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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

anyone tried out the steadicam zephyr?

I've used it. Any specific questions?

If you'd like to talk to someone with tons of experience with the Zephyr, Mark Schlicher SOC is the man to talk to. PM him on steadicamforum.com. Also search that forum for the Zephyr, there's tons of reviews and info.
 
I've owned a zephyr for about four months now. It's a pretty great piece of gear. Any specific questions?
 
specific questions.. flyer LE vs zephyr..

I know the Zephyr flys a few lbs more.. which is cool.. but most cameras I would be flying are well under 20lbs anyways..

so what is the benefit of the $4,000 more on the zephyr?

is it more "professional"
 
There's also the Scout - using a similar system to the Zephyr, but the Scout has a single section base/balance set up (the Zephyr has two - making for faster balance).

The Flyer LE is the older tech now. The Zephyr is the model that replaces it (better/more modern features and a similar price) and the Zephyr is the 'high-end' of the mid price point rigs.

The Zephyr is the only one (if memory serves) that is Tango compatible (the large jib type arm that slots on)... but I don't think the Tango can take the weight of an Epic, as it was designed for lighter cameras.

Benefit wise, both Zephyr and Scout are easier to balance and have updated gimbals... plus fine weight balance can be done with Merlin weights (so, again. faster set up and operation).

I'm not an expert on Steadi's - just have some experience... so I'm sure others can help far more.
 
also.. if anyone in LA/OC/SD have a Zephyr.. I would love to come check it out.. or rent it if possible for a day.. just to see if its something i want to invest in and learn.
 
Andy White said:
...There's also the Scout - using a similar system to the Zephyr, but the Scout has a single section base/balance set up (the Zephyr has two - making for faster balance)...
Click to expand...
How much faster/easier is it to balance..? Is it more of a convenience issue...
 
The Scout has a single rod on the lower sled base (for battery and monitor)... the Zephyr has a rod for the monitor and another for the battery. So you can adjust the battery back/forwards and leave the monitor (etc) when getting balance.

I've only used a Zephyr (but not on an Epic) - not a Scout. But, it makes sense the Zephyr will be that little bit faster/easier as Steadicams are all about getting the right dynamic balance.

This is useful - it's long (over an hour) but goes through a lot of Steadicam principles - plus has a demo of the Scout/Zephyr :) http://vimeo.com/24573459
 
Andy White said:
I've only used a Zephyr (but not on an Epic) - not a Scout. But, it makes sense the Zephyr will be that little bit faster/easier as Steadicams are all about getting the right dynamic balance.
Click to expand...

It's not necessarily faster or easier; that's up to the skill level of the operator. I haven't used a Scout, but I used to own a pilot and it takes me the same amount of time to balance as my Zephyr.

Zakaree Sandberg said:
specific questions.. flyer LE vs zephyr..

I know the Zephyr flys a few lbs more.. which is cool.. but most cameras I would be flying are well under 20lbs anyways..

so what is the benefit of the $4,000 more on the zephyr?

is it more "professional"
Click to expand...

I don't think you are looking at it the right way. "Professional," or not, each model of stabilizer has different features, and holds different capacities. If you're clients need you to be able to fly a camera set-up that weighs upwards of 20lbs, then there is no question about it. If that is not your situation, the scout might be the answer.
 
The Zephyr is overall beefier than the Flyer. Stronger gimbal, topstage, post, battery rack, etc. Rigidity is very important in steadicam. The Zephyr also offers more ways to balance, most notably on the battery rack. It offers fore/aft capability, while the flyer does not. This will enable you to achieve dynamic balance (or at least get close) on a wider range of camera, as well as being able to fly monitors of different weights and size. Also the Zephyr has more power ports for camera and accessories.

Is it more "professional"? That's a set politics thing. I wouldn't say it's more "professional" than any other rig, but it is probably now viewed more favorably than the flyer by producers and dp's.

Professionalism obviously comes from on set demeanor and operating skill, but from a gear standpoint, whether you have a flyer or zephyr, you'll need wireless focus and wireless video transmission to be at the bottom of what is necessary for a professional job.
 
Another benefit of the Zephyr is it doesn't require any tools to adjust. This makes a big difference when you're in the field and just want to get on with it. I brought my Zephyr to my steadicam course where they were using a Flyer to demonstrate. Everything was much easier and faster on the Zephyr.
 
I've owned a Zephyr for about a month now. Just properly balanced and tested it today. Great piece of gear, much easier to adjust than previous models. The 7" Marshall (3G HD-SDI) is has a lot of great features, and lots of input options. Only issue I'm having is powering the camera off the AB pack on the sled. Need adapter cable.
 
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