Flycam 5000 - U-Flycam - cheap stabilizers my honest opinion

[nicelogin2]

Yes, holding a tripod (as a stabilizer) with two fingers is cheap in terms of costs, but try doing that for a moderate production. You will complain to yourself why you couldn't afford a much more comfortable handheld stabilizer. Setup time is really nothing if you want good qualities. I do 360 degree panoramic photos as a hobby, and I don't even complain about the 20 minutes it takes for me to adjusting all of the settings. As a pro, you shouldn't complain about it.

[owenkilleen]

this is the kind of in depth equipment guide we need, thanks Rick.

[halocritian]

thanks for the information

[Digitalanarchee]

Personally I bought the flycam 5500 and I love my friend had the 5000 u have to loosen the tension on the arm it's too stiff. The directions are plain but my friend never had a problem with the 5000, the system isn't gonna work on itself especially with that small camcorder I see being used.

[moom1000]

I want to see you holding a 2+ pounds rig with two fingers for more than a few seconds.

[CineGraphic]

The folks behind U-Fly Cam are less than honest. They are currently using your 1st review in their Ebay listings. I've made Ebay aware of the situation. I made the mistake of buying one, and the mounting place is a piece of crap that wiggles constantly. What's the point of trying to stabilize a picture if the camera cant even be mounted tightly? I consider their past listings and current listings on Ebay to be misleading and fraudulent. SAVE YOU TIME & MONEY, DON"T BUY THIS PIECE OF CRAP!

[wyciskTV]

OMG Rick I love your vids. Thanks so much!

[arfurlife]

i really take your point in this video. I need to get more stabalized shots when i am not using a tripod. My hands are those of a man with a serious tremor problem. I like the tip of using the tripod a a counter weight and with a bit of practice it miaght surfice for the od sparing shot. I think there isa a big danger of wanting to over use a staedy cam anyway. Even some of the so called good demos still induce nausea if over done and to me that is just bad filming. oh for a real solution.

[Oallos1]

What do you think of the Balvanz MiniDV stabilizer - sells for only $95 - doesn't look much different from the Flycam nano

[TheOriginalJoeBloggs]

I MISS THESE TYPES OF VIDEOS......

[idro2k]

Thanks, I just got one :o(

[dazzybabe]

"you're talking some proper serious shi... stabilisation." lol brilliant! Loving your videos Rick!

[crytebow]

30 degrees is freakin COLD

[TheFilmMaster]

@crytebow - Celcius, not Fahrenheit. Brits work in Celcius.

[conrad007]

Really appreciate the honest review on the products. I'm sure this will save a few people some money and time.

[csmith418]

The reason the u-cam is turning is becuase you are supposed to put your thumb on the little grippy cylinder thing above the handle you hold. also that controls up and down movement. Look up how to use a steadicam merlin and that will show you what to do.

[tinotrivino]

no way the chest and holder are not only for the steady to hold it lol also that your arm dont become lazy !!!

[Inlightphotostudio]

4:30 This is your 'professional' solution to stabilize the image? A 7$ tripod? You must be kiddin me ;-))) Obviouslly you didn't try it with a 7-10lbs of equipment, let's see then how you get it balanced on your tripod.

Flycam 5000 doesn't cost $500 but aprox $250. if you add the vest and arm which are extra you end up paying aprox $650. I bought one and it's a great and affordable piece of equipment.

[tinotrivino]

lol 5 pounds 6 or 7 dollars .D today it would be 11 dollars or more :D

[KeijinShiho]

I like the apple on your shirt. it looks tasty ;D

[promytheaz]

Thanx for the tips mate...nice....

[F5SHOW]

20-30 minutes to setup? You must be doing something wrong. We did it in 5 minutes, that includes putting the thing together.

Check our setup tutorial:

[bgoofy2]

This video was extremely helpful to put things in perspective. Thank you so very much for sharing your experience!

[ScribblesOfOwls]

Question mate, the flycam 3000 sells for 150 on ebay, the wrist support an extra 40 not including shipping. Is that what you meant by expensive? How much did you purchase them for?

[gunnarMyTube]

Nice fluid video quality in this video, what kind of cam was used ? And can you recall the video quality uploaded after the editing job ?

