Wanting To Buy A Stabilizer Rig for Video on my 7D or G12

I have been looking for over 6 months now. I have a few from Amazon I am looking at to do some video for a dance festival here in VA come late July. I need to buy this soon to practice. I won't be using it much since they asked if I'd do stills, but I want to do a presentation for the 700 kids going and this is something I need to make the video smoother.

These are a few I have been looking at:

http://www.amazon.com …-3&keywords=slr+stabliz​er

http://www.amazon.com …-5&keywords=slr+stabliz​er

http://www.amazon.com …-5&keywords=slr+stabliz​er

http://www.amazon.com …15&keywords=slr​+stablizer

I have almost pulled the trigger 5-6 times, but I can't do it. If you have experience with stabilizers, let me know.

Thanks, in advance.

I have a Steadicam Merlin and I can say they def take practice to learn and do not work well if there is any wind outside. That being said, for the ones you posted being under $200, I wouldnt hesitate to give it a go. You can always return it if it doesnt work out. Also, if you have an iPhone 4/4S, check this unit out: LINK

Hi Suzy,

You have the right mindset for sure. No matter what rig you choose, you are going to need practice as steadycam operation is an artform in itself.

Another thing to look into is image stabilization in post production. After effects and Motion both have simple and accurate tools that can smooth out those shots without having to buy any additional hardware!

Funny thing is, I got the one for my iPhone and I like it a lot but it takes a little practice not to turn the phone while I'm walking. It's a little rig, not meant for anything over 4 pounds, like 7D I have. But I need to practice with it, so I will get one of them this week. There is practice soon in the football stadium so I can get that done a couple of times at least before the event.

Thanks. I will order this one

http://www.amazon.com …-5&keywords=slr+stabliz​er

vs the ones that are curved. I find the weights a little easier to manage in this configuration.

The really good rigs are way expensive, in the 1000's and I cant' afford that.

I purchased one of these shoulder rigs I use it more than my Merlin for the price it's great.
http://www.amazon.com …-1&keywords=spider+stea​dy

Photo99

I use my flycam nano a bit, it takes very little practice as steadicams are pretty intuitive. and same goes for balancing. I can balance my flycam in less than 2 minutes. all the BS that everyone spews comes from their behinds, there's no way it can possibly take 3 hours to balance one like some of the reviews have stated.

Thanks. I'm ordering it this week. I doubt I'll use the 5D or 7D on it. I'm starting with the G12 because it's just easier to focus and get around. I know. 3 hours. After a half hour, I would have thrown it to the wall.

skwirnmn wrote in post #14622417
I use my flycam nano a bit, it takes very little practice as steadicams are pretty intuitive. and same goes for balancing. I can balance my flycam in less than 2 minutes. all the BS that everyone spews comes from their behinds, there's no way it can possibly take 3 hours to balance one like some of the reviews have stated.

Thinking of getting a flycam nano, how is the build quality? Any complaints?

the flycam nanos build isn't terrible.. if the glidecam's build is a 10, the flycam is a 6. balancing can be a pain, but like i said earlier, it's almost pointless to get it perfect.. things like slight winds will throw it off balance. you just need to know how to use it properly.

only odd thing about the flycam nano for me, it's black.. but mines has since turned silver. all the black paint rubs off and get's all over my hands. i'll post a picture later and you'll see what i mean.

HD2000 and call it a day.

Oh, I wish. I can't afford that. This is just a minor part of the event, doing some video. I think the church is hiring a real videotography company. I'm doing this as a volunteer.

I am also torn between the Flycam and steadyvid. ive done all the research and am satasfied with both but not sure which style to go with. Ive used a merlin so im leaning towards the steadyvid but ive seen some interesting video using a glidecam like a crane jib which you cant do with the steadyvid. What made your decision to go with the flycam?

I have the

http://www.amazon.com …ef=oh_details_o​01_s00_i00

but for the iPhone and it works great, but is tricky to get the direction right. And that is for lightweight. I don't know how it handles with a 4.5 pound camera with lens. I read that the flycam was easier to use and to balance.

why not try building your own? They're pretty simple to make and there are lots of youtube videos on it. The stabilizer rig (gimbal) is next on my list
I used this video to make my stabilizer rig and plan to make my steadicam similar to this one. If you want a shoulder rig, you could try something like this

I just don't have the time. But I did order the Flycam yesterday. Getting it tomorrow. I will do a report here when I get it together.