Steadycam, Glidecam, Gimbal, or Ronin? For DVX200 Camera

Hey everyone,

I wanted to start making some test videos and I still haven't purchased a Steadycam, Glidecam, Gimbal, or a Ronin.

I was wondering what is the,

1. Best Steadycam, Glidecam, Gimbal, or a Ronin for a DVX200 (To save up for)
2. What is the cheapest Steadycam, Glidecam, Gimbal, or a Ronin for a DVX200 (To start with)

I am REALLY new to live-action recording, I have been an animator for almost 20 years. It is a leap to go from animation to live-action. All help is appreciated, there are so many accessories it is a bit confusing.

I’m a big fan of the Letus Helix and Helix Jr. active gimbals.

Super easy to set up, great results. I’m using a Helix Jr. with the larger “standard” sled from the Helix under a Canon C100. Makes for a very nice setup.

I know it’s not one of the big brands everyone is familiar with, but you’ll see Letus gets a lot of great reviews from highly experienced pros.

For very beginner I would recommend sticking to the basics, and then allowing the technology to assist. (I say this because I have fallen into the mistake of acquiring very expensive gear/accessories, and then having to bridge the gap between understanding the basics, concepts, techniques, all the while with the bells and whistles getting in the way).

As far as the best glide/steady cam solution, depends on the application and the amount of money you are willing to spend.

What I consider to be pretty much the best for overall gimbal action: https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …2_professional_​combo.html
But you could find the "Best" solution to be one far less expensive than that, or twice as expensive.

Regarding a good place to start on the budget end, I would recommend a simple Glidecam, such as the FLYCAM Redking ($150-200). This will allow you to balance your camera, and then practice the basic controls for movement, with decent gimbal control. Then you might consider complementing that setup based on what your needs are from that point. Anything from a full Ronin rig, to a Steadicam vest and arm, etc.

Really crazy thing is, you can get pretty decent results out of a $150-200 glidecam to begin with, and then add a vest to it, and eventually transition to a Ronin w/vest or some other motorized gimbal and a stabilizer vest for a much better price if you wanted to.

I've seen a couple of friends spend thousands of dollars with active gimbals, and still be dissapointed that the results aren't what they wanted. They haven't learned how to move, plan, and work around a steady or gliding rig. The gimbal does its job for sure, but unless you're on a hoverboard or on a dolly on rails, the shot will be infused with the lack of practice/experience.

In summary, it is my experience that it often takes an inexpensive glidecam and lots of practice to really appreciate a stabilizer/motorized gimbal.

Hope this helps.

All the best!

Flycam Redking- https://www.amazon.com …-Camcorders/dp/B01H1IE7​4I

I wanted to take a moment and write once more, a few weeks later. After your post, and my reply, I actually went around looking to see what some of my friends and colleagues were using as a gimbal solution. I actually discovered -confessions time- a whole range of active gimbals at a somewhat affordable price.

And while much of my original answer stands, I have found that the Moza Air 2 is a great DSLR gimbal, with up to 9lb payload capacity, and three axis stabilization, lots of useful modes, etc. I picked one up, and so far I cannot wait to use it out in the field. Doesn't have the complications of a much more complex rig (suspension or the super-bionic Arri-Trinity rig, more on that here: https://www.youtube.co​m/watch?v=6JLbVQNS74w ), and at the same time it provides what most affordable gimbals could on smaller device, but on full body DSLRs with a couple lbs of glass attached to them, a monitor, etc.

Definitely worth a look at:

Official site- https://www.gudsen.com​/moza-air-2

Amazon- https://www.amazon.com …-Mirrorless/dp/B07P9WRB​YX

Lots of comparisons with the DJI Ronin S, and actually some rather favorable reviews when side to side.

Is it worth the $550? Depends. Like everything in photo/video, it is a tool, and it will be worth whatever time and use it is given.

It does offer a great level of stabilization, and many of the features of the big rig stabilizators (single axis follow/lock, etc). Does it remove the famed "ninja" walk? No. You can introduce a lot of vertical movement by walking carelessly or running normally while using this type of gimbal/stabillizator. This is where I originally mentioned a cheaper, more introductory solution might be a good entry to the world of stabilized motion. Also having hands off the camera can be tricky, depending on what you are doing. iFocus module -I got it and use it for both pulling focus and zoom when needed, is really good too.

Anyhow, thought I would addend my original notes, I felt that this type of gimbal would offer you a more realistic solution (any in its Class, like the Zyuhn Crane, DJI Ronin, Moza Air or AirCross, etc) without having to go to either extreme.

Hope this helps.