Best value for handheld support/stabilizer

[Gene Latimer]

Have any of you been exploring the realm of camcorder support mechanisms? Those gizmos attaching to the shoulder and/or belt to provide a steadier handheld shot?

If so, would appreciate knowing your perspectives on which ones seem like a worthwhile investment to use with HV20.

thanks,
Gene

[Diggadonkey]

What's your budget? The most basic support can be a simple monopod. If you want a cheap but effective "steadicam" rig try the steadytracker:
steadytracker.com - I don't own one, but have read alot of positive comments from folks who own them.

Want to spend almost as much for a steady shot as the HV20 itself, get yerself a Steadicam Merlin:
http://www.steadicam.com/handheldmerlin.html

[Pom16/10e]

I own and use a Tiffen steady stick.
Nice, but to be honest for many situations, a monopod does a better job.

The steady stick is perfect if do only do series of allmost lock shots but constantly need to change height or move (but it does no good to shoot while walking since it's attached to your hips)

It's allso very good for panning (your bust beats any fluid head on the market) !-)

[BarnOwl]

After reading this review (http://pana3ccduser.com/showthread.php?t=3378) I ordered the Manfrotto 676B Digi Monopod & 3229 Head.

It was just what I needed: lightweight, easy to drag along, stable and quick to set up. You'll be surprised to see what you can do with a monopod. The HV20 already having a very nice stabilizing system you don't need anything too complicated to achieve nice footage. Just my 2 cents.........

[crewe1000]

After reading this review (http://pana3ccduser.com/showthread.php?t=3378) I ordered the Manfrotto 676B Digi Monopod & 3229 Head.

It was just what I needed: lightweight, easy to drag along, stable and quick to set up. You'll be surprised to see what you can do with a monopod. The HV20 already having a very nice stabilizing system you don't need anything too complicated to achieve nice footage. Just my 2 cents.........


Thanks for this, its looks like just what I need.

[David Susilo]

I tried the steaditracker and I think it's a must-have. Of course Merlin is better, but far far more expensive.

[crewe1000]

I tried the steaditracker and I think it's a must-have. Of course Merlin is better, but far far more expensive.


What's the Steaditracker David?

Also, has anyone tried or got any thoughts on the monopads with legs? I suppose it sort of defeats the object as its like a mini tripod but as someone who has never used a monopod I would be interested in any voices of experience. Link below.

Cheers.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/shop/3953/Monopods.html

[hizbiz]

What's the Steaditracker David?

Also, has anyone tried or got any thoughts on the monopads with legs? I suppose it sort of defeats the object as its like a mini tripod but as someone who has never used a monopod I would be interested in any voices of experience. Link below.

Cheers.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/shop/3953/Monopods.html


I have heard a lot about Manfrotto 560B in other forums. Pro's commented it to be the best solution next to a very good tripod. I have seen footage from hv10 using this monopod and they look very stable and professional.
I am planning to get one very soon.

[David Susilo]

What's the Steaditracker David?


Here's the link to the company. Hope it helps. :hv20-smilie45:

[crewe1000]

Here's the link to the company. Hope it helps. :hv20-smilie45:


Thanks David. The link doesnt appear to have taken, can you repost please. Cheers.

[David Susilo]

Thanks David. The link doesnt appear to have taken, can you repost please. Cheers.

DOH!

http://www.steadytracker.com/

:hv20-smilie81::hv20-smilie45::hv20-smilie122::hv20-smilie29::hv20-smilie112::hv20-smilie24:

[crewe1000]

Thanks David. It sure looks interesting. I think I'll need to spend some time looking at it in more detail in comparison to the monopod.

[hizbiz]

The idea of Steadytracker seems nice. However the product just looks like a DIY stuff! It does not look polished product at all on which spending even 200$ would make me happy.
May be I would build something like that soon.

[crewe1000]

Do most of you have or are considering both a Monopod and a Tripod? Thats where my head is at the moment although the expense of a decent tripod is quite frightening!

[David Susilo]

hizbiz, I'm hopeless in DIY, so I gladly pay the $200. But yes, it looks like a DIY item.

crewe1000, I use Manfrotto 055MF3 legs (3 of them) 701RC2 heads (3 of them) and 322RC2 heads (for still photos, 3 of them too).

[hizbiz]

Do most of you have or are considering both a Monopod and a Tripod? Thats where my head is at the moment although the expense of a decent tripod is quite frightening!