[sye005]

Thank you sooooooo sooooooo Much !!!!!!! you saved my Money :) ,..... i thought of buying flycam 5000 now i gave up , i ll Buy a good Manfrotto Tripod n use it as stedicam ;) .....

[pskim731]

@sye005 I'd rethink about getting a Manfrotto Tripod as a steadicam. I've seen lots of reviews and videos of it and I didn't see much positive review of it as a steadicam. If you can't make your own steadicam, I'd recommend the Hague MMC.

[sye005]

@pskim731 , Hiii thanks for ya Reply :) , and if i make a stedicam myself doest it work well like a pro one ????? could you suggest me any good stedicam price should be under 400$ , i saw ya Profile , you have done lotsa research on stedicams :) .... Am interested in Glidecam 2000 Pro and Flycam 5000 , which one is Better for my canon 5D mark 2 and t2i ( 550D ) .. Thank you :) ..

[pskim731]

@sye005 Well, you can take a look at my diy steadicam. It's not the perfect steadicam but I finally got it to a point where I think it's good enough to stabilize my videos. But I think you really need to do the research for your creative needs. If you really want the best on the market, I think Steadicam Merlin is the way to go, but too expensive. That's why I made my own. I think both the glidecam and flycam are good. But you need to make that decision according to your needs.

[sye005]

@pskim731 yeah , thanks for ya reply dude :) .... am toooo Lazy to make a steadicam even i am not much skilled in tat ..... after researching a lot n after watching many Video where Glidecam has been used , I have decided to buy a GLIDECAM 2000 pro its Impressed Pretty much :) , Hope it would fulfill my Needs :) ....

[chechemusic]

thanks

[mrholmandirect]

good video, you helped

[jesusfreakproducties]

Any advice for a JVC GZ-HD10 (I'll do alot of steadycamshots but not professional as in movie stuff).

(If you are dutch, me is too, so I can find same stuff in shops like you, hehe)

[themorningperson]

you are in the line of truth vanman.. 5:01 statement really made me smile..they are even talents that felt ashame to act if we only had small rigs..! believe that..!

[SBPStudio]

Did you ever post that video follow up on free/cheap alternatives Rick?

[rickvanman]

@SBPStudio  err, not yer :-~ but it's still on my list believe it or not. It'll happen!

[butchnews]

@SBPStudio I use a slik lighty pod 200 with a weight attached to the bottom... works fine with a light weight camera.

[coreyg50]

this is some really good advice. it seems any tripod in general will do the trick. thanks a lot for the tip. you just saved me a good $200.

[Maxcielle]

thanks, i was about to buy one ;)

[PlatinumProductionzz]

@ Rick ... so how did it go from "working for you" to "not working for you?"

You said it takes you 20 to 30 mins maybe, to get it going each shoot. How did you get to that from it taking a couple minutes when u first got it?

[parkinomartino]

Thank you very much for sharing your experience. Sbsolutely great Rick

[PlatinumProductionzz]

I don't get you guys' problems with the Flycam 5000. I've only had mine a week. Once I set it up, it takes me two minutes to put the main pieces together and start shooting stabilized. It takes me about 30 secs to remove it from my body .... maybe another 15 secs to have the camera in my hand ready to shoot without the flycam 5000 and vest.

I wouldn't buy it to operate a small consumer camera. But, to do hours of shooting and get steadier shots, I see the value of it and am glad I bought it.

[rickvanman]

@PlatinumProductionzz You sound exactly like me a week after I got mine :o)

[bens747]

Thanx for the advice Rick ... excellent video

[Surfocrates]

Just thought I would add something to your tripod as a stedicam idea if you get one of those mini table top tripods with the ball joint head you can attach it to the full size tripod (various ways of doing so) and have a balljoint handle style stabilizer like the flycam 5000

[njneopatriot]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[TGamel]

Rick appreciate all the info you provide....Watch lots of your stuff and always enjoy it and find your experience valuable....Keep up the good work!

[flashgunfilms]

LOL pissa - so funny. Well what can I say.

[petterhny]

tomorrow i'm gonna get one of those cheap-ass tripods from a china import store. see if i can mount my iphone on it...

[evi2001]

Thank you very much for your opinion,an excelent

and pertinent comments.

Really usefull video-clip.

