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Action Cam


Chris Haarhoff

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Am I calling names?????

 

I don't think so.

 

There is no disputing the massive back catalogue of quality work, and that Chris is obviously a well respected operator, but my comment was based on the statement he left, not his personality or CV.

 

I know quite a few op's who are using Actioncam gear or have done and are very happy with its quality and useability. I myself had one for a good few years.

 

If this statement had been made about Pro/MK-V/Tiffen would it have recieved a similar reply to mine?

 

I rarely post here, but visit daily. This post just stuck out to me as immature, un-researched and harsh.

 

J

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What kind of poo are we talking about here?

 

Is it horse poo? I mean to be honest horse poo isn't that bad. After all it's really just digested hay and grass. And manure is kind a of a nice word, it's made up of two words that are positive sounding "ma" and "nure!"

 

Or are we talking about rabbit poo. Rabbit poo is quite interesting as well. It's kinda cute all round and pellet-like. I've been trying for years to get this result in the bathroom to no avail. How cool would that be if you could poop pellets? I could sling-shot them at my neighbors who play music till 5 in the morning!

 

Or are we talking a slight nastier poo? My cat has Irritable Bowel Syndrome until proven otherwise by a vet. I mean it's not fun at all. Whew!

 

And then there's chicken shit...now that stuff's nasty! When somebody calls you chicken shit they aren't referring to you being afraid or anything...they are saying you are the most disgusting thing on this planet. No amount of lisagav is covering up that smell. Yes lisagav can be used to cover up some smells of poo but you must experiment.

 

so anyhow could you be more specific?

 

Josh

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Or are we talking about rabbit poo. Rabbit poo is quite interesting as well. It's kinda cute all round and pellet-like. I've been trying for years to get this result in the bathroom to no avail.....

Josh

 

I can't believe we are talking about poo on this on this forum but I feel I need to give advice to Josh to help him get the results he is looking for.

 

Josh, just eat less fiber and lots of greasy greasy pizza.

 

and to stay on topic... Is actioncam really the first and only fully modular stabilizing system? Just curious.

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Josh, you are correct about the lisagav -- one of it's few inadequacies is the covering up of poo smell. Erwin, yes I am still here getting tortured by the lack of service from CSC NY -- wait...service is their middle name!.

 

Jamie, I too have been amazed by the claims of several sled/arm/vest manufacturers, but this one pops up in an add every time I open this forum and made me giggle when I finally decided to check it out. Chris' innovations over the years have made all our operating easier, his comments/follow-ups are often tongue-in-cheek and right to the point -- I have to agree with his asessment of the photos and claims of the above add. Admittedly I haven't flown one...any in LA?

 

I'm guessing you have one and your delicate sensibilities were somehow offended. Don't be, it obviously works for you...

 

question, what the heck is this:

post-98-1221325757_thumb.jpg

 

rb

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Hi Ron,

I'm actually back to flying a Master after a Ultra and two Actioncams. I'm not overly sensitive about any of my kit to tell you the truth and I have no connection with Actioncam what so ever.. I just had a couple when starting out.

 

I, unlike you guys don't know Chris from Adam and hence the name meant nothing to me..it was purely the statement nothing more, nothing less, that got my goat..

 

Ive seen many posts on here shot down for less, but surely slandering somebody elses product without even trying it is a little off?

 

Even if Action Products proclaimed to able to make the crapist operator in the world, feature ready and compete with the best, why judge before trying, surely all of us are guilty of selling are selves as better than the next guy?

 

Anyway's there are a lot of young, budget conscious ops who frequent here who could do alot worse than an Actioncam. I think, if you look through the achive there are a number of ops who have made positive comments about its design and innovative ideas..

 

Each to there own...

 

J

 

( I do hope my kick back from Action Products kicks in soon...I can't handle the flack) :P

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I must have gotten out of bed on the wrong side the other day, but here's my beef. While the more traditional manufacturers of Steadicam and steadicam-stabilizers tend to market their products honestly while respecting the virtues of other systems, many of the second tier builders and newcomers make claims that are easily believed by young operators, new to the craft and the art of Steadicam. In short, the kids use the internet and the Steadicam forum as a resource, and are drawn to nice shiny objects. A little bit of anodizing goes a long way, but the pages of this forum are filled with the threads where products did not function as promised or service was lacking.