I am considering both. I think I already wrote to you about tripod choice. Its a Feisol CF tripod with 701RC2 (head: David's recommendation).
About Monopod I am still not sure which one to get. But probably I would settle for Manfrotto 560B which looks really good and handles very well ( I checked it out at B&H)

[crewe1000]

Yeah I've got a little sidelined by a monopod because its something cheap I can buy now. I'm considering the Manfrotto 676B or 560b as well although not sure if I can get the latter in the UK as I cant find it.

I'm a bit reluctant to use B&H again as I had to pay £25 to UPS for taxes etc for three of my filters and I've still got the most expensive one to come. :eek: Thats nothing against B&H as I got the delivery from the USA within a couple of days which was great!

I think I prefer the 560b as I like the legs on it as well. I've intentionally tried not to spend too much time looking at the tripods as I know if I look long enough I'll buy one and I really need to economise a little:(

[Dodgy Nick]

I've just gone and ordered the "$14 Steadycam" from
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/steadycam/

for $92 (incl int delivery).

[David Susilo]

I'm a bit reluctant to use B&H again as I had to pay £25 to UPS for taxes etc for three of my filters and I've still got the most expensive one to come. :eek: Thats nothing against B&H as I got the delivery from the USA within a couple of days which was great!(

The trick to order using "UPS Express", the price already includes brokerage fees plus you'll get your item quicker too. :hv20-smilie45:

(yes, I learnt it the hard way after ordering a $10 item and pay $50 brokerage fee to UPS! :eek::hv20-smilie01: )

[crewe1000]

The trick to order using "UPS Express", the price already includes brokerage fees plus you'll get your item quicker too. :hv20-smilie45:

(yes, I learnt it the hard way after ordering a $10 item and pay $50 brokerage fee to UPS! :eek::hv20-smilie01: )

I'm still not sure what the justification for the charge was but I had to pay UPS. I've ordered small items from the USA & Canada before (normally DVD's) and never had to pay anything, but they were sent by normal parcel post.

Do you know if thats an option when you go to their checkout to use the UPS Express Service?

I've seen the B&H have the Tele Converter in stock, so I'm tempted to get that with the aforemntioned monopod......and maybe a tripod but I'm worried about getting stung again.

[David Susilo]

Maybe the option differs from one destination country to the next. Shipping option to Canada includes USPS (brokerage fee = $7), UPS (brokerage fee $50) and UPS Express (brokerage fee included). I can always choose (at the checkout) which shipping option I want. Whether the option is available for UK destination, I don't know.

Justification on the brokerage fees? Nothing, basically they want to force you to use UPS Express, that's all.

[crewe1000]

Yeah, I've just checked and the UPS Express is not an option to me.:(

[Erik Bien]

For lots of good DIY inspiration, look here:

http://homebuiltstabilizers.com/

My current preference is this thing, cheap too:

http://www.spiderbrace.com/

[laprius]

I've just gone and ordered the "$14 Steadycam" from
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/steadycam/

for $92 (incl int delivery).

I've spent the last couple of days fine tuning one I made myself...does an awesome job for about $40AUD worth of gear....just practicing with it now....course about 1/4 of the cost was buying cool matt black paint to make the galv. pipes etc look a little more "pro" lol

Thanks Johnny :)

[hdvbymark]

I just adapted my Steadicam JR to hold my HV20 with its Raynox .66 wide lens. I am also using the Sima Quick Release adapter between camera and mounting platform. I am also making use of an adapter plate originally sold to mount the Sony TRV900 on the JR.

The JR has a BW LCD monitor but I am not using that. The camera does not have a video out RCA jack to hook it up. The monitor on the camera also looks much better.

I got the rig to balance, now I just have to trim the weight an height of the camera platform for proper stabilization.

Regarding the Obie light that came with the JR, its mounting foot is too thick to go in the accessory shoe of the camera, so I am leaving that off.

[hizbiz]

I've spent the last couple of days fine tuning one I made myself...does an awesome job for about $40AUD worth of gear....just practicing with it now....course about 1/4 of the cost was buying cool matt black paint to make the galv. pipes etc look a little more "pro" lol

Thanks Johnny :)

Laprius,
Have a look at my DIY steadyrig (a mimic of steadytracker) . It's cheap and can stand by itself!