[Cre8tvMG]

Big kudos from across the pond. I've done film and video in the Seattle area for 25 years (Boeing, Microsoft, etc.) and I have arrived at the same decision. Use a cheap handheld tripod* and grip it in the right place to balance it, then walk with knees slightly bent to minimize bouncing. (*I use a small Manfrotto). Other than that, it's not worth the trouble unless you get a real steadicam. You can also tilt the tripod one- or two- legged to fake small boom moves.

[imrstr]

@ 4:50 ... do you really think this is good for filming with a 2-5 pounds VDSLR Camera on the TriPod? ....

[felipipi]

Thanks Rick, you just save me some money, U got a beer on my name !!!

but if you decide to give away your stabilizer, give it to me =) I'll pay the shipping.

[TheMenacingPhantom]

Great video, - very informative - but I can't help having a laugh! "It's like nearly thirty degrees here - it is just SO hot today!" If you think that's hot you'd hate it here in Australia!!!!! It gets up to 44 celsius here (110 fahrenheit). It actually gets hotter in the outback, but less people live out there. So if you do come out here to film (cause it's so bloody beautiful here for photographers and filmmakers) do it in winter! Anyway - top job - five starts!*****

[mgproductions2007]

@TheMenacingPhantom uhm.. i live in australia sydney.. 44C is pretty fucking rare rofl.

[Johnnyboy792]

Hello Rick. I've contemplated on trying the Hague stabilizer. Have you heard of it ?

[rickvanman]

not heard of that one - i'll have to look it up.

[Johnnyboy792]

I hope you do. I tried the Stury Shot & am ready to choke someone ! Thanks Buddy !

[Butterz771]

@Johnnyboy792 Oh I have a Hague model! They are great for small handy cams, but I am investing in a slightly larger cam so I looking into a body kit :D

[MikeyMinimo]

@Johnnyboy792 i have it... it's pretty good for light cameras.

[Hannibalonthejazz]

Alot of productions that use a steadicam pay an operator that isn't the main DP or cam op so think about that and what it requires to use one.

[Hannibalonthejazz]

The tripod method is allright for light cameras or DSLRs with medum to short lenses. SOme people prefer monopods. Stabilizers are substitutes for dollies (less space required, time to set up,etc.) When you start to use it for everything it's not strategically effective. If you look at most films they use steadies for short tracking/dollying out shots not the longer ones. Build a sit on dolly or do the Godard and use a wheelchair. I know rough terrains different but be creative.

[Hannibalonthejazz]

The vest design makes all the difference. If your going to go over a grand why stop at 1500 check out the varizoom aviator combos. They're amazing. With the Reds and high powered DSLRs coming out though stabilizers will probably get cheaper and smaller.

[Hannibalonthejazz]

For the fledgling indie cinemaker a merlin combo runs for like $1500 new(USD not Euros). To rent setups are at least 80 bucks daily. the glidecam combo works well for around 500 bucks if your lucky. Buy the steadicam operator's handbook and watch manufacture videos. You can't expect to be good by using it periodically so practice. You could probably rig a flycam stand to a glidecam bodypod for really cheap. You can make them too but I'd try to use metal instead of the DIY plywood method.......

[capturefour]

Dont waste your money on the Flycam gear, its absolute garbage.

If you want to throw away your money, please send it to me.

At least I will send you a response when I receive your money.

Save a little longer and buy products that will last you a lifetime.

For example, the Merlin Steadicam.

Thanks for your opinion Ricky, i really enjoy your videos but with all due respect your comparing crap with crap..

With Regards,

[SteveBrandner]

Great hint, thanks :-) was smiling brightly when you told to hold the tripod under the cam t stabilize - thats what i do all the time. Its the nearest...

[daronsneed]

Wow! For some reason I haven't seen this video even though I have been trying to research those EXACT TWO units you are talking about. I had them bookmarked and was going to place an order for either or TODAY! So now I think i will in fact doi what you said...get by for now, then invest in a Merlin after I have some more money.

Thanks for your review and time you took to warn us newbie videographers out here!

[skriddler]

It's hard to take your opinion on any real professional level when you incled so many cheesy transition wipes in your productions.

Sorry.. just sayin, that kind of thing instantly screams out 'amateur production'. At least here in the states anyway. But beyond that , I do thank you for the videos and the information.

