New to flying. Which steadicam with EX1 ?

[Paul Kellett]

I'm thinking of flying my EX1, which would be a good steadicam for a novice ?
At the moment i'm considering the Glidecam pro 4000, mainly because of price and also i can add the vest and arm at a later date if i need to. I have seen some footage of the pro 4000 and it the footage looks pretty impressive.
Would the pro 4000 be a good start into flying or is there something better/easier to use for a beginner to flying ?
I'm thinking the sled with EX1 will be around 10lbs, is this right ? I'm not to worried about the weight, been bodybuilding for years now.

Thanks.
Paul.

[Dave Gish]

Hi Paul,

I use the HVX200, which is the same exact weight as the EX1 (just over 6 pounds with battery). Unless you are using a 35mm lens adapter, the Steadicam Pilot works perfect for this weight, even with extra weights and some accessories.

Detailed info here:
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=115235

[Paul Kellett]

Can i buy the sled on it's own ?
Do you use the sled alone or the full suit ?

Paul.

[Don Bloom]

Originally Posted by Paul Kellett

Can i buy the sled on it's own ?
Do you use the sled alone or the full suit ?

Paul.

No. It's a package. Sled, arm an vest. You have the choice of AA power, V-lock or AB mount.

Don

[Nick Tsamandanis]

This fella explains it pretty well: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2shQVbvVwQ

[Christopher Witz]

My vote for springing for the pilot as well...

I have the ex1 and the pilot and it flys so good..... looks good..... it's like they are meant for each other. Being that they both are 12V systems they can operate off of 1 battery ( IDX ).

Now if only someone would come up with a wireless lens focus/zoom controller for it that taps into the camera port it would be perfecto for flying.

[Paul Kellett]

The pilot looks good, but is a bit out of my budget at the moment.
The reason i was thinking of going for the Glidecam pro 4000 is because i can buy the sled first then add the arm and vest at a later date if i get on ok.
What are users opinions of the glidecam ?

Thanks, Paul.

[Sean Seah]

i would go the indicam Pilot sled over the Glidecam as it has more adjustments for good balancing. 1 is the post, the other is the position of the gimbal. With regards to the arm n vest, the indicam has a dual arm for a smooth shooter price.

[Buba Kastorski]

Originally Posted by Sean Seah

i would go the indicam Pilot sled over the Glidecam ...

no doubt, used to have glidecam, now using indicam sled on merlin arm and vest - half price of the pilot;
pilot would be perfect, but can't afford right now :(
still getting used to it, it's quite a change after handheld merlin, and I guess it'll take me a lot more practice to get the look I want.

http://www.2frames.com/mara.html

[Paul Kellett]

Ok so it seems that the Indicam Pilot is the one to go for.
Is anyone flying just the sled ?
How are you getting on ?
How heavy is the sled and weights and an EX1 ?
Any chance of some sled only footage ?

Thanks.
Paul.

[Steven Davis]

Hey Don did you get your pilot? And Paul, about the cost, I've been pretty happy with my pilot, the vest will save you in the long run. I go 3 hours a pop or more in mine. I doubt I could do it just with the sled.

[Charles King]

Originally Posted by Paul Kellett

I'm thinking the sled with EX1 will be around 10lbs, is this right ? I'm not to worried about the weight, been bodybuilding for years now.

Thanks.
Paul.

Oh Paul, you can body build for an eternity, if it is your first time you WILL feel that special muscle that all operators feel once in their life time...trust me on that. I know a fellow who has also been body building and when he tried on the clipper he took it off immediately simply due to a special muscle that we do not use so often.... You will know when you start flying...especially the big rigs. You you do not feel this muscle then you must be made of steel...:)

[Don Bloom]

Hi Steven. Nope haven't gotten it might not.got some things on the burner that might preclude me from going ahead. I'll let you know.

Charles, is the muscle you're refering to in the 6 inches that keep our ears apart?

(sorry-couldn't resist)
O|O
\__/

Don

[Steven Davis]

Originally Posted by Don Bloom

Hi Steven. Nope haven't gotten it might not.got some things on the burner that might preclude me from going ahead. I'll let you know.

Charles, is the muscle you're refering to in the 6 inches that keep our ears apart?

(sorry-couldn't resist)
O|O
\__/

Don

That's cool Don. Let me know. If you ever need mine, you can swing by, although I can't rent my operator out as my wife is priceless.................

[Paul Kellett]

Yeah i realise i'll be using different muscles when flying, it's all part of the fun.
But realistically, what will the EX1 and sled and weights together weigh ? I think the EX1 alone is about 6lbs. I just want to know what sort of weight i'm going to be holding without the the help of the arm and vest.

Thanks.
Paul.