Jump to content

CAME TV vs Steadicam Pilot


Kukurio

Recommended Posts

Hello~!

 

I've been looking at some systems... about to make my first purchase.

 

I found this Came TV rig - http://www.came-tv.com/came-2515kg-load-pro-camera-steadicam-with-aluminum-case-p-91.htmlFor $1200 CAD, no tax. or $1500 with a 7inch HDMI monitor. Fairly good shape... however I found when I tried to rotate the sled it was very stiff, only giving me 1 and a half rotations when I tried... Not sure if that could be fixed with loosening screws? Seemed weird. Felt sturdy though... Also the HDMI is too large for my 7D, i'd have to find a adapter/converter cord... which would probably be cheap.

 

 

I also found a Steadicam Pilot - AA SD monitor for $1700 ... fairly good condition, however it was missing the AA battery pack, so I'd have to buy one... which go for around $350 I believe... and it was also missing the pin-key to attach the arm to the vest... the guy told me I'd have to order a new one. I hope I can get one of those pin-keys easily/cheap from steadicam.... without the battery pack I Couldn't test his Monitor.

 

The steadicam didn't feel as sturdy, but the sled rotated nicely and moved well... felt good.

 

 

Not sure what 2nd hand steadicam systems go for - not sure if I should hold out and find something better.... or if I should grab that pilot aa and try to fix it up...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderators

Kukurio;

 

First, we need a full name here, please see tim tyler about changing that.

 

Second, Pilot rigs not complete seem scary, I don't know specifics about that exact model for sale but maybe you should ask more questions? I don't know the other rig, let's see if others have input.

 

Be skeptical is my advice. Complete and no work to be additionally done is how I'd think, new options come up at intervals so think and plan. I tell ops to make an EXACT list of what's needed on one side of a paper and then what's offered on the other. This keeps ASSUMPTIONS from you missing parts they ACCIDENTALLY left off.

 

I recently did this with a shipping fee and I paid big time. The seller pulled a fast one and I was stuck with the bad bill!!! I'm still not happy on that one!!!

 

Janice

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Premium Members

Hi,

If you are able to talk with the owner, try to see if he can order the missing parts so you can try it all before you buy and have the price of the parts reflected in the sale price. I had a similar issue when I bought my first rig, a Zephyr, two clamps were broken, I told the seller that I would buy as soon as he got replacements and checked that everything is working.

I would stay away form CameTV, it's cheaper for a reason, it breaks and then you are sad you made this decision (see photo below).

 

Brb3lUzIEAA42wn.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

that Came TV rig is not worth the money. not the vest, not the sled, not the arm. I had one, and had to glue, dodder,gaffer tape al over so the sled wouldn't move when operating. and don't even try to go low mode on those.

only, "off brand" rig i have found adequate is the LAING M50,there are 2 models one of which has wiring for red power and is both 12V/24V . but only the sled feels good. it is a world of a difference to have a sled with 2" diameter.

fly safe

  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
  • 4 weeks later...
  • Premium Members

I confirm what is said for the Came TV stabilizer ! It was my first rig and I sold it 6 months later...

It's not a serious equipment. The vest is as uncomfortable as hell and made with cheap materials.

The arm, though quite robust for the price, is not very responsive... The rig does have a tool less design, but try to get dynamic balance with it...

It's ok if someone wants to experiment with a stabilizing system for the first time, but you will get tired of it very quickly.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...