Chris McClain Posted January 27, 2009 Report Share Posted January 27, 2009 Okay, hello and thank you for reading and helping out. I'm new to the forum and I'm looking to buy a steadicam. Here's my question.. I don't know which to buy...I'm using an Ex-1 and It doesn't weigh a lot. Maybe 10 pounds with the battery, wide angle lens etc. Which steadicam would be the best option? The Pilot? The Flyer?? Le?? Also, being that this is the ex-1, do the steadicams require that I use some sort of downcoverter to view on the SD monitor??? Sorry, I'm a total newb here. I've just been using a glidecam 4000/smooth shooter and I'm ready for the real thing. I'd appreciate it if you'd help me out:) Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members James Elias Posted January 27, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted January 27, 2009 Hi Chris: Many people have used the ex-1 on both the Pilot and the Flyer LE. It really depends on both your needs and budget. Do you intend on upgrading to a larger camera in the future? Do you need the 24v capability? Most people over here make up their own Sony cables to get SD out of the camera... you could use the one Sony provide, but be prepared to so some taping up so it doesn't flop around too much! Not ideal, but it would do the trick. I'd give Dan Ikeda or Peter Abraham a call and have a look around the forum. I'm sure a few people on here have been in the same situation. best regards - James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Gish Posted January 28, 2009 Report Share Posted January 28, 2009 Hi Chris, I would recommend the Pilot. I've used the Pilot with the EX1, EX3, V1U, and my HVX200. The EX1 and BP-U30 battery weigh around 6 pounds. The Pilot will lift up to 10 pounds. On the EX1 and many other Sony cameras, analog composite SD only comes out on the mini-D break-out cable, so you'll probably want to make a custom cable for this, otherwise you'll have 6 feet of cable cable wrapped up on top. There's a good thread on that with pictures here: http://www.steadicamforum.com/index.php?showtopic=8874 Assuming you go for the Pilot, the next question is what battery option. The most popular choices include the Pilot-VLB and the Pilot-AA. The VLB costs $4000 and includes 2 IDX pro batteries and a charger. The Pilot-AA costs $3600 and includes no batteries. To complete the AA, you'll need to spend another $150 - $200 on AA rechargable batteries and fast chargers. If you want to power the EX1 and the Steadicam from one 14.4v battery, then get the VLB. If you wnat to use the EX1's battery on the steadicam, then I would suggest the AA. More battery info here: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/stabilizers-ste...attery-mod.html Good Pilot links: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2shQVbvVwQ http://www.dvinfo.net/articles/camsupport/...dicampilot1.php http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/stabilizers-ste...-started-q.html DVinfo.net has a lot of user info and tips on the Pilot: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/stabilizers-steadicam-etc/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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