[trigger]

Has anyone tried this DIY steady rig (http://www.jasonbradbury.com/jason_bradbury/2005/11/diy_steadicam_c.html)?

It looks pretty good and I'd be willing to fork out about $60 and a couple of weeks worth of work to put it together if anyone thinks it would be worth it.

[laprius]

Hiz...I can't see a link to a place I can see this rig of yours :( Can you post it here so I can check it out...actually I might pop a pic up of mine in the next day or so...remind me someone lol

Lap

[BarnOwl]

Has anyone tried this DIY steady rig (http://www.jasonbradbury.com/jason_bradbury/2005/11/diy_steadicam_c.html)?

It looks pretty good and I'd be willing to fork out about $60 and a couple of weeks worth of work to put it together if anyone thinks it would be worth it.


Actually, that's pretty cool and you can use all components for other tasks as well.
I find my Manfrotto monopod already improves the stability a lot on this little cam. A weight on the bottom will improve it even more so.......

[hizbiz]

Hiz...I can't see a link to a place I can see this rig of yours :( Can you post it here so I can check it out...actually I might pop a pic up of mine in the next day or so...remind me someone lol

Lap

Its in a separate thread that I started here. Anyway here is the link for the post with pics.

http://www.hv20.com/showpost.php?p=5029&postcount=10

[Ten Ounce]

I went out and made my steadicam rig as well yesterday. It looks pretty good, though getting use to this thing has been quite a challenge. For those who made one, did you stick with the 2.5lb weight or did you go with something heavier? It seems that a 5lb weight would be more appropriate, but maybe I just need more practice.

[laprius]

This pic is a little big, buuut anyway...here's my beast but would a truly articulated rig of some kind. I used a 1.25Kg weight, (2.75lb) don't move much...I'll post some footage taken recently soon. Mind you just had an incident where no tripod and had to hold the thing up for 30minutes was wishing it was lighter then lol

Lap

[wfeu]

here is a new one i found from Italy:\
http://cgi.ebay.de/STEADYCAM-STEADICAM-STEADI-FOR-CANON-SONY-PANASONIC-NEW_W0QQitemZ280128631010QQihZ018QQcategoryZ15451Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[wfeu]

also if you look at that guys store he is the manufacturer and has one other model for around 50 less. I think Im going to get one!

[Ian Lim]

here is a new one i found from Italy:\
http://cgi.ebay.de/STEADYCAM-STEADICAM-STEADI-FOR-CANON-SONY-PANASONIC-NEW_W0QQitemZ280128631010QQihZ018QQcategoryZ15451Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

wfeu, that 'Steadicam Merlin look-a-like' stabilizer is very interesting.

Anyone tried this stuff before? I can't find any review about this thing. Just wondering how good it is compared to Merlin...

[wfeu]

I can not find any reviews either. From what I have gathered he is a Italian making them himself and selling on ebay. He does have some test footage links posted in his auction descriptions. The qaulity of 1 is very low but you can see the smooth motion. The other is better quality and you see him operating it in the reflection of the car window.

The cheaper/smaller one I like the handle look. It does not look dyi to me. The larger one the handle looks cool but it does look a bit a dyi to me compared to the other model.

Next week I will be ordering one and I am thinking of going with larger one because it will handle more weight should I deck out my hv20. Ill post pics when I get it.

In the past I have owned glidecams for my pd150's. I really like the steadicam merlin but dont have 800 euros to fork out for it. The steaditracker is to big for me which is one of the reason I liked this guys smaller model. But looking at him operating the bigger one in the reflection he cast in the car window the more expensive one does not look so big. I also like the monitor attachment for it.

My next thing will be to figure out a way to use the remote control with it for smooth zooming.

[wfeu]

Here is the link for his video:
http://www.yourfilehost.com/media.php?cat=video&file=CALICOCAM.wmv

and ive also attached some jpgs of the 2 models. The only reviews I find are from his ebay feedback from others who have bought them. I did not see anything negative.

[Ian Lim]

Yes, I like that Calicocam's form factor for practical reason. Can't wait for your review about this thing :) Good luck!

[Ian Lim]

wfeu, have you bought the italian stabilizer?

[Goose]

I have the glidecam 2000 pro and to be honest have found it very difficult to use. Even when it appears to be correctly balanced the gimbal appears to be too loose so I have to try and steady it with my left hand. I find that its hard to keep the system from pitching and rolling unwantedly.

