The Steadicam Difference

[fuzzynormal]

Nice toy.

Are you ever going to shoot anything with it that's interesting? That's the better question than wondering if your lens is "gliding on air."

Tools are one thing. Creative technique is what matters.

[danielwoodsproduct]

@fuzzynormal Not quite sure if you're an asshole or genuinely curious ;) I'll go for the latter and say this is a video ABOUT the steadicam and what it does. Not how to use it. Thanks for the input though.

[JezebelFilmsLtd]

didn't Scorsese use this in Mean Streets?

[NYironman]

@JezebelFilmsLtd I don't remember that. Which scenes are you referring to?

The earliest use I can think of is Marathon Man with the jogging scenes.

[likes2fly]

You should not slow one footage down and not the other that is not a fair test. Slowing video down smooths it out.

[danielwoodsproduct]

@likes2fly...I know, I know, gotta work with what you got at the time. My newer demo's have ZERO slow-mo if that makes you feel better :)

[sniper1055]

Thanks for the reply Daniel. I have not bought any Semi or Pro video cameras, yet, that is why I asked. I did buy a Nikon D7000 and the Steadicam Merlin, which I am now learning to use. It has not been easy balancing it.!!!! I was told to buy a Canon or Sony brand for video camera due to the editing programs out there are more compatible with them than the JVCs, Panasonics, etc. What are your thoughts on that??? I do know Red Rock...great stuff...but expensive.!!!

[danielwoodsproduct]

@sniper1055 No problem! When it comes to brand you're going to have to read review and compare. I prefer Canon because I feel their glass is better and I like their menu setups. you ask someone else they might completely disagree. I'll message you a review that I wrote a few months ago that might help.

[sniper1055]

Daniel,

What video camera did you used to create the YouTube video "The Steadicam Difference"????

Thanks,

Fernando Castillo

P.S. What camera do you think would be great to shoot a Wedding Video, specially in low light that would be compatible with the Steadicam system???

[danielwoodsproduct]

@sniper1055 I shot with a Panasonic HVX200a for that one. I sold that camera and started using DSR's with primes for the low light, but quickly found out it was a nightmare on steadicam because of the shallow depth of field and my lack of a remote focus puller. Redrock has got some cool stuff for remote focus pulling now if you want to go that route. JVC is coming out with some good stuff at the moment so I'd recommend checking out some of their new camera's (4k!)That's what I am doing right now

[arfurlife]

wow what a good demo. Im droolin with envy. Wish i had one.

[danielwoodsproduct]

@arfurlife...Hey if you want one bad enough you'll find a way to get one.

[defnyung]

For $7500, you better get 'flying' video motion. Good job!

[Kas3104]

Thumbs up for that eating guy at 1:00

[danielwoodsproduct]

@Kas3104....Yeah didn't see that until post and all the other takes I flubbed...I say it adds character.

[Kas3104]

@danielwoodsproduct Ooh it doesn't bother me at all ;) I'm still glued with my eyes to that amazing piece of technique!

Great job!

[bikesarepunk]

Is this the Merlin Arm and Vest?

[danielwoodsproduct]

@bikesarepunk...Nope, Flyer LE.

[JoeCnNd]

Wasn't Halloween one of the first movies to have a steadicam?

[Deal481]

@JoeCnNd no, wikipedia says it was ''Bound for Glory''

[SoRealCereal]

@JoeCnNd The Shining, it was re-designed for Kubrick. These things are so damn expensive. If you need something on an independent budget checkout the Cam Caddie Scorpion. It's very effective and efficient especially for $38.

[JoeCnNd]

@SoRealCereal Yeah I was going to make my own using the design from others that have made there own. I made my own dolly which works really well. I might video of it sometime.

[SoRealCereal]

@JoeCnNd that's cool you can make stuff like that, I wouldn't trust myself to build something reliable that's why the Cam Caddie was a great find for me.

[Psychasm]

How do you maintain focus with so much moving around?

[danielwoodsproduct]

@Psychasm I was shooting on my HVX200a which the depth of field is pretty large. Also I probably had autofocus on. Since then I've switched to DSLR video which is MUCH harder to control the depth of field and right now I'm limited on my movement. Right now I'm working on getting a remote follow focus and a wireless transmitter so the director/focus puller has control of those elements since you can't touch the lens for focus while flying. It's a tough hill to climb with limited budget!

[JoeCnNd]

@danielwoodsproduct I'm not a pro or anything but if you shoot with a high f stop if you are using still lens then if should help with focusing. If shooting in low light I know the new sony fs100 has a decent auto focus and you can still achieve the dof.

[defnyung]

@danielwoodsproduct when I 'fly' as you put it, I like using my Bower 14mm on my T2i. Focusing hasn't been much of an issue. But yeah, switching from video camera to DSLR is harder, however, you're using a very expensive steadicam. I use my own diy steadicam and results are pretty good. Now that's real limited budget.

[danielwoodsproduct]

Thanks, flyer LE.

[GenHam]

niceee

one question....

is pilot o flyer le?

[danielwoodsproduct]

I know! I didn't see it until post and it was the only good take.

[idedesign]

Creepy guy in the background @1:03

[danielwoodsproduct]

I got it from B&H photo.com and from what I remember it was $7500.

[maqnchs]

How much is that bad boy?

[Amandocrespo]

Congrats!

[MooreInCairo]

great work guys

[030985fr]

thank you, clear and concise :)

[surroundedbyfuckwads]

fucking retard. discovered the world.

"youre probably thinking what the hell is going here, well ill tell you. youre using a computer, and those fast moving objects on the streets? they are called cars! isnt it amazing? watch my other videos as i explain to you other things i have discoverred that everybody else has known about for years."

[imorris4]

@surroundedbyfuckwads relax man, it's called an introduction. what's he gonna say? i know you know what this is, so i'm not going to tell you, end. give him a break. great vid. i think i'm goin to invest in the Merlin with vest. hopefully the counterweight is as balanced as it is in your vid. cheers

[uknowimmancandy]

Very nice which model is that?

[LarryLucio]

fresh

[Amandocrespo]

Cool...

[DBDP3]

I was impressed with the editing, graphics, steadicam performance and overall presentation of your entire site! Good work, i love the Steadicam is Standard! If you're ever in DFW Texas Metro, I'd be glad to work Steadicam with you or hire you for a double moving camera client of mine.

[danielwoodsproduct]

@DBDP3 Thanks! I'll keep you in mind.