stabilizers

[Emre Tufekci s.o.a.]

The two part articulating arm is better not because of more lift, but because of more range (or larger sweet spot).

The Indian made models are junk, not worth your money. Varizoom is also bottom of the totem pole. If you intend to do serious work but are not looking to make a huge investment go for steadicam flyer. Even though it’s 6K it’s in a league of it’s own.

The flyer is entry level for steadicam and it goes up all the way to 70K. But it’s worth it.

The most important thing to remember is if you wish to be a steadicam operator, you need to take classes.

Good luck,

Emre
http://www.productionpit.com
Boxx Tech PC, dual-dual AMD 2.0,4BG ram,Avidexpress HD w/Mojo,UVW-1800,DSR-25, Adobe Premium CS3.Steadicam OP/Owner.

“Creative cow is udder madness.”

[Clyde Villegas]

I have heard people saying that the Indian models are worthless. But none of them say exactly why. I would like to know why the Indian made steadicams are junk. Is it hard to balance the camera? Is the gimbal not smooth enough? Is it close to impossible to make a camera glide smoothly?

I would like to buy the most affordable stabilizer, but if someone can tell me exactly why these Indian models can’t perform (based on experience), I will not waste money on them. Thanks guys and God bless.

[Emre Tufekci s.o.a.]

A Friend of mine bought the indian version and here are the problems I noticed;

-Weak response from the arm
-Excessive vibration
-Socket block was poorly placed
-No monitor
-Incorrect gimbal angle and ratio
-Arm Pin incorrect placement (Major mistake)
-Difficult dynamic balancing
-High friction gimbal
-No lower battery mount
-Low boom range
-No arm ride control (not spring tension)
-It squeaks

This is like comparing a Kia to a BMW. But you still need to get something that will work for your clients and budget.

The best units are;
-Steadicam (10 out of 10)
-Sacthler (8 out of 10)
-Glidecam (5 out of 10)
-the rest (let me know if I missed any major manufacturers)

Again, if you intend to do steadicam; you need to go to training(my reccomendation).

Cheers,

Emre
http://www.productionpit.com
Boxx Tech PC, dual-dual AMD 2.0,4BG ram,Avidexpress HD w/Mojo,UVW-1800,DSR-25, Adobe Premium CS3.Steadicam OP/Owner.

“Creative cow is udder madness.”

[Clyde Villegas]

Are you talking of the “comfort arm” (one-piece arm) model or the “magic arm” (two-piece arm)? When was that bought? I will also browse the web for the varizoom and the glidecam.

I am also not sure if there are any training schools here in Manila, Philippines. There could be one in Cebu but that’s too far.

[Emre Tufekci s.o.a.]

Are you talking of the “comfort arm” (one-piece arm) model or the “magic arm” (two-piece arm)? When was that bought? I will also browse the web for the varizoom and the glidecam.

It was the Magic arm, bought 6 months ago

I am also not sure if there are any training schools here in Manila, Philippines. There could be one in Cebu but that’s too far.

You’re right, it might be harder to find training there.

Good luck.

Emre
http://www.productionpit.com
Boxx Tech PC, dual-dual AMD 2.0,4BG ram,Avidexpress HD w/Mojo,UVW-1800,DSR-25, Adobe Premium CS3.Gspeed ES.Steadicam OP/Owner.

“Creative cow is udder madness.”

[Clyde Villegas]

I’ve got an email message from Cine-City, the Indian company. They told me that they can assure me that I will receive a “good quality product.” I will let them know of Creative Cow so they can listen to customers and what they have to say about their products. That way, they can improve their stabilizers, make us happy, and probably increase their sales. This is one great forum!

[Steve Wargo]

[clyde v] ” This is one great forum!”

the really important thing about on-line forums is that you get all opinions, good and bad. We have a stabilizer which is now sold by Varizoom and it has worked with no problems for cams from 9 lbs to 30 lbs. It’s the dual arm type thet used to be “HollyWood Lite” and retailed for around $8 thousand when we got it, 8 or 9 years ago. I actually bought it from a friend for $2500 used.

Steve Wargo
Tempe, Arizona
It’s a dry heat!

Sony HDCAM F-900 & HDW-2000/1 deck
5 Final Cut (not quite PRO) systems
Sony HVR-M25 HDV deck
Sony EX-1 has arrived and it’s fascinating.

[Clyde Villegas]

So how’s it as compared to a competing Steadicam model?

[Steve Wargo]

It’s cheaper. I’ve never owned or operated a Steadicam so I have no real way to compare the two. i think that an actual SteadiCam has a higher level of machine work and a far better monitor.

Steve Wargo
Tempe, Arizona
It’s a dry heat!

Sony HDCAM F-900 & HDW-2000/1 deck
5 Final Cut (not quite PRO) systems
Sony HVR-M25 HDV deck
2-Sony EX-1.

[Steve Wargo]

Clyde,

I checked the VariZoom website and our stabilizer is sold as the “Black Hawk”.

Steve Wargo
Tempe, Arizona
It’s a dry heat!

Sony HDCAM F-900 & HDW-2000/1 deck
5 Final Cut (not quite PRO) systems
Sony HVR-M25 HDV deck
2-Sony EX-1.