[wfeu]

yes i bought one this. waiting for it to arrive still. we had the last two days holidays here so no mail. I used to have glidecams as well... I always had trouble with them as well.

[wfeu]

I bought the bigger model.

[Ian Lim]

yes i bought one this. waiting for it to arrive still. we had the last two days holidays here so no mail. I used to have glidecams as well... I always had trouble with them as well.

I have Glidecam as well, the 4000 series. Yes, it brings a lot of troubles using it.

[Tom]

I've just gone and ordered the "$14 Steadycam" from
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/steadycam/

for $92 (incl int delivery).

I just ordered this as well. :hv20-smilie70:

[thadius65]

For lots of good DIY inspiration, look here:

http://homebuiltstabilizers.com/

My current preference is this thing, cheap too:

http://www.spiderbrace.com/

Erik,

Was that the SpiderBrace Mini-Rig for the HV20?

Thanks,

Ted

[wfeu]

Just got mine today. Here are some pics. I was impressed by the quality of the pieces. His ebay photos i was not sure. Mine came with both handles. The short one and grip one. Hope to try it out this weekend.

[bluegrass]

I just ordered this as well. :hv20-smilie70:

I'm going to take a stab at building a couple this weekend with my brother's help. You can't beat the price so I thought I might run into situations where I wanted to film from to cameras at the same time. Maybe even one filming the other one in action.

[Ian Lim]

Just got mine today. Here are some pics. I was impressed by the quality of the pieces. His ebay photos i was not sure. Mine came with both handles. The short one and grip one. Hope to try it out this weekend.

Wow that looks really nice, wfeu! Can't wait for your review... Btw, which model do you buy?

[wfeu]

It was this one:

http://cgi.ebay.de/STEADICAM-STEADYCAM-WITH-MONITOR-BRACKET-FOR-ALL-CAM_W0QQitemZ280133004636QQihZ018QQcategoryZ3319QQ cmdZViewItem

The quality is very nice. But no manual so Im trying to figure it out. I emailed to see if he would make a video of setting one up like the test footage he did and Im waiting to hear back now. But Ive been looking at the photos in his ebay store to try and balance it. Ive gotten close but i think im missing something.

The base of it that the weights attach to extends like a monopod 110 cm fully out.

[wfeu]

I am getting a bit closer. I extended the telescope a bit added 3 weights to the bottom and one at the joint. Now I have been messing with the base plate head . It is still a bit off, but closer.

Im not not sure if I need so many weights, the base plate is in the best position, and if I need to telescope the bottom arm.

Here is a pic.

[XFR]

Any updates on that Italian steadicam? Or even some first footage? ;)

[CALICOCAM]

Hi, remembers that in order to obtain the best ones turns out to you, the inferior arm, to have short most possible, and closed most possible. You must work very on the position of the cam on slips fast.
I have sent you a mail with some explanations on the use of the steady.
Regards
CALICOCAM

[CALICOCAM]

Hi, remembers that in order to obtain the best ones turns out to you, the inferior arm, to have short most possible, and closed most possible. You must work very on the position of the cam on slips fast.
I have sent you a mail with some explanations on the use of the steady.
Regards
CALICOCAM

[wfeu]

Hi nice to see you on the forums ;) For the others interested here are the instructions based upon my balancing tip from Calicocam.

"Hello, excuse for the delay in the answer, unfortunately I do not have still the handbook, however I have seen the photo that you have published on the forum, the inferior arm is too much open, you close it most possible, you remove the weight from the front block, it shortens the inferior arm, and single balance through slips it, moving it on aces x and y, if not enough the movement, then uses the present holes on slips fast. The number of weights that you have mounted on the inferior arm is right. Is a lot important that the clutch on the sphere is soft, not too much hard, not too much motivatings force. I will try to help most possible in order to obtain the best ones you turns out to you. If you have need you write to me without problems, they are to your disposition.
Best Regards
Maurizio"


"I forgot, remembers that in order to obtain the best ones turns out to you, the inferior arm, to have short most possible, and closed most possible. You must work very on the position of the cam on slips fast.
Regards
Maurizio"

I should have some time to work with it in the next day or so and will post some footage. A heatwave came the past few days and we have all been hiding in the park at the beer garden!

From the footage I have seen that Maurizio shot and the quality build of the unit I am sure that once i get it balanced it will be great. It is made very well.