[rickvanman]

I sincerly hope people are not taking my opinions on any 'real professional' level.

My mantra is simple "This is YouTube - not Hollywood!"

I am not professional, nor do I ever claim to be- ever! In fact I often state, these are just things I've figured out for myself through experience.

I regularly get snooty, condescending comments from members of the so-called "pro" fraternity - but they always fail to get the point of who I am, or what I'm about!

Just sayin.

You're welcome :o)

[jahfreep]

Greetings Mr rickvanman, I thank you sincerely for the info that you've provided. I would also say to you, ignore the snooty condescending comments and keep posting. Those critics are lost in ignorance. Least they forget that most of the equipment Hollywood uses today derives from budgetary constraints and improvisation. Thanks!

[rickvanman]

Thanks for the vote of encouragement :o)

[darknkreepy]

lame. his info was fine and if you knew anything about stabilization you'd understand he was right. his wipes are fine, what should he do? get some after effects in there? he obviously experiments and enjoys learning, ergo...

troll. where's your 'professional' vids at?

[claatu]

BTW What do you think about those horizontal handles that are exactly like the support for external side flash, but instead of the external flash there is just a handle?

Of course they're bulky and have no double use as tripod, but do they hand better performance compared to handling a tripod?

Thanks.

[claatu]

Thanks for the video, great man.

[stealthboy84]

I wish I had seen this video earlier. I just got my U-flycam last week and I can't get over the veering. My best friend's wedding is just next week and I promised him a good wedding video.

[rickvanman]

try injecting a small amount of silicone grease into the bearing assembly on the top bearings, It may help to dampen the movement enough to give you a little more control over the veering.

[MrStudioJB]

Thanks for this update. After watching your first video, I was ready to buy a UFlycam.

Now, I may try to find a second hand one on ebay... (Aren't you selling yours ?)

You may think I am crazy, but I am still interested in such a device as my camcorder is not easy to balance on a basic tripod (I am using it with both exernal microphone and video light)

But now I now what I will get for my money.

BTW, are you aware that TheCineCity is using your video (the 1st enthusiastic one) on their website?

[rickvanman]

sold mine last year :o) on eBay oddly enough!

Yes its OK, I created the video for them.

[silyavski]

i went the same road and build me a Merlin like DIY steadycam much more better than the indian one. but i also awakened one day and now i use only my tripod with one of the legs at 90 degree using it to pan. well, though i use a pro tripod, not a 4$ one :-)

the left -right problem is easily solved in a DIY merlin like configuration using a fat tripod ball head instead of this small thing the indians use. more contact, more friction, no left-right.

i used macro rail for quicker adjustment :-)

[capturefour]

Do not waste your money on this stuff.. Ive had enough of this Company.(Cinecity -Dv City)My mission is to save people heart ache & money.Wait until something goes wrong, try get something replaced like me adapter ring that came with thread damage. I spent over $900.00` & they didnt even have the courtesy to replace a part that barely costs $20.00.

save youre hard earnt money & buy better quality.

My shoulder rig has fallen apart within 2 shoots.

[jonbauie]

I bought the u fly cam. it came with a busted camera mount , i sent pics of this to the company and asked for a replacement. i didnt even get a reply. After trying all sorts I have also never got over the veering problem it has as well

[Jenovation]

you bastard, lol, I just payed for my U-Flycam!

and I had seen a video from you talking nothing but good about it, apparently older...

CRAP!

>:-(

[aviatormxpilot]

@ 2:44 You can solve the set up time problem, by simply using quick release brackets. You'll need 2 of them if you want to use the same camera on the Flycam and on a tripod. This way once your rig is balanced with the camera, you can release the camera from the Flycam and snap into place on the tripod or back on the Flycam. The quick release brackets are a 2 piece item. Youll need the 2 bottom halves (1 for the Flycam and 1 for the tripod) and only 1 upper half for the camera.

[aviatormxpilot]

@ 2:10 The side to side movment is because there's no room at the top of the gimble to grab on to. like on the Merlin. On the U-Flycam the brackets under the stage (the part where the cam sits) get in the way of your free hand, (the hand you would use to control the panning of the rig). This rig (U-Flycam) is worthless junk. I get better footage with cam at the bottom of a plastic grocery bag. just make a hole for the lens and monitor, and hold it by the loop handles of the bag. works well. $0

[Worrall82]

tanks man, i was about to buy a u-flycam... but now, i will use my monopod with my fingers and a little weight underneath!

