Drop Time on the Steadicam JR at DVinfo.net

Rafael Guerrero · August 3rd, 2004, 10:55 AM

I've been using the Steadicam JR for almost 2 years now for my wedding video productions. I'm getting good results with it until recently when I change my drop time to follow what was recommended.

I noticed that when the drop time is set to 2-3 seconds (as recommended) the stabilizer sways a lot more than when it was bottom heavy. When it was bottom heavy drop time is around 1 second.

I also noticed adding more weight seems to add more stability to the cam.

Do you share the same experience? Anyone of you get good results and stability with a 2-3 second drop time?

Christopher Lefchik · August 9th, 2004, 11:26 AM

I've had the same problem as you. I have a VX2000 with NP-F950 battery which puts me almost exactly at 5lbs, the recommended maximum weight for the Steadicam JR. If I balance the Steadicam so that the drop time is as recommended by the manual the rig is too top heavy; if my camera starts to tip over in any direction it drops right on over and won't right itself. Basically the Steadicam is useless balanced this way. I had to add more weight. I don't know why the rig behaves this way.

Rafael Guerrero · August 9th, 2004, 01:46 PM

I think the key to a good stabilizer is the overall weight. I'm now convinced that a bottom-heavy setup for the Steadicam JR is the preferred way of getting the rig to be more stable.

I used the JR last Saturday and it went very well in its performance.

August 3rd, 2004, 10:55 AM	#1
Rafael Guerrero New Boot Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: California, US Posts: 7	Drop Time on the Steadicam JR I've been using the Steadicam JR for almost 2 years now for my wedding video productions. I'm getting good results with it until recently when I change my drop time to follow what was recommended. I noticed that when the drop time is set to 2-3 seconds (as recommended) the stabilizer sways a lot more than when it was bottom heavy. When it was bottom heavy drop time is around 1 second. I also noticed adding more weight seems to add more stability to the cam. Do you share the same experience? Anyone of you get good results and stability with a 2-3 second drop time?

August 9th, 2004, 01:46 PM	#3
Rafael Guerrero New Boot Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: California, US Posts: 7	JR performance I think the key to a good stabilizer is the overall weight. I'm now convinced that a bottom-heavy setup for the Steadicam JR is the preferred way of getting the rig to be more stable. I used the JR last Saturday and it went very well in its performance.

August 9th, 2004, 11:26 AM	#2
Christopher Lefchik Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: US Posts: 1,152	I've had the same problem as you. I have a VX2000 with NP-F950 battery which puts me almost exactly at 5lbs, the recommended maximum weight for the Steadicam JR. If I balance the Steadicam so that the drop time is as recommended by the manual the rig is too top heavy; if my camera starts to tip over in any direction it drops right on over and won't right itself. Basically the Steadicam is useless balanced this way. I had to add more weight. I don't know why the rig behaves this way.