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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 :)

Cheaper Steadicam Options?

tmorten said:
$2250 for HD is a heck of a savings over the prepackaged HD versions of the Flyer LE. :)
Tim
Click to expand...

Now my question. Is it worth to pay $2250 for an HD monitor instead of using the SD one? I'm not experienced at all but I guess when operating the Flyer we'll be basically using the Monitor for Framing, We don't need to do focus so just a good Sd (in terms of viewing angle and brightness should be more than enough.) I'd rather spend some more money to get a really good Sd monitor than much more to get a good HD. Am I missing something?
 
ericyoung said:
A Flyer setup even with a 19lbs camera load is NOT a very heavy Steadicam setup. I'm pretty unmuscley, and could wear one for extended periods.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice.

I'm not doing a lot of weights. Basically I am doing a combination of swimming, running, and some weights for arms and back. I don't know how long it will last, but if my fear to hurt my back will help me reduced my love handles... well, I'll love my steadycam forever.
 
As promised, I'll attach a photo of the two different configurations of the top of the sled, from the Flyer LE manual. Also, a shot of the wacky (looks like mini-DIN instead of Hirose?) connector that feeds into the SD monitor. Forgive the camera-phone pix... my Scarlet hasn't arrived yet :).

re: SD versus HD monitoring: I suspect you're correct that SD should be fine for framing... any of the pros have opinions here? Is it even worth it to have HD monitoring on your sled?

Cheers,
Tim
 
A few preliminary notes on Flyer LE weight capacity:

Since I haven't gotten cables for the batteries and monitor yet, I went ahead and tried out flying a full rig: mounting plate, body, top mounts, 12" rods, zoom lens, Red brick, Red arm, 5.6" LCD, hard drive, and cables all on top of the sled... there was no problem flying this weight, which clocked in at 20lbs! There was still room to spare on the spring settings, so the rumors about the weight rating being conservative seem to be true - I suspect 22lbs is a feasible top-end.

Once I'm using the sled's own LCD and batteries, and using CF instead of hard disk, my rig will shed 7lbs (verified by my scale), so I expect to have 7 to 9lbs to play with. That seems like plenty of head-room for mattebox, downconverter, wireless followfocus, wireless audio/video, etc. Definitely not as luxurious as the ActionCam, but still eminently reasonable (and less than half the cost)... right in line with my quest for "cheaper" options.

Cheers,
Tim
 
tmorten said:
As promised, I'll attach a photo of the two different configurations of the top of the sled, from the Flyer LE manual.
Tim
Click to expand...

So I asume the top photo would be the LE Sd version and the lower one the Red version, right? So in the SD you only have two connectors, one for the video and another one for the power.

But that's great news about the weight.
 
muffinny said:
So I asume the top photo would be the LE Sd version and the lower one the Red version, right? So in the SD you only have two connectors, one for the video and another one for the power.

But that's great news about the weight.
Click to expand...

You got it; Terry West says it's around $400 to rewire the post, so not crazy expensive, but something to think about.

Cheers,
Tim
 
tmorten said:
As promised, I'll attach a photo of the two different configurations of the top of the sled, from the Flyer LE manual. Also, a shot of the wacky (looks like mini-DIN instead of Hirose?) connector that feeds into the SD monitor. Forgive the camera-phone pix... my Scarlet hasn't arrived yet :).

re: SD versus HD monitoring: I suspect you're correct that SD should be fine for framing... any of the pros have opinions here? Is it even worth it to have HD monitoring on your sled?

Cheers,
Tim
Click to expand...

That's unexpected - two completely different sled top mount configurations. I guess it discourages DIY conversions like you're attempting!

But the mini-DIN (or whatever) connector is the only connector at the bottom? Then I'd guess there are two video coax cores in the post cable connecting two pairs of pins in the LCD connector to the two SD and HD BNCs. Both coax cores will almost certainly be HD-SDI 75ohm cable. And if both BNCs are identical (centre conductor sticks out above any white insulating plastic), they're both HD-SDI BNCs! Just get a multimeter on both ends and continuity buzz out the connections. The one that's crucial to identify polarity is of course the power connections!! Don't attempt a DIY breakout unless you're sure you know what you're doing.

This is ALL educated guess work without an LE in front of me. So proceed at your own risk of destroying your LE and voiding of warranty!!
 
HD is nice to have and saves a downconverter, cables and extra weight. SD monitor is fine for framing - not for focus (but that's not the main purpose of the Steadicam monitor), as long as it's bright, underscans and has a good viewing angle.

Also, does it have image flip options for low mode, perhaps cursors to help with framing.
 
Hello I havent follow this thread from the start, to busy building stuff , but if its not to late do your self a favor and get The Action cam red edition , you will never get anything as high quality as this rig and with upgradable features at this price point.
Put the flyer side by side with this and then you got your answer.
Hope that helps
Constantine
 
We really love our Actioncam!

Stephen
 
I saw two steadicam guys go head to head thunderdome death match style
and the steadicam flyer guy killed the actioncam guy...
It was pretty awesome and a close match
never seen those spring arms used as weapons
They were really beating on eachother
It was Epic
two men enter one man leave...

:emote_couch:
 
:laugh: Just being silly
Kinda boring around here lately..

I think I am gonna go Flyer le since the Epic and Scarlet are way lighter
The actioncam sounds great
But I would like my setup to be as light and thrifty as possible :001_cool:
Everyone seems to have liked the actioncam
But is there still belief that the steadicam name and history holds it higher
and is their a difference in movement and use
I personally like the looks of the Flyer in terms of function and aesthetics
Garret Brown is awesome and I just feel safer and like to be a part of the nostalgia
 
Anybody have any operating time with the Sachtler Artemis EFP SE and the RED?

From what I understand, the sled is prewired for HD, and is Red friendly in regard to power.

How does it fly? Looks to be a solid midrange rig.
 
Sled is great , vest too, arm is stiff, kinda strange feel. Apert of the arm I loved the rest.
Guys there is technology you have to look at , explore the steadi world first, you do a lot of mistakes in the start, even going with cinema products was one, but then I didnt have any options at the time, now you guys have so many options, how can you compare the action arm with the flyers arm in build and technology? how can you not go for a 2 inch post, a really nice flat stage, a backmount, its all there to see and most importand it works.
Yes tiffen has a resale, but Actioncam has a very good reputation for their products and they deserve this.
Thanks
 
Paul Russell said:
I'm in no rush to buy. I think I'll try renting a few different ones to see which I like the most.
Click to expand...

I heard only good things about action products - it may be a good thing to wait until they reveal the new rigs which seem to be extremely affordable - watch this: http://vimeo.com/22816204

The small artemis rigs may be too small to fly Epics and the Tiffen Flyers leave too little headroom if needed.
 
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