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Q About Gimbal Stabilizers in General

Terry VerHaar

Terry VerHaar

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A point of curiosity about these new gimbal-type stabilizers: Do folks think these are going to somewhat replace Steadicam/Glidecam type stabilizers going forward? I know its a new category and somewhat unproven but on a very basic level they do seem like they might accomplish the same things. Would love to hear how people are thinking about this.

And, hypothetically, if you had to use just one, which would it be? :huh:
 
if i had go pick, steadicam is where i would go for almost all applications
 
Having had my Movi for about a month now, I really just see it as another tool in the arsenal. I see the Movi as being more versatile than a steadicam in terms of how you can move it through a space. It really can do just about anything you can imagine. For example, I strapped it to an ATV rig for a car commercial and the Movi essentially became a stabilized remote head for filming a car chase! Handoffs through windows, over balconies, whatever you want to do.

But, the steadicam will always beat a Movi in stability of movement in standard steadicam-like situations, like a walk-and-talk shot, and you definitely could never put a 3D Alexa rig on a Movi.

So, much like the Red vs. Alexa argument, I see the Movi vs. Steadicam argument as being which is "the right tool for the job," because it's not really an apples to apples comparison. However, also like the Red vs. Alexa argument, I think we'll see way more gimbal stabilizers on lower budget and indy productions than steadicams in the coming months/years.
 
They are very different platforms. I could see mounting one on a steadicam arm I suppose. But a trained Steadicam operator is probably going to be a better option most of the time. Though it looks like you can't beat them for doggie-cam...
 
I think the most intriguing use of a movi is mounted on a steadicam post, turning it into an AR. You could then go from ground level to above head height seamlessly and smoothly, as well as arm in a car window, etc. I plan to put mine on my steadicam later this week and try it out.

Nick
 
I tried to learn to operate a steady cam, Do not remember the brand, but it was a highly professional one and I also had help setting it up by one of the most experienced operators... All I learned is that operating a steady is shit hard. Even the most simple moves. It felt like I was trying to learn how to ride a unicycle. It takes months of training, if not years, to become a half decent steady operator. Now these small handheld gimbals have hardly hit the market and all ready we see shots from them we could only dream of before.

So simply I think that if people learn how to use these gimbals, and then start to ad wire cam systems, an steady cam arms etc etc. And most of all practice with them for ten years or so then I'm pretty sure it will out preform the regular steady cam that does not have the gyro, the second operator and all that.

Also as the small gimbal thing just started I think things will improve quite rapidly, what we see now is pretty much just rushed out commercialised prototypes. Where as the steady rigs are more in the perfection stage. As not much has happen to the steady rigs in the last couple of years.
 
I'm pretty sure it will out preform the regular steady cam that does not have the gyro,
Click to expand...

They are totally different. I wouldn't say steadicam "outperforms" a dolly, they are different tools. I have yet to see anything other than sloppily composed wide shots from the Movi. If somebody could do competent operating at 100mms on one, I think we would be talking about something different. Maybe not, we'll have to wait and see how it gets adopted. It's a new tool, and that's good. I think using it as a stabilized remote hear is very promising. We'll see what evolves out of using it hand held.

Nick
 
They are different beasts; there's overlap but one is much more versatile than the other; one is much more specific in its application and therefore better at it.

One thing is certain: gimbal software and operators will get much better at it very quickly, and we will start to see various applications that haven't been thought of yet.

If anyone is interested here's a music video I shot on my M10 (no sound)

https://vimeo.com/76779896 pass:azaa
 
I am looking pretty hard at the Besteady 4, coming soon. :-)
 
Paul Russell said:
That paintball vid is full of tiny sideways jerks, same as what you get if you mistreat a Kenyon. It wouldn't make me want to replace a steadicam.
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I agree, though some of the translation in those shots is smooth considering they're hand-held. A lot of that is down to the operator. With the addition of an arm, you'd get a lot more translation smoothness, at the expense of range of movement - you'd also make gains (compared with a Steadicam sled) in speed related to lower overall weight and responsiveness (no counterweight, no pendulum).

It's not simply a question of replicating a Steadicam either; I actually like this new aesthetic which is somewhere between hand held and machine smoothness.
 
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I have to agree with the idea that they are both capable of great things. We were part of the Proline group buy and I must say that after only a short time, we are starting to get a grasp of flying the Epic. Although far from expert operators, we're very pleased.
Here's a look at our first gig.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MW79Dm43PoQ
 
Nick Gardner said:
If I was the camera op on that job, i would have an earwig in and the DP would be screaming "Headroom Headroom Headroom!" at me the whole time. If it's ok with you to frame it up that way, rock on, but that would get me fired on any high dollar shoot.

Nick
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Hey Nick, right you are. I didn't get any note about that. If you check other MoVI shoots there are plenty that exhibit the kind of framing you prefer.
 
Frank Weeks said:
They knew the operator was a rookie. As I said "far from an expert". Knowing that they were actually quite pleased. He's a fine cameraman. He will learn quickly.
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Frank the comment from Nick (now deleted) was about my link.

Your link is broken, I'd be interested to see it.
 
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