Magiqcam vs. The Desert

[Robert J. Neep]

Hello All;

Just got back from my vacation in the Desert Southwest.  I took my Sony
HVR Z1 with my Magiqcam IIa and “tried my luck.” I could not get the
rig to balance, when I panned the camera beyond 15 degrees it would
roll off-axis.  Not to mention wind, cacti, snakes, and rough terrain; sure put
me through the test.  I am upgrading to a heavier rig and maybe a class or two.

The main problem, I have is “POGO-ING” I have tried to detune the arm and
take small quick steps.  I may have to change my username to “Pogoman.”

I appreciate all of the help I have gotten from people on this board, especially
Kevin Clark; who I hope to be like when I grow up…

Here is a clip from my Desert experience; Right click and save target (14mb).

http://www.frontiernet.net/~neep/magiqcamameteur.mpg

Robert J. Neep

[Tom Wills]

Not bad at all. To reduce some of the pogoing, try walking with bending your feet, not just picking them up and putting them down. Try and refine it to the point where your hips barely move as you walk. Just imagine you're trying to walk quietly, or sneak somewhere (I know, over simplifying, but it works.)

Great shots though. Very nice job.

[Robert J. Neep]

Thank you Tom, excellent advice.

Rob-

[Jon Gordon]

Excellent location to shoot! The 'bobbing' was a bit annoying, but overall it seemed quite well-operated.

Did you shoot in HD or in SD?

[Robert J. Neep]

This was all shot and edited in HD.  I am working on my "POGO" issue, It is driving me nuts.

[Trevor Crump]

May I suggest that you check that you vest is sitting right, the breast plate may be set to long (or short) this I found was the main reason for 'pogo' in my shots also try adding some more weight to top and bottom of sled to see if this improves the operation.

[Robert J. Neep]

Thanks Trevor, I will try that.  That makes sense to me.
I have upgraded my seris IIa to a Seris III arm with all new sled and gimbal.
John says I can use my Sony DSR500WS (A full size unit) net weight of 40 lbs!

Should be here any day...

Rob

[Trevor Crump]

Does the IIp arm go onto the IIa sled..? and the vest.?
Wow I must contact John and see how much $'s the arm is worth.

[Robert J. Neep]

No, it's a completely new system.  It uses a socket block like the Steadicam models do.
John told me he is using a new machine company for the gimbal assembly, hopefully
this will solve some of the mis-alligned centerpost problems. And hopefully the new arm
will help me with my POGO problem.

Rob-

[Tery Thompson]

Robert,

I just watched the video.  You chose a great place to make a nature video and the music went well.  I liked it.

About the pogoing...a few suggestions in case your not already doing them:

1. Make sure you glide as smoothly as possible by keeping your knees slightly bent and using shorter steps.  It does tend to wear you out a bit more as you are always using your muscles.
2. I have found that having my rig a bit heavy so that it hangs somewhat low lets me do the final dampining with my human arm as I bring the camera up to the shooting position I want.  It doesn't take much effort on my rig but I don't know about the Magiqcam.
3. Move over the terrain faster and then slow the video down in post.  It sounds funny but going slow is one of the hardest shots to do well.  It shows the "footsteps" more.  By doing a faster walk, the video will usually look smoother.

Tery

[Robert J. Neep]

Thank You Tery;

I will be getting a new system next week, so the dynamics may change a little.
But excellent advise, It is most appreciated.

Rob

[Tery Thompson]

Robert,

What new system are you getting?

Tery

[Robert J. Neep]

The Magiqcam Series III arm and IIp sled (I believe.)
-

[Tery Thompson]

Robert,

Let me know how the rig works out for you.  I saw it at the past NAB when John and I met up.  It looks like a real nice stabilizer and the price is very good as well.

Tery