[Ian Lim]

Great wfeu! I'm going to wait for your calicocam shoot out, and then purchasing for sure :hv20-smilie77:

Btw, Maurizio, what is the calicocam maximum load? Thanks!

[XFR]

I also ordered a Calicocam today, the more expensive one (with lcd support) :)
Just love the looks. I'm gonna try to build a whole rails system around it and gonna try to add a removable shoulder support... Gonna be a fun job to build ;)

[bluegrass]

I went by Lowe's Sunday and picked up the parts for 2 Steadycams. The guy was pretty accurate with his cost estimate. My total came to about $34 for parts for two of them. I found the 2.5 pound weights at Sports Athority for about $1.50 each. Like I said in another post, I thought it might be cool to have two of these guys so one of my older Canon's could tape the HV20 in action using the Steadycam. Now if someone will tell me how to edit these two video tracks into something cool, I'll post a clip.

I made one nice and simple improvement over Johnny's. I had some extra pipe wrap foam, just the right diameter for the half inch pipes. I cut three to the length of the pipes and attached them to each pipe by wrapping a turn or two of electric tape at each end of the foam. It really keeps your hands clean and makes the setup feel real comfortable. I'll post a photo and soon some video. I intend to use these puppies in a couple weeks on vacation down at my cabin in the Ozarks. I thought as I walked along the spring branch from the cabin down to the river, it would make scenery clips so much more interesting to shoot as I walked.

Like an idiot, after I completed the assembly I walked all around the house seeing how steady I could hold the camera. I think these Steadycams are going to be a godsend for creating walking/talking videos of some things such as scenery. Now when I'm in my canoe on the river, I can get camera motion with the camera on a tripod by just paddlin' down the river.

[CALICOCAM]

Hello all, who the supported maximum weight from the steady has asked me, answers that with the equipment of weights standard, it supports cam until 2,6 kg, with of the weights added to you has balanced also the canon xl2 that hung 3,7 kg.
Regards
Maurizio

[Box of Chocolates]

I went by Lowe's Sunday and picked up the parts for 2 Steadycams. The guy was pretty accurate with his cost estimate. My total came to about $34 for parts for two of them. I found the 2.5 pound weights at Sports Athority for about $1.50 each. Like I said in another post, I thought it might be cool to have two of these guys so one of my older Canon's could tape the HV20 in action using the Steadycam. Now if someone will tell me how to edit these two video tracks into something cool, I'll post a clip.

I made one nice and simple improvement over Johnny's. I had some extra pipe wrap foam, just the right diameter for the half inch pipes. I cut three to the length of the pipes and attached them to each pipe by wrapping a turn or two of electric tape at each end of the foam. It really keeps your hands clean and makes the setup feel real comfortable. I'll post a photo and soon some video. I intend to use these puppies in a couple weeks on vacation down at my cabin in the Ozarks. I thought as I walked along the spring branch from the cabin down to the river, it would make scenery clips so much more interesting to shoot as I walked.

Like an idiot, after I completed the assembly I walked all around the house seeing how steady I could hold the camera. I think these Steadycams are going to be a godsend for creating walking/talking videos of some things such as scenery. Now when I'm in my canoe on the river, I can get camera motion with the camera on a tripod by just paddlin' down the river.

I made one of these myself. My cost came to about $17 (damn inflation!). I sprayed on some plasti-dip for the grip, instead of foam. This steadicam been a major help in all of my productions. However, when my friend was using it, the footage was a little shaky since he was holding it a little too close to his body. You gotta hold the thing right for it to work properly, but it really does pay off.

[mrob7]

I've just gone and ordered the "$14 Steadycam" from
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/steadycam/

for $92 (incl int delivery).I did the same. I was too lazy to buy the parts and I don't think I have all the tools. Only 53 bucks for me

[Ian Lim]

wfeu, any news on your shootout with calicocam? :hv20-smilie03:

[pascalbrown]

can someone update the situation with the calicocam because I'm super keen to buy one but want to see some hv20 footage and hear some feedback first.

Thanks

[wfeu]

XFR ordered one also. My current issue is setting up/balancing. Ill post some fotos later.

In the foto attached a good portion of that camera is off the back side of the mounting base plate.

I have the hv20 mounted perfectly alligned center like photoshop command on the base plate.

