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how to begin


Jacob sack

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I am 17 and was recently introduced the world of steadicam by a friend who is a director. Now I know that I want to be a steadicam operator I don't really know where to start, I already own a manual hand held stabiliser and have been looking into rigs but they are expensive. Would it be worth my money to buy a rig like the Came-TV

 

( https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Steadicam-CAME-TV-Pro-Carbon-Steadicam/323419906905hash=item4b4d542359:g:fuwAAOSwq-9bfXfr )

 

or is it worth saving for a legit steadicam rig?

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  • 2 weeks later...

Welcome! I'm super new to steadicam as well and also wished I started at your age. Save up for a legit rig, its worth it. Take the steadicam workshops and lessons. Then practice, practice, practice! I bought my first rig, Aero 30 recently and very happy I didn't buy a knock off, I've already had to get it checked out by Tiffen and their customer service is wonderful. There are many good used options on the forum and facebook groups.

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • 5 months later...

Jacob, what did you finally do, and how is it working out for you?

For the next potential operator who reads this thread:

FIRST, before you spend a PENNY on equipment, get some practice, either at a workshop, using someone's rig, or even RENTING one for a test drive. Until you have spent some time working with it, you really don't know that you want to go beyond that one experience. 

THEN, if this still sings to you, DON'T BUY JUNK.  There are good used rigs available at reasonable prices.  Spread the word that you're looking for something to start with, and check the ads daily, including craigslist and ebay.  You may find a part here and a part there at good prices, but DON'T buy unless they are part of the system that you have decided to build, to support the camera that you intend to fly.

For that matter, it may be better to RENT when you need a rig, while you keep your eyes open for the one that's right for you.

If you buy junk, you will end up with stuff that you can't sell, can't use, and which has taught you badly.  You will have to get rid of everything (including your "skills") and start all over.

Don't buy more rig than you think you will need in three years, unless it is close to (or below) the price of the one that you will need.  As newer models come out, you may discover that the perfect rig hits the market a year or two from today.  If you have bought a rig that's a tier or two above your actual needs, you may be too heavily invested in that platform to be able to make the move, and discover that it's slipped in value far enough that it's more cost effective to keep that instead of moving up to the one that would be best for you. 

 

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On 2/23/2019 at 6:52 PM, Keith Wood said:

Jacob, what did you finally do, and how is it working out for you?

 

Hey there. I finally did a lesson at optical support in london and I got to wear a rig for the first time and even though I'm tired I know I definitely want to be an operator. I am looking at a used zephyr to get started but I will see how things turn out. I am doing another lesson on monday and I am definitely excited, I just can't wait to put the vest on and practise more.

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