a trustworthy stabilizer for the smaller camcorder at DVinfo.net

Langston Sessoms · February 1st, 2004, 03:11 PM

I have a MX1000(DV852) and I'm trying to find a realistic stabilizer for it. I think the vest stabilizers would be overkill for such a small and light camcorder. I'm looking for something that will allow me to move around without producing footage that'll give the viewer motion sickness.

Any suggestions?

Boyd Ostroff · February 1st, 2004, 03:34 PM

I use a Glidecam 2000 handheld stabilizer with my PDX-10, which is around a 2 lb camcorder. It should also support smaller cameras, you just use less of the weights.

However don't expect to avoid "motion sickness" without considerable practice. It takes a surprisingly long time just to setup and balance the stabilizer initially and then it will take many days of practice before you start to get the hang of it. Even with a little camera don't expect to be able to shoot more than a few minutes at a time. It's really exhausting...

Charles Papert · February 1st, 2004, 06:30 PM

This is a good designfor very small cameras.

Langston Sessoms · February 1st, 2004, 11:15 PM

Charles do you think the VS1 is better than the Steadicam JR?

Charles Papert · February 1st, 2004, 11:28 PM

Not necessarily, I just like to mix up my recommendations! I think it's a nice little piece, good for small cameras and inexpensive. I think the JR allows more flexibility.

Langston Sessoms · February 2nd, 2004, 11:26 PM

thanks

Kris Carrillo · February 3rd, 2004, 12:03 PM

Langston,

I have a Glidecam 2000 in excellent condition for sale. E-mail me if you're interested.

kriscarrillo@hotmail.com

John C. Chu · February 4th, 2004, 06:07 PM

I have been using a VS-1 for about 2 years now to replace my old Steadicam JR(which I purchased used[and unfortunately--abused])

It works *almost* as good the JR--but some vibrations from walking and running is still noticeable(partially due to my still learning technique) unlike the silky smooth JR. (I do notice a bit of play where the offset handle meets the gimble on the VS-1 and this is where the vibrations comes from)

Other than that criticism-- it is lightweight and well machined and you can make really fine adjustments for fore and aft on the stage with micrometer adjustments and an allen set screw. [The Glidecam 2000 is lacking in this area--it is much more difficult to make fine adjustments on the stage with it]

You can adjust bottom heavyness on the VS-1 by raising or lowering the gimbled handle on the post and locking it down.

It is really light weight and you can use it all day without fatigue.

The only other real complaint I have about the VS-1 is that two of the hand tighten thumbscrews on the "quick release plate" which mounts to the camera tend to loosen fairly easily with use unless you really tighten it down. Maybe some Lock-Tite will help here.

Charles Papert · February 4th, 2004, 06:33 PM

John:

I recommend you pass on your comments to Hollywood Lite, if you haven't already done so. Address them to Garry Tull, and if you like you can mention that I suggested you do so.

Langston Sessoms · February 5th, 2004, 10:54 AM

kris check your email

Langston Sessoms · February 10th, 2004, 12:35 PM

does anyone have any experience with the flowpod?

Charles Papert · February 10th, 2004, 02:14 PM

do a search here under "flowpod"--it's been discussed.

Patrick MCMurray · February 11th, 2004, 04:58 PM

what about the hollywood utra lite? any one use that? looks cooler than others in the price range... but maybe thats not how i should base EVERYTHING. input?

February 1st, 2004, 03:11 PM	#1
Langston Sessoms Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: NY Posts: 83	a trustworthy stabilizer for the smaller camcorder I have a MX1000(DV852) and I'm trying to find a realistic stabilizer for it. I think the vest stabilizers would be overkill for such a small and light camcorder. I'm looking for something that will allow me to move around without producing footage that'll give the viewer motion sickness. Any suggestions?

February 1st, 2004, 06:30 PM	#3
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	This is a good designfor very small cameras. __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

February 1st, 2004, 11:28 PM	#5
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	Not necessarily, I just like to mix up my recommendations! I think it's a nice little piece, good for small cameras and inexpensive. I think the JR allows more flexibility. __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

February 4th, 2004, 06:33 PM	#9
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	John: I recommend you pass on your comments to Hollywood Lite, if you haven't already done so. Address them to Garry Tull, and if you like you can mention that I suggested you do so. __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

February 10th, 2004, 02:14 PM	#12
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	do a search here under "flowpod"--it's been discussed. __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

February 1st, 2004, 03:34 PM	#2
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,802	I use a Glidecam 2000 handheld stabilizer with my PDX-10, which is around a 2 lb camcorder. It should also support smaller cameras, you just use less of the weights. However don't expect to avoid "motion sickness" without considerable practice. It takes a surprisingly long time just to setup and balance the stabilizer initially and then it will take many days of practice before you start to get the hang of it. Even with a little camera don't expect to be able to shoot more than a few minutes at a time. It's really exhausting...

February 1st, 2004, 11:15 PM	#4
Langston Sessoms Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: NY Posts: 83	Charles do you think the VS1 is better than the Steadicam JR?

February 2nd, 2004, 11:26 PM	#6
Langston Sessoms Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: NY Posts: 83	thanks

February 3rd, 2004, 12:03 PM	#7
Kris Carrillo Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 28	Langston, I have a Glidecam 2000 in excellent condition for sale. E-mail me if you're interested. kriscarrillo@hotmail.com

February 4th, 2004, 06:07 PM	#8
John C. Chu Major Player Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Rego Park , NYC Posts: 665	I have been using a VS-1 for about 2 years now to replace my old Steadicam JR(which I purchased used[and unfortunately--abused]) It works almost as good the JR--but some vibrations from walking and running is still noticeable(partially due to my still learning technique) unlike the silky smooth JR. (I do notice a bit of play where the offset handle meets the gimble on the VS-1 and this is where the vibrations comes from) Other than that criticism-- it is lightweight and well machined and you can make really fine adjustments for fore and aft on the stage with micrometer adjustments and an allen set screw. [The Glidecam 2000 is lacking in this area--it is much more difficult to make fine adjustments on the stage with it] You can adjust bottom heavyness on the VS-1 by raising or lowering the gimbled handle on the post and locking it down. It is really light weight and you can use it all day without fatigue. The only other real complaint I have about the VS-1 is that two of the hand tighten thumbscrews on the "quick release plate" which mounts to the camera tend to loosen fairly easily with use unless you really tighten it down. Maybe some Lock-Tite will help here.

February 5th, 2004, 10:54 AM	#10
Langston Sessoms Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: NY Posts: 83	kris check your email

February 10th, 2004, 12:35 PM	#11
Langston Sessoms Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: NY Posts: 83	does anyone have any experience with the flowpod?

February 11th, 2004, 04:58 PM	#13
Patrick MCMurray Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Sacramento CA Posts: 66	what about the hollywood utra lite? any one use that? looks cooler than others in the price range... but maybe thats not how i should base EVERYTHING. input? __________________ Remember, Tuesdays are Soylent Green days!