[staunch911]

"FUNNILY enough pro ENG crews only have a tripod"

because they use heavy expensive equipment only big tv stations can afford.

[EntretenimientoTotal]

thanks, you make me save money!! take care.

[midtvideo]

Hi Rick

It is very exciting to follow your instructions, but what it is because you no longer seemed to flycam products are amazing?

I myself have a Steadicam JR

I have also tried to build poorman steadicam - and also join it works fine, I am, however, by replacing T intersection with a gimple so that building will be as at flycam - it is really cheap to make if we can forge a bit. Once I show it to my user ID here on youtube.

best regards

Flemming Pedersen

Herning in Denmark

[spannungs]

wow thanks you for the tripod tips! You made me save 500$

[rickvanman]

I should start charging commission LOL!

[planetrics]

you will notice that its so not good when you turn around the vertical angle... it cant stabilize that

[aviatormxpilot]

This a very old trick (the tripod tip).

[vittogol]

Thank you sir! You make me clear idea. I will keep using my tripod as I do finding the center of mass. Great review, I do undestand every single word you spell, usually I don't undestand english so good, and prefer american, but your accent is fantastic! Where are you from? Thanks again from saving me money I will keep watching you.

[Karlo043]

great video it helped a lot

[irieraschild]

Rick,

Is the the only problem you have found with the uflycam being the camera "gazing" off to the left and right? would it be too much to ask, to have a finger or two of the opposite hand to help keep the camera straight ahead? i am often working with the manual zooms, and so i would imagine for me, the left-right situation wouldnt be a problem. also i was wondering if you had any insight as to the amount of weight that the uflycam can hold. i have a cannon xh-a1. is this too big for the UFLY?

[rickvanman]

tried the finger thing, but it doesnt work (not enough influence to prevent the turning).

not sure about the weights - the 5000 suggests a max camera weight of 7lbs - I'd give the flycam a bit less than that - say 5lbs - but I am guessing.

[IanRietschel]

I have a couple of semi pro video cameras (Sony HVR Z7P & older Canon XL1) that are heavy for long shoots. Probably a bit hard to hold the camera one hand or even two hands for a great length of time with a U-Flycam. I have the Flycam 5000 with vest & arm (I actually modified it & added two arms to it), it works well for heavier cameras but the arm springs has to be adjusted to its fullest tension for it to hold it all up. I have used my Manfrotto monopod as a flycam device but my arm gets tired

[beeernardo]

If it takes you too long to balance it, just buy a quick release adapter, put it on the top, balance your camera (static and dynamic) and then your sled will be ready all the time and you will be able to attach and detach your camera quite fast. Also I wouldn't recommend putting a 4,000 USD camcorder on top of a 6 USD tripod, that's just asking for trouble. Also, how much time do you think you guys can hold a camera+tripod with only two fingers? unless you are the hulk, I'll say about 1min tops

[planetrics]

this doesnt work when you are planning to change the objectives and add-remove camera light (I have a JVC GY-HM100). You have to balance it again and again.

But you are right in this tripod thingy. My cam is already heavy and it doesnt work like that. I just ordered arm for the flycam5000. That helps a lot.

[jiidee]

I have that exact same tripod. i tried that technique..and tried attaching a weight to the bottom of the central shaft via some dumbell weights and a pair of mole grips to hold it on. I found side to side wiggle an issue..i'm assuming because i have nothing to brace it...am i holding it wrong?

I also found when i stopped that i got alot of wiggle.

[rickvanman]

The key is having the same weight at the bottom as you have at the top - so you can balance the whole rig on your finger - the central balance point is where you grip it.

If you have more weight than that at the bottom - you WILL get a pendulum effect.

Go for good balance - and then practice practice practice!

[ww3k]

great videos! Thanks

[b2me4you]

Just starting to checks these videos out. Liked the information. will have to check out the other videos. Thanks for the insight on the stabilizers.

[MaxxsonicsUSAInc]

Very informative! Thank you.

