Camera Stabilizer Advice
Posts Tagged ‘steadicam’
Aspiring Steadicam Instructional Videos
The Steadicam DVD-2000 EEP Instructional DVD is the perfect choice training DVD for the Steadicam. This DVD contains the basics of using the Steadicam and many useful tips on how to operate the Steadicam rig. Ted Churchill and Jerry Holway narrate and demonstrate the basic and advanced techniques and exercises and concepts. Both are Master Steadicam teachers. As well the Steadicam LIT-900000 The Steadicam Operator’s Handbook is available, the most versatile tool for moving a motion picture or video camera. Other suggestions for good reading Moviemaking Course: Principles, Practice And Techniques and Mfr #: 0240516141Digital Cinematography Step-By-Step Guide. These books are good guides for aspiring cinematographers.
A Video Camera For The Professional
Today the explosion of HD video cameras has made the use of video camera stabilizer systems a must for the videographer. A notable video cameras is the Canon XL-H1s.
The Canon XL-H1s video camera uncompressed HD-SDI and SD-SDI output for seamless integration into broadcast studios or high quality image transfer to non-linear editing systems. This video camera is capable to do standard definition DV format as well. A video camera for the professional is comfortable to operate, durable, wonderful features, great picture quality, great sound, simple controls, and very versatile. The Canon XL-H1s can hold any accessory that you can through at it. Weighing about 8.8 Ibs (4kg) with lens and battery. The Glidecam HD-4000 system or the Steadicam Pilot system would be ideal for this video camera. Because of the wieght I would suggest the Glidecam X-10 or Smooth Shooter arm and vest system to reduce arm fatigue
Camera Stabilizer Inspiration Join A Video Club
A videography club is a great way for you amature video makers to learn the craft. These clubs offer a fellowship of video enthusiasts bringing there expertise making videos. You will find if you have a project in mind the video club can offer help in the making of the video. Video clubs usually will have a wide range of amature videographers as well as professional people in the club. There has been a decline in video clubs in the United States and I find this most alarming. With a search of cine videography clubs I am sure you will find some in your city or town. If you can not find one be a founding father a start one. One good club with lots of information SOCIETY of CANADIAN CINE AMATEURS for Amateur, Student, and Professional Film and Video Makers http://www.polar.icestorm.com/scca/. I have found being a member of a video club just what I needed when I started making videos, becoming interested in video camera stabilizers when demonstrated in a meeting.
Steadicam Merlin Arm And Vest a Perfect Choice On A Mountain Trail
Take the Steadicam Merlin Arm and Vest up and down a mountain. One clear frosty morning I was on the trail trying out my new Steadicam Merlin with the arm and vest. Putting the Steadicam Merlin through all kinds of situations, walking on uneven ground, going around trees, walking backwards by rotating to the side so I would not fall the Steadicam Merlin perform wonderfully. My footage was smooth and fluid and looked amazing. With more practice I am sure it will become easier making the Steadicam Merlin my choice for a video camera stabilizer. I would recommended the arm and vest for heavier cameras and found using the Steadicam Merlin arm and vest easier than using it hand held. The greatest difficulty is balancing the Steadicam Merlin initially. Watch the included video first before you trying to balance the video camera stabilizer.
Construction Plastic and Metal
Load Capacity 5 lbs (2.6 kg)
Head Assembly/Top Stage Gimbal with Camera Mount
Docking Bracket Optional Display Stand
Gimbal Metal Gimbal
Optional Accessories Vest and Arm
Weight 12.8 oz without weights
Advantages Of A Camera Stabilizer
The advantage to moving your camera freely can not be over estimated. Being a digital animator I can move the camera easily. I still follow a story board but many times moving the camera I find a new camera angle that is exciting to use. In the same way being a camera stabilizer operator, does the same thing. We move the camera to get the right angle that will tell the story. The advantage the camera stabilizer gives you is how quickly you can capture your footage obtaining all the relevant material smoothly and easily. When you get back to edit the video you have all the camera angles. Remember many times you only have one chance to get all the footage. How many times when you are editing and you wish you had a camera angle that you missed. The camera stabilizer is a indispensable part of video camera operators equipment.