From the info I posted from calicocam to my 1st tries, I gather he told me to shorten arm angle and remove weight i put on the front arm joint.

When I removed the front weight I had balancing issues. But that is most likely due to my base plate mounting position of the hv20. If it is like the foto attached then I should have the hv20 mount to where there is more weight to the rear.

You are able to move/adjust: the position of the handgrip on the head where the baseplate camera snaps in, the position of the camera on the baseplate, where the baseplate slides into the head you can adjust the baseplate forward and backward, and the piece of the head where the base plates slides into can be adjusted left/right.

[XFR]

Well, the thing is really well built, nice quality.
I haven't had any balancing problems, had it balanced 2 minutes after I took it out of the box... everything is adjustable.
It's also pretty easy to balance it horizontally or upside-down :)
Haven't shot any footage yet, because I'm still working on building my rig/set-up...

wfeu: try to slide out the counterbalance and point it more to the ground. Google some images for steadicam or glidecam and you know what I mean...

BTW, getting a tripod tomorrow! A Miller DS10 Solo DV Carbon Fibre (http://www.millertripods.com/products.cfm?sectid=20&subsec=2020&productID=180)! Retail price is about €1400 over here, I'll get it for a little less second-hand, but almost new ;)

[wfeu]

even better could you post a few pics of yours balanced horizontally and upside-down;) ?

[Erik Bien]

Nice sticks, XFR! :hv20-smilie77:

I hope you'll post back with your impressions about the Miller, it's one I've been considering myself ...

[Ian Lim]

I've just found 'yet-another-steadicam-merlin-lookalike'. Is this any good?

http://www.dvsteady.com/en-h-190-sys-1.htm

[jshooter]

So, wfeu and XFR, after a couple of months, what's your impression? I'm receiving my hv20 next week and can't decide between merlin and calicocam. Of course, I'd love if this much-cheaper solution is in the same level as merlin one.

Thanks and regards

[marketmd]

Don't waste your time with the $14 steadicam or other diy crap. The Steadicam Merlin is a engineering miracle, and has gotten me tons of clients because it delivers impossible shots, especially for sports/difficult terrain.

[VideJo]

Made myself another stabiliser to use in crowdy situations.
On the right side you can see the remote of the cam. Only thing you can not dowith a remote,whereas a Lanc controler can, is controling your focus.
Also made a wooden stool for it.

[geckosurlemur]

can someone update the situation with the calicocam because I'm super keen to buy one but want to see some hv20 footage and hear some feedback first.

Thanks

+1


diy stabiliser ( french toutch ;) ) @ http://www.bignoz.com/

look at this one: http://www.bignoz.com/steady-brico-presentation.html :hv20-smilie45:

[jshooter]

Don't waste your time with the $14 steadicam or other diy crap. The Steadicam Merlin is a engineering miracle, and has gotten me tons of clients because it delivers impossible shots, especially for sports/difficult terrain.

I'm only interested in Calicocam vs Merlin. It will be one of these two, so I was asking wfeu and XFR

Regards!

[wfeu]

I like mine. Ive been meaning to post footage but have been swamped with jobs... We should start a Calicocam thread! If I had around 1000 euro I would of gotten the merlin. It has onboard levels and bit more adjustment and better documentation from what I can see. The calicocam is made rock solid, built well, looks good, has little to no english documentation and is 500-600 euro less than the merlin. I have no complaints with my decision to buy it.

Id like to see ZFX upside down balancing! I do much better with seeing things than reading about them.

The Callicocam guy is also a member here. He is Italian and has basic english skills. Would be great if we had some Italian members more fluent in English to talk to him/interpret his replies.

I think if he got some sort of international english manual/directions and some short setup tutorial videos he would sell alot more of these. Id also like to see levels on the more expensive model. The cheaper model has levels on it but the baseplate is not as nice as the one ZFX and I bought.

Id like see some shots of ZFX's with his monitor in it, if he has his monitor yet. I have not gotten a external monitor yet. Im not happy with the price/selection/resolution here in the EU.

[HalD]

For comparison sake here is one I found several years ago. I lost the info on who made. It was called "the Artemis" but it is not on the Schtler site.
Cheers,
Hal

[Elliott Tucker]

Any updates on that Italian steadicam? Or even some first footage? ;)


Try this http://it.youtube.com/watch?v=VrjYYRGwmKU

[Fletch78]

The Callicocam guy is also a member here. He is Italian and has basic english skills. Would be great if we had some Italian members more fluent in English to talk to him/interpret his replies.

