The full body harness rigs are are the best and the most expensive. Any of them take a bit of practice to get the best out of and need to be setup correctly. I'd suggest these are the tools of last resort. IF you can get the shot you want nay other way it'd be preferable.
For live events though that might be kind of difficult. Milede have what seem like a very versatile unit. You could also look at gyro stabilisers from Kenlabs.
Other option to consider is a monopod, Varizoom have one that can also be sort of used as a stabiliser.
Bob.
Well, I needed to do a "steady cam" style shot and found a cheap fix. took my tripod, lifted the center up about a hands width or so (depending on the weight of the cam) and it gave me a "balanced"(not perfectly by anymeans) unit that I could then use to walk with etc... that was akin to some of the outfits out there. (speaking of the outfits out there, I was looking at a couple hundered dollar or so model on PROMAX.com, called a steady tracker I think. They looked alright. but seemed to me that it would tire the arm pretty quick.)
I did some extensive shooting a while back with a XL1s on the handheld Glidecam 4000 Pro--messed up my wrist and elbow for weeks, especially my elbow. I would strongly urge anyone considering any type of handheld stablizing unit to be very, very careful. Find some alternative if at all possible!
I did some extensive shooting a while back with a XL1s on the handheld Glidecam 4000 Pro--messed up my wrist and elbow for weeks, especially my elbow. I would strongly urge anyone considering any type of handheld stablizing unit to be very, very careful. Find some alternative if at all possible!
I concur... and you must be a stronger man than I am! I've been in pain for the last few days from only using the Glidecam 2000 & a DVX-100. I can only imagine the weight of an XL1 & a 4000...
They work well, but they are hell on your arm after a short period of time & are FRIGHTENINGLY difficult to balance!