Stabilizers for more cameras with different weights

[Martin Polach]

Hello,

I want to buy a stabilizer for a camera and I am confused with few things. At the studio where I work, we have more cameras with different weights.

When I am looking on some stabilizers, they have recommended camera load (fe. Glidecam V-16 is for cameras from 10 to 20 pounds, V-20 is for 15 to 30, etc).

I am looking for a stabilizer, that could support a pro Sony DVCAM camcoder (DSR-390) that with lens weights around 17 pounds, but I would like to use it also on small PD-170, which weights only around 4 pounds (I use this one mainly for my school projects). In future projects for school, I would like to use the glidecam to support also 16mm camera, which weights almost 20 pounds.

Is there any solution for me, if I want to buy just one stabiliser? What are the disadvantages of using a glidecam made for cameras starting at 10 pounds with PD-170 that is so lightweight? Is it possible to use the PD-170 on Glidecam V-16?

Thanks for suggestions!

[Richard Lewis]

Martin, it's very possible to use lightweight cameras on larger stabilizers. You just need to make or purchase a practice cage. This will help to achieve the same weight as you would with a larger camera.
Mike O’Shea makes one. Probably a bit steep in price though for a V20 user, but still, you get an idea.

[Charles Papert]

If you don't want to splurge on the cage, a simple weight plate will suffice, i.e. a steel plate with holes drilled for the mounting plate and the camera. Easier to have machined. The advantage of the cage is that you can flip it over for low-mode shots; however, with DV it is certainly possible to simply invert the entire rig, shoot with an upside-down image (it's right-side up on your operating monitor though) and flip the image in post. Certainly saves on the time it normally takes to go into low-mode on set.