Anyone use Easy Steps Steadicam? at DVinfo.net

Davy Choo · June 16th, 2011, 09:14 AM

I plan to get steadicam and wondering how good is the Easy Steps Steadicam because none of my friends or videographers I know using it. Anyone who tried it before can share the knowledge or comments here? Thanks.

Sean Seah · June 22nd, 2011, 08:26 PM

Looks interesting, never knew of this product even! The adjustable gimbal would be helpful, only thing the base plate resembles the old Glidecam designs. If the screws for the weights are fixed it would be easier. I'm sure if you could figure out the balance it would be pretty easy to master. Only thing to take note is the quality of the gimbal would be something unknown until you try it. How much is one?

YouTube - ‪Steadicam Easy-Step.ru‬&rlm;

Warren Kawamoto · June 23rd, 2011, 03:14 AM

After watching the youtube video, I know for certain that it's not as "easy" as it appears to balance the rig. Here's why:

The camera base adjustments are simple thumbscrews instead of micrometer racks for fore-aft, left-right. With thumbscrews, fine tuning to perfection is nearly impossible. The mere act of hand tightening a thumbscrew will throw your balance off enough to require even more adjustments. Trying to fight with this kind of mechanism is extremely frustrating, especially if you've ever tried a Steadicam, which has precision micrometer adjustments.

Chris Harding · June 23rd, 2011, 07:03 AM

I have never heard of it either!! However it does seem to work OK

I would seriously advise using the vest/arm unless your camera is under 2lbs ..it isn't funny trying to walk with a sled with a 5lb camera on top of it ..you arm will turn to jelly after 30 seconds!!!

I currently have the Proaim 5500 and my sled top stage only has thumbscrews..it's a little trickier than a continuous micrometer style adjustment but still quite usable...I getting around to modifying it!!! I promise!!

I would stick to the weight recommendation for the rig as the sled and arm springs don't look like they would be able to support more than a 2 or 3lb camera. My 5500 rig is a LOT heavier and substantial and that works well with my HMC82's which are around 8lbs fully loaded.

Chris

June 16th, 2011, 09:14 AM	#1
Davy Choo Tourist Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia Posts: 2	Anyone use Easy Steps Steadicam? I plan to get steadicam and wondering how good is the Easy Steps Steadicam because none of my friends or videographers I know using it. Anyone who tried it before can share the knowledge or comments here? Thanks.

June 22nd, 2011, 08:26 PM	#2
Sean Seah Trustee Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,498	Re: Anyone use Easy Steps Steadicam? Looks interesting, never knew of this product even! The adjustable gimbal would be helpful, only thing the base plate resembles the old Glidecam designs. If the screws for the weights are fixed it would be easier. I'm sure if you could figure out the balance it would be pretty easy to master. Only thing to take note is the quality of the gimbal would be something unknown until you try it. How much is one? YouTube - ‪Steadicam Easy-Step.ru‬&rlm; __________________ Firewerkz Films SGP

June 23rd, 2011, 03:14 AM	#3
Warren Kawamoto Trustee Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 1,435	Re: Anyone use Easy Steps Steadicam? After watching the youtube video, I know for certain that it's not as "easy" as it appears to balance the rig. Here's why: The camera base adjustments are simple thumbscrews instead of micrometer racks for fore-aft, left-right. With thumbscrews, fine tuning to perfection is nearly impossible. The mere act of hand tightening a thumbscrew will throw your balance off enough to require even more adjustments. Trying to fight with this kind of mechanism is extremely frustrating, especially if you've ever tried a Steadicam, which has precision micrometer adjustments.

June 23rd, 2011, 07:03 AM	#4
Chris Harding Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 8,441	Re: Anyone use Easy Steps Steadicam? I have never heard of it either!! However it does seem to work OK I would seriously advise using the vest/arm unless your camera is under 2lbs ..it isn't funny trying to walk with a sled with a 5lb camera on top of it ..you arm will turn to jelly after 30 seconds!!! I currently have the Proaim 5500 and my sled top stage only has thumbscrews..it's a little trickier than a continuous micrometer style adjustment but still quite usable...I getting around to modifying it!!! I promise!! I would stick to the weight recommendation for the rig as the sled and arm springs don't look like they would be able to support more than a 2 or 3lb camera. My 5500 rig is a LOT heavier and substantial and that works well with my HMC82's which are around 8lbs fully loaded. Chris