I'm willing to do that. I'm fluent in english (I hope you don't disagree...:hv20-smilie03:) and I'm a native italian and german speaker. I've already contacted Maurizio (aka 'The Callicocam guy') and in a first step I'm going to translate all his eBay item descriptions. In change, he'll sell me his stabilizer a little bit cheaper.

But maybe we should use the new appropriate thread here (http://www.hv20.com/showthread.php?t=3369) for future discussions.

[aero]

Roughly USD 180. A "3-in-1" product.


Click on Modo Steady on this page (http://modo.manfrotto.com/).

Pics/price here (http://dvdreamtime.com.au/manfrotto-modo-steady-585-camcorder-stabiliser-p-4202.html) and here (http://www.vistek.ca/details/details.aspx?t=reviews&WebCode=234333&CategoryID=VideoTripods). It can also be ordered from B&H.

Does anyone have this, or have experience with it, or even seen it? I think it's pretty new. A Merlin would be in a whole different league I'm sure, but again, for the price, this may be more suited for less demanding users (non-professionals, or not very serious amateurs/hobbyists).

One catch I see from the specs is that it can bear a maximum of only 0.75kg / 1.7lbs. That's pretty much just the HV20 with battery. Maybe the HV20 with a mic, very light wide angle lens OR some other lightweight accessory -- only one at a time. Again, maybe suited for not very serious hobbyists, like me, so would really appreciate if anyone can give any feedback on it. :hv20-smilie03: (Of course where I am, getting my hands on one is a whole other problem...)

[notlad]

I was getting pretty excited about the Moto Steady 585 but the CNet editor who tested it with a HV20 said he saw little or no difference in shots with and without it.

Since I am not a DIYer I am back to looking at the SteadyTracker ultralite for just under two hundred bucks as my best bet.

[mrsaxman99]

For those that don't have anything for stabilization so far...just try mounting your hv20 on a nice heavy tripod, find the vertical center of gravity, and hold it from this point. You'll still have a little rotational jitter, but your vertical and horizontal stability will be MUCH improved. I got pretty darn good at walking up and down a flight of stairs with amazing steadiness. I should post some video...

[aero]

I was getting pretty excited about the Moto Steady 585 but the CNet editor who tested it with a HV20 said he saw little or no difference in shots with and without it.

Since I am not a DIYer I am back to looking at the SteadyTracker ultralite for just under two hundred bucks as my best bet.


Thanks for the heads up on this review. Found it, read it, and I'm also a bit bummed it didn't get better feedback. Although the user opinion does put it back in a good light. I guess I'll have to wait for a little more real-world user feedback.

99% of my shooting is of my son who just turned 1. So I'd appreciate a stabilizer that will allow me to shoot low, while still allowing spontaneity and more "natural" handling than, say, using one of the cheap steady systems upside down.

[sonnyboo]

I've just gone and ordered the "$14 Steadycam" from
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/steadycam/

for $92 (incl int delivery).

Now i just ordered mine too... only $55 for U.S. delivery.

[ESTEBEVERDE]

I'm willing to do that. I'm fluent in english (I hope you don't disagree...:hv20-smilie03:) and I'm a native italian and german speaker. .....


WOW!

You F'n R.O.C.K. Fletch! :hv20-smilie70:

That's cool beyond words!

Did you grow up in Switzerland?

[Fletch78]

WOW!

You F'n R.O.C.K. Fletch! :hv20-smilie70:

That's cool beyond words!

Did you grow up in Switzerland?

Funny, I've found this post just now! Sorry, Estebeverde!

Yes, I was born and raised in Switzerland. But my dad is Italian (Sicily), so that's my second language.

BTW, Maurizio still didn't use all translations I made for him...his FX PRO 1810 on eBay has still got that 'cryptic' english/german description. And he said he was doing a setup video quite a few months ago, but still no reaction from him.

Has anyone else heard of him lately?

[wihelm]

I bought the Manfrotto Modosteady. It is a combination shoulder support and steadycam. Perfect for the HV20. Think it was about $185 US at B&H. Made of plastic with metal weights. Thought it looked kind of cheap out of the box but it is pretty sturdy. I mount my Azden dual lav receiver on the weight/ shoulder support. Better than monopod as you are more mobile for walking and high low angles.