Sony EX3 and stabilizer question at DVinfo.net

Jim Forrest · March 30th, 2010, 02:35 PM

I am getting a Sony EX3 which weighs very close to 8lbs with lens. I am interested in getting some sort of a stabilizer system for it but not sure what to look at. After buying the Sony EX3 my funds are somewhat limited now so looking for more of an entry level system.
It seems that the 8lb weight is right at the limit of some of the smaller rig like flowpod, Merlin and Blackbird. Will any of them work?
I should mention that the shots I have in mind will not be over 30sec. in length so I wouldn't have to hold the camera long.

Dave Gish · March 30th, 2010, 06:52 PM

First, realize that you've just bought a beautiful camera. If you want professional footage on a stabilizer, you'll need a good stedicam and months on practice.

Having said that, if you remove eyepiece and battery, the EX3 only weighs around 6.5 pounds. Add some accessories, and that's perfect for the Steadicam Pilot (see attached picture).

As for the cheaper stabilizers without a vest and arm, I wouldn't bother. The EX3 is heavy. Your arm will get tired really fast. Besaides, the vest, arm, and monitor make a lot more things possible.

Think of it this way: In 5 years when the EX3 is outdated, your sticks, jib, and steadicam will still work great.

Buba Kastorski · March 30th, 2010, 11:18 PM

Agree with Dave about full rig vs handheld unit difference, and even 30sec shots with EX3 on handheld stabilizer could be a challenge depending on your size and weight;
I wouldn't even try EX3 on Merlin, probably Blackbird would be the best choice for EX3 (from the hand held units), I tried EX1 on it - 30 seconds no problem, but this is not typical

Giannis Pass · March 31st, 2010, 08:19 AM

Hello Dave Gish.
I have the EX1r and i am trying to mount the mic as yours.
Can you post a closer photo of your mic mount?

Thanks

Dave Gish · March 31st, 2010, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Giannis Pass

Hello Dave Gish.
I have the EX1r and i am trying to mount the mic as yours.
Can you post a closer photo of your mic mount?

Thanks

Here's 2 close-ups.
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/attachme...x1-3-ex3_2.jpg
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/attachme...x1-3-ex3_3.jpg

It a Rode SM3 shockmount that goes on the camera shoe. Got it as part of a kit:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/400812-REG/Rode__NTG_1_Condenser_Shotgun_Microphone.html
RØDE Microphones - SM3

Giannis Pass · April 1st, 2010, 03:25 AM

Thanks for the info, Dave.
But i also have another problem.
Where i can mount the Led Light, if i am using together the mic.

Dave Gish · April 1st, 2010, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Giannis Pass

Thanks for the info, Dave.
But i also have another problem.
Where i can mount the Led Light, if i am using together the mic.

I've never used on-camera lighting, so I can't help you there.

Buba Kastorski · April 1st, 2010, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Giannis Pass

Thanks for the info, Dave.
But i also have another problem.
Where i can mount the Led Light, if i am using together the mic.

you need this one:
DM-Accessories - EX-FLAT - Shoe Mounts for Sony EX1 & EX3 Camcorders
or simillar

March 30th, 2010, 02:35 PM	#1
Jim Forrest Major Player Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Washington DC Posts: 368	Sony EX3 and stabilizer question I am getting a Sony EX3 which weighs very close to 8lbs with lens. I am interested in getting some sort of a stabilizer system for it but not sure what to look at. After buying the Sony EX3 my funds are somewhat limited now so looking for more of an entry level system. It seems that the 8lb weight is right at the limit of some of the smaller rig like flowpod, Merlin and Blackbird. Will any of them work? I should mention that the shots I have in mind will not be over 30sec. in length so I wouldn't have to hold the camera long.

March 30th, 2010, 06:52 PM	#2
Dave Gish Major Player Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Riverdale, NJ Posts: 468	First, realize that you've just bought a beautiful camera. If you want professional footage on a stabilizer, you'll need a good stedicam and months on practice. Having said that, if you remove eyepiece and battery, the EX3 only weighs around 6.5 pounds. Add some accessories, and that's perfect for the Steadicam Pilot (see attached picture). As for the cheaper stabilizers without a vest and arm, I wouldn't bother. The EX3 is heavy. Your arm will get tired really fast. Besaides, the vest, arm, and monitor make a lot more things possible. Think of it this way: In 5 years when the EX3 is outdated, your sticks, jib, and steadicam will still work great. Attached Thumbnails

March 30th, 2010, 11:18 PM	#3
Buba Kastorski Trustee Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Toronto Posts: 1,414	Agree with Dave about full rig vs handheld unit difference, and even 30sec shots with EX3 on handheld stabilizer could be a challenge depending on your size and weight; I wouldn't even try EX3 on Merlin, probably Blackbird would be the best choice for EX3 (from the hand held units), I tried EX1 on it - 30 seconds no problem, but this is not typical __________________ I love this place!

March 31st, 2010, 08:19 AM	#4
Giannis Pass Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Athens, Greece Posts: 120	Hello Dave Gish. I have the EX1r and i am trying to mount the mic as yours. Can you post a closer photo of your mic mount? Thanks

April 1st, 2010, 03:25 AM	#6
Giannis Pass Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Athens, Greece Posts: 120	Thanks for the info, Dave. But i also have another problem. Where i can mount the Led Light, if i am using together the mic.