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Antoine Dorseuil

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Hi, 

I'm from france and currently in last year of cinema school, so not only I'm new to steadicam but also new to cinema in general ^^.

As you guessed I want to learn steadicam so I would like to have your opinion on my plan:

For a first rig I'm thinking about getting something ultralow budget like this.

https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwjqpfLwiJrlAhXEiNUKHeqKAmoYABAKGgJ3cw&ae=1&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESQeD2NoDhByvPgRbXshJGeoS3Rdlk7TybJAilL3tyu203lSetpv5Mzm7Kww3uyI9MZ4OuPJtbkIdK5AnXkdTXiKO4&sig=AOD64_1SZTeJEOwfkMRycuJQAAGyahJNKQ&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwitjerwiJrlAhUDhxoKHQM5BcwQwg96BAgKEBQ&adurl=https://www.proaim.be/products/flycam-galaxy-arm-vest-with-redking-video-camera-stabilizer%3Fvariant%3D22668859637841%26gclid%3DCjwKCAjwlovtBRBrEiwAG3XJ-zxiimvxEk-Zl3XSebDgY3nC6Ev_IG3aAlAhwxZ7OXzaTE-ns9Y6whoCoeIQAvD_BwE

Basically a glidecam with arm and vest around 500-600$

Actually for me it's not ultralow budget at all but I guess it is compared to steadicam budgets.

I currently work on lowbudget music videos so the cameras I'll need to fly are DSLR like the sony A7III mostly. I would take a glidecam that can fit small cinema camera setups like Devin Supertramp's one.

Is it good to get a foot into the world of steadicam and improving myself with this. Or should I just wait to be able to follow a formation and get my hands on a professionnal rig, because I wouldn't learn correctly with this ultralow budget setup.

What are you opinions and advice. I'm waiting for your kind help ^^.

 

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Hi Antoine

If you've not used a Steadicam before and are on a tight budget, you may find a better idea is to go much cheaper than the unit you've mentioned and buy a really simple stabiliser like a Yelangu S60T (or similar). These appear all the time on ebay for 50 euro or less, and most are barely used, because people give up on trying to balance them properly! Although the gimbal bearings in these aren't usually very good, they do work okay when set up, and you will learn the basic principles involved in balancing and handling a Steadicam, and getting smooth shots. While you're doing this, buy the Steadicam Operator's Handbook (again, you might find a copy secondhand) and practise the techniques described within it. You'll only be able to do this handheld, but for many music videos, you won't be doing long takes, and you'll be developing your technique.

If you make some good progress and are keen to continue with your Steadicam ambition, keep a close watch on ebay for a secondhand Pilot HD. If you're lucky, you might find one for around 600 euro, as many people who bought them have moved on to electronic gimbals to save on size, weight and bulk. A Pilot will bring you a vest, an arm and a monitor, and that will move you forward a long way in the shots you can do (and the length of the takes). A monitor is essential for many Steadicam shots, and you want this low down so you know where you are putting your feet! You'll only be able to fly cameras under 4.5kg with a Pilot, but that covers all DSLRs and most of the lighter handicam-type camcorders.

I appreciate the system you've mentioned *says* you can mount a monitor on the sled, but you will find it difficult to achieve static and dynamic balance on this kind of device if you do so. 

Hope this helps a little.

 

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  • 1 month later...
  • Premium Members

Hi Antoine

I'm currently selling my first rig (Glidecam X20), as I upgraded to another setup. Would you be interested? You can load it up to 9kg, I flew many cameras on it, including FS5, FS7, Alexa Mini and RED models...

I bought it directly from Glidecam for around 5700 Dollars, would part with it for 2500 Dollars plus shipping. I could also include a few accessories to get you started.

Maybe it's a bit overkill for you, as you mentioned you would only fly small mirrorless or DSLR cameras, but feel free to hit me up when you are interested. Or maybe you want to take a workshop first or operate a really cheap stabilizer to see if you like operating?
 

I really loved this baby and learned so much with it... I also started operating in filmschool :-)

If you want to buy a cheaper solution first, I can generally highly recommend the Glidecam products. But I don't think you necessarily need a vest and arm just for a Alpha 7s. :-)

Greetings from Switzerland
Raphi

glidecam-x-20-steadicam-komplettset.jpg

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  • 1 month later...

Raphael,

Is this unit still available? I just purchased a V25 arm but would love to upgrade my vest. I'm still new to the craft so I'm stuck with the 2 vertical pin mount for now. I've modded a V16 sled but would also love something with more versatility and a camera stage that doesn't require tools to balance the camera.

Threw in a pic of my current sled build. All the best!

Justin

 

IMG_9477.jpeg

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