Advise please on buying a new rig

[Dan Martland]

Hi there,

Im all pretty new to this, and have never owned my own rig.

 

Im currently in the market to but my first rig.

 

The camera i use at work is pretty heavy (approx 19lbs) so i need an arm which will take this weight. So i know the steadicam flyer isnt up to it, so i need to take a step upwards.

 

I was quite happy settling for a second hand rig but there arent too many about.

 

Option 1:

Ive seen the Steadicam Sk2 for $7000 approx. I think its an old system but i think it might be a good starting kit.

 

Option 2: Can i say it.... The glidecam v25. This i can get for $9000.

 

Is it best to stick with steadicam or is the glidecam a better option? On paper the glidecam wins as it can take up to 25lbs and come with the switchable monitor 4:3/16:9 etc etc.

 

I just dont know what to do?

I have the cash and am desperate and have been for a long while, to get into stedicam operating. Just dont know what to do!

[Rob Vuona SOC]

Hi there,

Im all pretty new to this, and have never owned my own rig.

 

Im currently in the market to but my first rig.

 

The camera i use at work is pretty heavy (approx 19lbs) so i need an arm which will take this weight. So i know the steadicam flyer isnt up to it, so i need to take a step upwards.

 

I was quite happy settling for a second hand rig but there arent too many about.

 

Option 1:

Ive seen the Steadicam Sk2 for $7000 approx. I think its an old system but i think it might be a good starting kit.

 

Option 2: Can i say it.... The glidecam v25. This i can get for $9000.

 

Is it best to stick with steadicam or is the glidecam a better option? On paper the glidecam wins as it can take up to 25lbs and come with the switchable monitor 4:3/16:9 etc etc.

 

I just dont know what to do?

I have the cash and am desperate and have been for a long while, to get into stedicam operating. Just dont know what to do!

Hey Dan,

 

we use our real names on this forum, but to answer your question . . . .

 

This question must have been asked dozens of times on this forum and there is no real correct answer for you, it basically comes down to your use and needs and then budget I guess.

 

There's lots of options for you and it sounds like a second hand rig would be best. The SK is a great rig but just limited to a single elbow arm and limited upgrades, as for the Glidecam, I can't say haven't flown one but, the flyer may still be the better rig for you. you may want to try to fly your camera with the Flyer to see if the arm will fly it. Is it an ENG camera your flying or a film camera or a multicamera, tethered cam . . .all of these things play into which rig will benefit you in the long run.

 

Hope this helps

[Dan Martland]

Hi there,

Im all pretty new to this, and have never owned my own rig.

 

Im currently in the market to but my first rig.

 

The camera i use at work is pretty heavy (approx 19lbs) so i need an arm which will take this weight. So i know the steadicam flyer isnt up to it, so i need to take a step upwards.

 

I was quite happy settling for a second hand rig but there arent too many about.

 

Option 1:

Ive seen the Steadicam Sk2 for $7000 approx. I think its an old system but i think it might be a good starting kit.

 

Option 2: Can i say it.... The glidecam v25. This i can get for $9000.

 

Is it best to stick with steadicam or is the glidecam a better option? On paper the glidecam wins as it can take up to 25lbs and come with the switchable monitor 4:3/16:9 etc etc.

 

I just dont know what to do?

I have the cash and am desperate and have been for a long while, to get into stedicam operating. Just dont know what to do!

Hey Dan,

 

we use our real names on this forum, but to answer your question . . . .

 

This question must have been asked dozens of times on this forum and there is no real correct answer for you, it basically comes down to your use and needs and then budget I guess.

 

There's lots of options for you and it sounds like a second hand rig would be best. The SK is a great rig but just limited to a single elbow arm and limited upgrades, as for the Glidecam, I can't say haven't flown one but, the flyer may still be the better rig for you. you may want to try to fly your camera with the Flyer to see if the arm will fly it. Is it an ENG camera your flying or a film camera or a multicamera, tethered cam . . .all of these things play into which rig will benefit you in the long run.

 

Hope this helps

 

 

Hi Rob,

Thanks for getting back to me with your advice. Yes it is an ENG camera. I think i might be pushing things alittle too much with a flyer as i have loads of essentials on my camera adding to the weight. IE, 2 radio mic packs, top light etc.

In terms of weight, and budget, i think a new glidecam seems to be the way for me.

I just didnt want to go down the route of buying a fake steadicam, and regreting it later. Im sure they both do the same job. But theres something about having the original.

Dan

 

dan@dantv.co.uk

www.dantv.co.uk

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

Dan,

 

Yes, please USE YOUR REAL NAME as a display name (you can change it under "My Controls").

 

Also, I moved your topic to a more appropriate location. Please do search the archives as much has been written about this topic.

 

Thanks,

[max volokh]

Once I use Glidecam -it was night horror 8-(

I own a Steadicam SK2 now. You could make a light weight plate for you Sony camera (the original - is over 2 lb)

It is enough to fly Sony DigitalBetacam 790 (no battery), lightweight receiver (or 2), small video sender 2.4, HD Zoom or lightweight zoom & M-one motor

w Bartech

There is a good beginner rig, compact and useful

The other side is single elbow arm, difficult to upgrade

Now i thinking of buying Actioncam Zero-G

Looks better then Glidecam

 

my two cents

fly safe 8-)

[chris fawcett]

Hi,

 

Remember to weigh your camera without battery, as you will be powering it from the rig. You won't need the viewfinder either. If you use a matte box, buy a clip-on version such as made by Vocas.

 

You might be well within the Flyer limit. Do a search on the forum about this; there's a lot of information out there.

 

Chris

[Dan Martland]

Hi,

 

Remember to weigh your camera without battery, as you will be powering it from the rig. You won't need the viewfinder either. If you use a matte box, buy a clip-on version such as made by Vocas.

 

You might be well within the Flyer limit. Do a search on the forum about this; there's a lot of information out there.

 

Chris

 

 

 

Thanks for all of your advice. Ive been in touch with Glidecam and its gonna take upto 45 days for dilevery. Ouch!

Has anyone seen this rig on ebay, its a little damaged but does anyone think its a good deal?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...rksid=p3907.m29

 

Thanks

[Erwin Landau]

Try to get the serial numbers from the seller and check with Tiffen, they should have a service history on file. Keep in mind that this unit is not upgradeable (exempt for the Vest connection that can be changed to the Standard socket block). You get what you see...

Dave Bittner would be a great guy to talk to about it as he owned one and took it apart himself a couple of times... he is a member on this forum. Or any current or past user for that matter.

 

 

Good Luck,

 

 

Erwin

[Dan Martland]

Try to get the serial numbers from the seller and check with Tiffen, they should have a service history on file. Keep in mind that this unit is not upgradeable (exempt for the Vest connection that can be changed to the Standard socket block). You get what you see...

Dave Bittner would be a great guy to talk to about it as he owned one and took it apart himself a couple of times... he is a member on this forum. Or any current or past user for that matter.

 

 

Good Luck,

 

 

Erwin

 

 

Many thanks for the advise.

I think i might just wait it out and buy the glidecam v25. Something quite nice about buying brand new. I know its not a true steadicam but it might be a good starting piece.