Hi everyone, this is my first post on this forum. The topic is a steadicam if you hadnt guessed already and why there isnt a cheap alternative for amateur film makers out there? I know there are plans, guides on how to build them but lets be honest most of them look cheap and nasty, if you have a funky looking one then post a pic. The reason I am saying this is because I am a product designer and think there could be a market for a product like this but with a twist. A steadicam that also acts as a tripod, 2 pieces of kit rolled into one.... would you pay $200/300 for this?? That way you get a series of differing angled shots, pans etc.... as well as not having to lug another piece of equipment around... what you think?? Is it a rubbish idea or do you think there is some scope there?? Any replies, be it positive or negative would be appreciated.
John
I think it's a great idea. When do you start building the prototype?
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
If you could manage to build one that worked, it would be absolutely amazing... and definitely worth $300. I know if it did the jobs you claim, I'd buy one.
'In the life that man creates for himself, he too, creates his demise... and his legacy.'
'In the life that man creates for himself, he too, creates his demise... and his legacy.'
the steadytracker xtream is a great choice, and its about 399 cdn. i own the FIG RIG, which has been fantastic so far, and that runs for about 319 CDN. all in all, very reasonable, and very effective. neither have the smoothness of a real steadicam, but both are more than adequate.
the steadytracker x-treme also doubles as a tripod.
www.maketradefair.com
www.thehungersite.com
www.oxfam.ca
www.maketradefair.com
www.thehungersite.com
www.oxfam.ca
Thanks for your replies so far.... I have seen the steadycam xtreme model and realize it also acts as a tripod base but it seems quite bulky and looks like it needs some 'real' time to master. I was thinking of a more lightweight version for doing the job.
So anyone reading this, please give me your feed back as I need to know how feasible it would be in the marketplace, i.e would you buy such a piece of kit??
Thanks for your time
John
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/?johnny/steadycam/
if you dont believe it, watch the test videos!
Ok, here's my 2 cents on "steadicams" and the like. If you can afford to get the whole kit and kaboodle, then great. But I own a glidecam, which was just over $200, and you have to use two hands just to operate the thing correctly. So how are you going to rack focus? or zoom? You might not need to for every scene, but shooting everything with deep focus looks pretty lame after awhile.
Something I am now using at work (TV Station) that I wish I would've bought instead, and is much cheaper, is a Spiderbrace. Check them out at www.spiderbrace.com No I don't work for them - they just work really nice, and I know how frustrating the whole steadicam thing can be to us low-budget folks. You can use it one handed or two, so it frees up a hand to actually USE the camera. It's probably not quite as good for running around and filming, etc, but it's agreat alternative to an expensive, not so useable steadicam.
Finally, it's a great alternative to always shooting on a tripod - it gives you a steady shot, with just enough natural motion to keep things interesting.
Good luck
DM
Thanks for your input guys... Will keep you all posted as the concepts/prototype work develops and will display visuals as and when. Your comments will help to make this product idea a far better one for all.
Thanks again.