[SecondLifeSailing]

FUNNILY enough pro ENG crews only have a tripod and filmmakers are moving to controlled shake now there is even a 'wobble yoke' available where the camera is suspended on ropes or like a bag and has two handles and the camera operator can woblle it about when filming - after that they shift to camera cranes eliminating the steadicam altogether my advice would be learn to breath slowly loosen you arms dont stiffen up and walk is small gentle soft steps and finally get a decent tripod NUFF Said

[dcm121751]

Very well done I just found you and hope to see more. Thanks for your good work!!!

[StinkyBurger]

Rick, let me just say, I really dig the direction your channel has taken of late. Really interesting insight into your process.

**Check out our short films!**

[rickvanman]

thanks for the feedback - glad people are finding it interesting :o)

[cHAMMDAWG78]

i started watching your videos about a year ago when i came across your 15 pound steady cam.  since then, my interests have gotten away from film making and more into photography but i still love to watch your videos. they are very entertaining and informative. keep up the great work Rick.

[rickvanman]

Always my pleasure!

Glad you stayed on-board :o)

Rick

[Nikolajtk]

If you want to use your tripod as a stabilizer, as I do, try finding the balance point of the whole thing and hold on to that spot. This way you'll eliminate any tilting.

If you hold right below where your cam is mounted, I can only assume the bottom of the tripod will make it tilt.

This works great for me :)

[TK42138]

Another good, useful video. Always good to see products tested by real people in real conditions as opposed by manufacturers claims.

[MobileMediaProducts]

I thought this was an heroic video. The industry that promotes this gear works so hard to convince us that we need this. I agree, the Merlin is a great bit of gear though. On the transitions, I think you should dump them completely. Just go from one statement right to the next with a hard cut between. Marius

[FenderGibsonWashburn]

I have a solution for not having a tripod that only takes a piece of string and an I bolt. Let me know if your interested in hearing about it. (8^/>

[rickvanman]

Hi Paul - sounds intreaguing! would love to hear about it. :o)

[rickvanman]

Us British aren't used to the heat. :o(

[drstrangeclock]

it is 104 degrees here in auburn california, how hot is it there?

[aheartofblack]

I think hes talking about 30 degrees Celsius...thats approx.. 86F?

[felipipi]

Hello from Miami FL, we are 92F, hot hot hot

[aheartofblack]

lmao you guys are no match =)) I'm in philippines right now and its 114F :| anyway..pls stop this and lets not fill ricks comments with temperatures lmao

[particleproductions1]

it's 99 degrees in American fork, utah

[zombiepicdemic]

Thank you so much. I am making a U flycam out of some old handle bars and it is coming out pretty nicely. All of the items include to build this costs about $35 U.S. dollars. So you could always just make a stabilizer.

[clatterowls]

hi rick

thanks for answering my question it has really helped me, i think i will definately not buy the U-cam steadycam but still not sure if i will get a flycam now that you mentioned not using it too much. ive alwyas thought there are shots that i can never get because handheld shots look unprofessional so i think ill have a longer think.

as for the merlin......im not sure, that definately is a lot of money for a student to spend but its not a definate no.

thanks again rick

Scott

[rickvanman]

Hi Scott - no probs - glad it was useful :o)

Rick.

[ArticFilms]

can i have the flycam 5000

[ScottRoseVideo]

I think you should use you handy inovative mind to create one and make a tutorial on RickVanMan's HandyCam the how to guide of building a cheap stabiliser.

[rickvanman]

I'll work on some ideas! cheers

Rick

[rickvanman]

It's a generic brand - cost about £200. I've had a look for the company I brought it from, but cant find them - I found it after just doing a web search.

[westmidlands1]

good advice straight to the point honest answers

good sound experinced  advice thank,s mate.

[rickvanman]

No probs Brian - thanks for watching :o)

[niallswand]

Great video - helpful to save a few £'s!

[rickvanman]

thanks Niall :o)

[kinghenna92]

I can recommend the Glidecam 4000, i like it, though it's too expensive if you're going to buy WEST and ARM.

[j3pfilms]

Thanks Rick. Helpful advice!

[rickvanman]

no probs ;o)

[kieranhenshall]

That a travel tripod? I got the same free with a camera bag in Argos. Looks exactly like that..

[poppyl90]

30 degrees? thats cold

[kinghenna92]

Celsius.

[poppyl90]

I thought so