Everyone has a preference of what they consider to be their ultimate rig. Like I mentioned in Part one, budget and the kind of work will determine what rig you will finally decide to buy. Depending on what you shoot (video or film), the components and flexibility of any stabilizer will determine your needs. So, you should ask yourself the vitals:
1. Will I be doing only film?
2. Will I be doing only Video?
3. Will I be doing both?
4. Will I be doing only small DV/HD cameras as a hobby frequently or not?
Well, let's start from the bottom and work our way up the chain.
1. If you will be working with small camera under 5kg than you should decide weather your hobby will crave longer shots. If so, then a simple handheld will not suffice. Having a handheld would require you to use your arm as a support leverage. The disadvantage, is your arm will feel the bulk of that weight being weighted down by gravity. This usually leads to bad framing or unwanted attributes. So if you're going to be filming for less than 5 minutes straight at a time then a handheld system would probably be your best bet.
2. If you, on the other hand will be doing both video & film then you need a system that can offer both requirements without compromise. A fully versatile system would be beneficial to your operational needs of all professional necessities. A full rig system is a must with all the optional available. This would safe-guard against future film & video formats. A complete top of the line system should do the job nicely. See
Part 1 for the top of the line available systems. Most operators mix match systems to fit their need. others just buy a complete package. The need to mix-match is more of a personal taste and versatility of name brand components available of each systems. No one can make that decision for you. Everything is done base on one's necessities, versatility and availablity of components. A combination of the same name brand might not satisfy another operator. So, because of our differential needs, systems will vary from individual to individual.
3. If your need is video only then the need for a system that can handle this request without any other extra expensive peripheral devices will be a sure bet. One thing though, the cost will be lower, not enormously, but sufficient enough to justify the cost. There are lower priced systems that handle such needs without breaking the bank. Again, if it is a cost issue then these are a good choice; See
Part 1 for those brands. One thing to keep in mind is to buy what you need to handle the job, and save your pennies for accessories. Video work is not that unforgiving as film work.
N.B.
Please note that video-only doesn't just mean that these system will fly only video cameras. It's basically a lot to do with components, connections and options availability.My favorite midrange models are:
1. The Steadicam flyer
2. The Glidecam V25
Of course this depends if the weight you decide to fly falls within the min and max of the stabilizer device you decide to buy for your setup.4. If your main work is only film, then your necessities will become demanding and relentlessly superior. see
Part 1 for those choices. All big major players have the options to do video and film. so, regardless of your choice the option to incorporate video work is always an option that comes with the high-end system. Quality and performance is the most sort after requirements and this is the bank breaker. But with many successful film job, the benefits will start to reap itself.
My personal favorite high-end and mid-range support arms, in the order they are presented:
1. Pro
2. G70
The difference between these two are small but there is always that slight edge that kicks you into high gear.
3. The Flyer Arm
4. Glidecam V25
As for sleds, the countdown are as follows:
1. XCS Sled
2. Steadirig ( Their lower battery mount is sweet, though haven't tested it yet )
3. Pro GPI
4. MK-v
5. Jerry Hill lower sled (N.B. not full sled; Battery mount component )
N.B.
Again, please note this is a personal choice and more of a design thing than anything other than name brands.
When it comes to vest I felt the Steadicam vest can't be beat. Of course, this is a personal choice. The Klassen vests are very popular because they are back-mounted thus giving a different leverage of comfort compared to their counter-part, the front-mounted vest. There are many who still prefer the front mount but again, it's a personal thing and deems that one do a test to see how it measures up to one's own expectations.
We all want what's best at a reasonable price. The question is, what is considered 'Reasonable'...?
END of PART 2
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