I'm looking to buy a steady cam for my XH A1. The main area I work in is weddings. I want to make improvement and feel this will be a great addition to my company.
I also use a manoffrot tryopid and very important for me to be able to switch for my new steady cam to my tripod quickly!

The problem I'm having is deciding which system to go with...I've done allot of research and my head is a bit recked with overload of information.

the products currently under my consideration are

Glidecam 4000 PRO Camcorder Stabilizing System GL4000 B&H Photo

although this doesn't come with a quick release plate (maybe I can buy this as an extra?)

VariZoom Flowpod Stabilizer System VZ-FP B&H Photo Video

I'm reluctant about this product as I've heard nothing on line about it?

Steadicam Merlin Camera Stabilizing System MERLIN B&H Photo

This product also doesn't seem to have a quick release system either?In the Tiffen product description the accessory tripod mounting plate comes now as standard. Is the tripod mounting plate and quick release system two different things?

There are a few aspects that will help me make my final decision ....

The easy of use switching between my tripod and the steady cam.

Which camera give the best hollywood movie steady cam effect.

Which is the least intrusive (I don't want to be lugging around masses amounts of metal!)

Final which one is easy to master? I'm concerned about the merlin because its seems more than a little fiddly. Also I've ready allot of comments about the weight of the XH A1 been borderline! I don't use accessories at the moment (and don't really plan to for weddings) but I do use the heavier battery pack.

As you can see lots to consider and I want to make the right decision as my company is small and really still in the start up stages...no room for financial error. Any advice or comment would very welcomed!

Hi Ana,

do you have another (or other cams) .. if not a financially better move right now might be to get a HV30/40 or 2 to have different angles to choose from in post.

You'd also have cam backup .. check eBay.

While a steadicam might be useful at a reception, at the wedding it could be too intrusive .. ask in the wedding forum here.

But then there's this .. http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/wedding-event-video-sample-clips-gallery/487927-i-believe-largest-wedding-film-production-uk-trailer.html :0

Cheers.

Hi sorry I think I may have posted wrong

I actually own the XH A1 and I'm looking for the steady cam effect with this camera only.

I want to purchase a unit like Steadicam Merlin to achieve this look with the camera I currently have. But I'm having problems identifying the best Camera Stabilizing System to go with

Yes I understand your situation .. I was proposing an alternative. :)

Cheers.

Ana,
I got a used VariZoom Flowpod, but found it a little tricky to adjust for an A1 size camera, and somewhat heavy to use over extended time periods.

So I returned to using a monopod, simple tilt head, and a remote zoom control mounted about 1 foot down from the camera. I can easily hold the system below the tilt head, and move while the monopod stabilizes the camera (for me works better than the flowpod). Plus shooting off the monopod is always useful, as well as lifting it up for overhead shots.

Duplicate thread started over at the wedding forum, please go here (http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/wedding-event-videography-techniques/488043-camcorder-stabilizing-system-xh-a1.html).