 

What really got me going though was the brazen claim by this manufacturer that their arm is the strongest and most reliable arm ever invented. If I were more uneducated around Steadicam I may believe this, discounting the evolution that has brought the operating community the PRO arm and the Tiffen G70 and G 50.

Unless they have access to all the stress analysis data generated when the PRO was designed or have loaded the G70 to the point of failure, they are simply campaigning for executive office.

 

I know I should hold my toungue until I have actually tried this product, but just a casual glance at their product page convinces me that they are short of their own mark.

 

As Steadicam Operators we are entitled to be very critical about what we may choose to further our craft because we stand relatively alone in a difficult business.

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I own an Actioncam. I've had the Zero G since February of this year.

 

Over all I like the rig. The machine work and craftsmanship are really good. Brian and Daryl have been good to deal with. They have been right there with the one or 2 issues that I have had.

 

The sled is strong and its very easy to setup and balance. I like the 2" post and the rubber grips are comfy.

 

The power/video distro built into the dovetail works. Brian does have a new "powerbox" coming out with different power/video distro options including hdsdi and video amp.

 

Its only a 2 section post the lower post is a smaller diameter than the top. Honestly I'd rather have it be a 3 or 4 section with posts all the same diameter. The 2 section post makes it so the sled is alittle longer than a 3 or 4 section post when closed all the way.

 

Brian also has a new monitor mount with rods that is stiff and fast. There is also a new rod system for the battery plates.

 

The vest is comfortable and I find I can move around very well in it. I've worn a Klassen Harness and used the U2 vest a number of times. I actually like the U2 vest the best. I find it allows me the best support and maneuverability. The Klassen is stiffer than the Action products vest.

 

Brian isn't trying to compete with Pro, Mk-v or tiffen. He's in the baer-bel, sachtler world.

 

His arm is built solid. Easy to maintain and has flown everything I've put on it. Its no G70 or Pro arm. It takes very little effort to boom the arm where you want it (and it has quiet the boom range). But its not the sweet iso silkiness you get with the g70. Brian does not claim to have the strongest arm ever built. He does claim to have the strongest spring arm ever built. I'm sure he's comparing it to a 3a style setup. I can tell you its a pretty bullet proof setup.

 

As far as being the first and only fully modular system. I think its really cause you can buy the base rebel unit and piece by piece build it into the zero g. Without having to discard much of anything. I know you can upgrade a MK-V and Pro pretty well also. But with Brian its different its like being able to purchase a flyer and upgrade it to an ultra2.

 

Brian has never once made me feel like he was selling me the dream of the best rig ever made. Just a system that for my budget would allow me to fly most things out there while I'm getting started. In hind sight could I have purchased a used steadicam or pro system? yeah. I do like having all new stuff with a warranty though, something warm and fuzzy in that.

 

Everyone is different and we all find our own path. I do know that this is just my starter rig and will upgrade to a u2 or comparable rig.

 

Just my 2cents, barely worth a peso.

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Brian does not claim to have the strongest arm ever built. He does claim to have the strongest spring arm ever built. I'm sure he's comparing it to a 3a style setup. I can tell you its a pretty bullet proof setup.

 

 

I'm pretty sure all arms (except one of the cheap sachtler arms) are spring arms..unless I'm missing something? So if he claims to have the strongest spring arm he is claiming to have the strongest arm.

 

Josh

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I've laid hands on an Actioncam twice in the past year, not for very long or with the most critical eye but in my opinion, it's a solid rig for the money. I give Brian credit for not simply re-inventing the wheel, he is trying some things that range from smart to whimsical but at least aren't cookie-cutter. I thought the arm was actually quite nice, in fact based on my initial impressions I'd put it right after the PRO and G series arms in terms of performance, which is impressive given the price. Of course I can't speak to reliability and service related issues.

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