3-axis Gimbal Portability at DVinfo.net

Clive McLaughlin · November 5th, 2014, 07:48 AM

I've always had difficulty with my steadycam at times during weddings. The problem being that I want a mix of steadycam shots and regular filming. When I would go with the B&G and the photographer for couple shots for example, I had to carry both with me, and set the steadicam down on the ground in order to do regular filming.

This severely limits my ability to shoot instantly when I see something whilst walking. A steadycam cannot just be thrown down for obvious reasons. Also - my steadycam nearly always needed fine tuning every time I would mount the camera on it.

The 3-axis gimbals on the other hand require no fine tuning - turn on, and let the computer do its thing for two seconds then shoot.

But of course, the portability remains an issue, if not more so. When turned off, these gimbal devices become 'limp' and have no 'base' at the bottom. Setting down is then a worse problem than before...

My question is this - does anyone reckon it is feasible to strap the gimbal onto a backpack for example. Perhaps using some velcro loops to hold all the limp parts together during travel?

My plan of course is to buy a smaller camera like an RX10/A6000 or an LX100, that would remain on the gimbal full-time ready for use.

I know there are simple stick type 3-axis gimbals such as FeiYu or Pilotfly make for GoPros. I just wish there was something similar for weight loads of 300-500g. The Gazer MD1 looks to be a pile of crap sadly!

November 5th, 2014, 07:48 AM	#1
Clive McLaughlin Major Player Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Belfast Posts: 823	3-axis Gimbal Portability I've always had difficulty with my steadycam at times during weddings. The problem being that I want a mix of steadycam shots and regular filming. When I would go with the B&G and the photographer for couple shots for example, I had to carry both with me, and set the steadicam down on the ground in order to do regular filming. This severely limits my ability to shoot instantly when I see something whilst walking. A steadycam cannot just be thrown down for obvious reasons. Also - my steadycam nearly always needed fine tuning every time I would mount the camera on it. The 3-axis gimbals on the other hand require no fine tuning - turn on, and let the computer do its thing for two seconds then shoot. But of course, the portability remains an issue, if not more so. When turned off, these gimbal devices become 'limp' and have no 'base' at the bottom. Setting down is then a worse problem than before... My question is this - does anyone reckon it is feasible to strap the gimbal onto a backpack for example. Perhaps using some velcro loops to hold all the limp parts together during travel? My plan of course is to buy a smaller camera like an RX10/A6000 or an LX100, that would remain on the gimbal full-time ready for use. I know there are simple stick type 3-axis gimbals such as FeiYu or Pilotfly make for GoPros. I just wish there was something similar for weight loads of 300-500g. The Gazer MD1 looks to be a pile of crap sadly!