Camera Stabilizer Steadicam Setup
I am certain there are many how to setup a Steadicam Pilot camera stabilizer advice articles ,but here is a short important steps to consider. The Steadicam Pilot a surprising and astonishing camera stabilizer rig. It is the smallest detailed featured Steadicam and has the feel of a much larger rig. Unique to the Steadicam is the widely separated location for Steadicam stainless steel Merlin weights. Because of the weights the Steadicam has a amazing feel when put in motion. The Steadicam Pilot you can locate weights top and bottom so that you can adjust the weight distribution to adjust the gimbal position. When purchasing the pilot purchase a Steadistand with the legs fully extended and made level with the bubble level. Extent the vertical post in this area chest high and tighten. Place the Pilot Docking plate on the top of the stand and tighten. Place the Pilot Sled gimbal on top of the gimbal pin on the Dock plate. Remove the camera mounting plate from the stage by unscrewing the 4 thumbscrews on the corners, next pulling out on the thumbscrews, then pulling up on the camera mounting plate. Mount the camera onto the camera mounting plate using the screws provided. Mount the camera on the stage using the 4 thumbscrews. Slacken off the A-A battery mount and add the batteries and reattach. Add the provided weights top and bottom to make the pilot stable. Adjust the length of the sled vertical post as desired. Connect the composite video output from the camera to the RCA connector on the back of the stage. The Steadicam Pilot camera stabilizer is set up for balancing.
Camera Stabilizer Steadicam Results
The results will come wtih a steadicam. When I travel up and down stairs when touring to get that impossible unexpected shot of a famous building or find the highest point to get a panorama shot the Steadicam gets the job done. I have gone through a interesting town or village with great architecture. Usually I will come back the next day early in the morning to get the shots I need. Early morning light or evening light gives me more interesting shots especially when shooting buldings. An heritage street scape is is easier to shoot in the morning when there is not too much traffic. The Steadicam of choice is the Steadicam pilot for planned shoots and the Steadicam Merlin when travelling because it is light and campact for a camera stabilizer.
Camera Stabilizer Inspiration Help!
I am sure there are many camera stabilizer operators like myself that have many special stories to tell about their experiences. I have started a category camera stabilizer inspiration and would welcome any amusing and unexpected situations using a camera stabilizer that you would like to share with my readers. Lets talk everything about camera stabilizers.
Taking off for the weekend with my video camera stabilizer early in the morning to get the right shots to create a special mood. Find that unexpected activity talking to people about their interest and hobbies makes for just a pleasurable weekend and I get educated along the way.
Camera Stabilizer Steadicam Merlin Benefits
How do you turn shaky video into smooth fluid motion for a small video camera?. The Steadicam is used by experts in all fields of film making. The Steadicam can take the place of a tripod or a conventional dolly shot To operate the Steadicam I would recommended the arm and vest, as arm fatigue will set in when using on long shoots. The arm known by the iso-elastic arm is connected by a gimbal to the Steadicam frame which has the camera mounted at one end and a counterbalance weight at the other. The Steadicam can shoot many activities such as weddings, sport events, documentaries, church functions and corporate advertising promotions. For today’s smaller video cameras Steadicam manufactures the Steadicam Merlin and in the hands of an expert like magic can make fluid smooth video. This great compact camera stabilizer folds neatly into a custom carrying case that is no larger than a camera bag. Another benefit the Steadicam Merlin has while on the fly the operator can nudge the balance. Keep in mind that you want the camera balanced but just a tad bottom heavy. I’d recommend finding someone who can walk you through the balancing setup if possible. If not the provided video can be quite helpful. Be patient as it will take some time to balance the camera stabilizer the first time.
Steadicam Steadistand
Steadicam Steadistand
The Steadicam SteadiStand is recommended by Steadicam to balance your Steadicam Merlin or Steadicam Pilot camera stabilizers. The SteadiStand is easy to transport as it comes apart into three sections and is flat which reduces space requirements. Included with the Steadistand is a sturdy padded carry bag. The SteadiStand has a rubber handle grip on the post for ease of movement while in use. The stand robust design is much heavier than similar stands and is designed to support heavier loads than the previous stand which was required for the Flyer-LE. You will find the stand less expensive than other similar stands with more features. It can be used for balancing other camera stabilizers as well as your Steadicam camera stabilizers. This stand is standard with the FLYER-LE systems and are in stock for immediate delivery. Tiffen Steadicam products are pleased to bring you this new robust stand with additional features while maintaining the same price for your camera stabilizer.
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