what's the right stabilizer for weddings (and future use)?

Terry Thompson · September 23rd, 2006, 10:23 PM

Mikko,

Are you back in Finland again? How was Alaska?

As of late I have seen quite a few movies where the steadicam was the major player. I have also noticed it being used for cutaways i.e. "Pirates of the C."
Is funny how you get to looking for steadicam shots when you use one. Occasionally it's hard to tell the difference at the beginning of a shot whether it's a dolly, steadicam, or crane shot. You can usually figure it out though a little ways into it.

Wedding wise, I agree with the walk in and walk out for the actual wedding but I use my rig extensively before the ceremony and during the reception. I especially like the "High Shot" for the dances. It gives a nice perspective.

All the best,

Terry
Indicam

Peter Chung · September 27th, 2006, 09:16 AM

I don't know if it's completely accurate to say the steadicam shots are "b roll" shots.

However, steadicam footage should be used sparingly and to give a certain effect in order to maximize its impact. If all you use is steadicam footage, it's no longer a "money shot."

I use my PILOT (sled only) extensively during the prep but I'm not always moving around with it. It gives me a steadier shot than going completely handheld since most bridal preps are in tight quarters. I get various angles and get creative shots without having to make it look like a steadicam shot all the time. It mixes up the footage and doesn't make it monotonous to continually see sweeping footage, etc, which may lead to sea-sickness for the viewer ;)

So use a stabilizer, but sparingly, for greater effect and impact. And don't just use steadicam footage because you think it's cool or because you can.

Mikko Wilson · September 28th, 2006, 01:09 AM

Here here! Great post Peter!

And just to clarify, I said B-camera, not B-roll. I'm not saying that Steadicam shots are secondary shots, but that a Steadicam is normally a secondary camera to be used, as Peter perfectly commented, sparingly alongside 'regular' shots.

- Mikko

Terry Thompson · September 28th, 2006, 08:51 PM

Thanks Peter for being a great contributer to this forum.

Terry
Indicam

P.S. We just finished our two day shooting schedule on "Stabilizer Basics". Now the fun begins...editing.

September 23rd, 2006, 10:23 PM	#16
Terry Thompson Major Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Auburn, CA Posts: 578	Mikko, Are you back in Finland again? How was Alaska? As of late I have seen quite a few movies where the steadicam was the major player. I have also noticed it being used for cutaways i.e. "Pirates of the C." Is funny how you get to looking for steadicam shots when you use one. Occasionally it's hard to tell the difference at the beginning of a shot whether it's a dolly, steadicam, or crane shot. You can usually figure it out though a little ways into it. Wedding wise, I agree with the walk in and walk out for the actual wedding but I use my rig extensively before the ceremony and during the reception. I especially like the "High Shot" for the dances. It gives a nice perspective. All the best, Terry Indicam __________________ He's only mostly sDEADy. sort of from "The Princess Bride" www.indicam.com

September 28th, 2006, 01:09 AM	#18
Mikko Wilson Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Juneau, Alaska, USA Posts: 624	Here here! Great post Peter! And just to clarify, I said B-camera, not B-roll. I'm not saying that Steadicam shots are secondary shots, but that a Steadicam is normally a secondary camera to be used, as Peter perfectly commented, sparingly alongside 'regular' shots. - Mikko __________________ Mikko Wilson - Steadicam Owner / Operator - Juneau, Alaska, USA +1 (907) 321-8387 - mikkowilson@hotmail.com - www.mikkowilson.com

September 28th, 2006, 08:51 PM	#19
Terry Thompson Major Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Auburn, CA Posts: 578	Thanks Peter for being a great contributer to this forum. Terry Indicam P.S. We just finished our two day shooting schedule on "Stabilizer Basics". Now the fun begins...editing. __________________ He's only mostly sDEADy. sort of from "The Princess Bride" www.indicam.com

September 27th, 2006, 09:16 AM	#17
Peter Chung Major Player Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Kansas City, MO USA Posts: 220	I don't know if it's completely accurate to say the steadicam shots are "b roll" shots. However, steadicam footage should be used sparingly and to give a certain effect in order to maximize its impact. If all you use is steadicam footage, it's no longer a "money shot." I use my PILOT (sled only) extensively during the prep but I'm not always moving around with it. It gives me a steadier shot than going completely handheld since most bridal preps are in tight quarters. I get various angles and get creative shots without having to make it look like a steadicam shot all the time. It mixes up the footage and doesn't make it monotonous to continually see sweeping footage, etc, which may lead to sea-sickness for the viewer ;) So use a stabilizer, but sparingly, for greater effect and impact. And don't just use steadicam footage because you think it's cool or because you can.