-GLIDECAM-/271007608431 It is old (SD, originally on a VHS) but what they say is still true today for any Steadicam. You will get to see some of the best operators teaching you a proper posture to avoid learning bad posture and hurting yourself when operating.

3- Take a Workshop. This is the most important part, it might be the hardest to do, but I personally took two workshops (a 2 days Tiffen workshop, and the week long SOA workshop). Instructors (who are also great operators themselves) will get to correct your operating, you will be introduced to various tools, Steadicam models, and vehicles, along with discussing the aesthetic of framing with the device and how to translate emotions through a lens. I see you are in Indonesia, we had two student who traveled from Malaysia coming to Pennsylvania for the SOA workshop and they went home happy of their trip. Believe me, if you are serious about Steadicam, a workshop is very important.

 

Hi Victor,

 

Thank you for the inputs.

 

Yeah I've found the books and I'm reading it right now.

Such a good book! It gives a total explanation about the steadicam plus the history of it. I like it!

Still a long way to go though, since I've just started reading it.

 

I'll try to find a way to find the video, since for the book I had to ordered it from an import bookstores and it cost me some money from my pocket money. Hahaha.

 

I hope I can attend the workshop someday, since it really cost me some money to get to USA and

since I'm still a really newbie in this industry I need to work my way up.

A long way to go after college but I believe it will be worth the time.

 

Thank you!

 

 

 

Anyway, thanks for your support Erik and Victor!

I will try my best learning steadicam and will seek solution when I'm stuck here in the forum.

Thanks again!

 

 

Cheers,

 

 

Aldrian

[Christopher Hedberg]

Hi Aldrian,

 

I just took the 2 day Zephyr/Pilot class in San Francisco. I was completely new to Steadicam and I'd say a class is so nice. What country are you in?

 

Chris