Best value for handheld support/stabilizer
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
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
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) !-)
After reading this review 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.........
Jeroen
Originally Posted by BarnOwl
Thanks for this, its looks like just what I need.
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
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.
Here's the link to the company. Hope it helps.
Here's the link to the company. Hope it helps.
Thanks David. The link doesnt appear to have taken, can you repost please. Cheers.
DOH!
http://www.steadytracker.com/
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.
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.
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!
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).
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)
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.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
I've just gone and ordered the "$14 Steadycam" from
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/steadycam/
for $92 (incl int delivery).
The trick to order using "UPS Express", the price already includes brokerage fees plus you'll get your item quicker too.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.
(yes, I learnt it the hard way after ordering a $10 item and pay $50 brokerage fee to UPS!)
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.The trick to order using "UPS Express", the price already includes brokerage fees plus you'll get your item quicker too.
(yes, I learnt it the hard way after ordering a $10 item and pay $50 brokerage fee to UPS!
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.
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.
Yeah, I've just checked and the UPS Express is not an option to me.
For lots of good DIY inspiration, look here:
http://homebuiltstabilizers.com/
My current preference is this thing, cheap too:
http://www.spiderbrace.com/
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
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.
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