05Sep Flycam Nano Gear Review
kaydawgy snatched up a Flycam Nano DSLR stabilizer for approx. $120 dollars and threw up an awesome video demo for us to see the results. Using a Canon 550D / T2i and Tokina 11-16mm lens, the Flycam Nano performed pretty well. Of course, for more people we wanted to see more more more about the gear itself, so kaydawgy was kind enough to shoot this excellent gear review.
Here you’ll see what the Flycam Nano looks like and it’s relative size to the camera. A quick release adapter was added, and if i’m not mistaken it looks like a Bogen RC-2 quick release adapter. With this setup, the Flycam Nano looks like it’s just about at it’s limit, in fact kaydawgy purchased two additional washers to get things fine tuned. This is a good video showing the size of the Nano sized handle. I’m wondering if at least a foam bike grip can slip over somehow to add a bit more comfort. I guess if it were any longer, it would just be banging against the lower sled. Thanks kaydawgy for taking time out for the review. Check out the video for more about the $120.00 Cheap Flycam Nano DSLR camera stabilizer.
Flycam Nano DSLR Video Camera Stabilizer
Tokina 11-16MM F/2.8 ATX 116 Lens for Canon EOS AF Digital – Tokina ATX116PRODXC
Manfrotto RC-2 Quick Release adapter system
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September 5th, 2010 at 11:01 am
I bought a Flycam Nano for use with my T2i – while it works pretty well – the foam handle required a death grip to stop it from rotating. I threw that out and instead use a bicycle grip over the handle tube: http://www.performancebike.com/images/performance/products/1500/50-7377-NCL-TOP.jpg
My short review of the Nano is that it is made in India instead of anodised aluminum, it is painted aluminum – some of the hardware is cheesy (the small tightening bolts on the top plate etc) but it all functions fine.
For the price, it is a fine way to get started.
Simon
September 5th, 2010 at 11:06 am
Thanks for the comment, but I must correct something of mention. You mentioned the hardware is ‘Cheesy’. The word ‘Cheesy’ (at least on this blog) is now synonymous with ‘Excellent’ ‘Of Highest quality’. Hahahaha….JK!
September 5th, 2010 at 11:58 am
that is why I was sure to spell ‘cheesy’ without the capital! I agree with your site being excellent. I trust what you talk about here.
Simon
September 5th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Why oh why does he not pronounce his “T’s” in the words “producT” and “perfecT? No matter, it’s nice to get a review on this great produc. Think I’ll buy one myself. And Emm, your site is addicting. Hi, i’m Martin and It’s been 15min since i last hit the refresh button on cheesycam.com.
September 5th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
I get that often. I also get ‘My Wife hates your website’ too. I have to agree, my wife is not fond of my addictive hobby as well..haha.
September 5th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Why is there a weight limit.What problems will the over weight cause
September 5th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
It will just flop all over the place and won’t stay balanced from the handle.
September 5th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
Sorry about the “T’s” Marty. Must be my Filipino Accent
September 5th, 2010 at 6:46 pm
That’s funny you mentioned “My wife hates your website” Mine would be, “My wife thinks your website has turned me into a bigger dork!” as she was trying not to laugh at me in the background when recording the Flycam review.
September 6th, 2010 at 12:47 am
I told my roommate today if he hears me talking to myself, not to worry because I’m likely in my room playing with my new H1.
good times em, good times
September 6th, 2010 at 10:04 am
I wish I would see this handle the weight of a 7D. Has anyone found one comperable, at the same price that would? The glidecam is still out of my range.
September 6th, 2010 at 8:40 pm
Too funny about the ‘My Wife hates your website’ comments as I’m sure mine gets tired of me talking and building things. She knows stuff like this keeps me sane, though.
Kaydawdg, very cool review of something I want to get in the future. I have a lens (Canon 10-22mm) that’s not as heavy as the Tokina but its size is in a issue. Thanks for letting us all know what will work with that stabilizer.
September 8th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
Emm, do you thing still worth buying a glidecam hd1000? I’m was impressed with your review with the glidecam, but this one looks like the same for less then half the price, i mean , in term of quality still worth pay extra money for the glidecam ? (i have the money for the glidecam, but as you teach on this website sometimes just don’t worth it haha)
September 8th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
From what i’ve heard the Nano uses paint, the Glidecam is Anodized so the finish will last longer. That’s all looks. Functionality wise, the Glidecam HD series has fine tuning knobs. I beat and throw my stuff around quite a bit which can very very very easily throw it off balance. With fine tuning knobs it’s really quick to get things back on track. The older Glidecam ‘Pro’ models don’t have the tuning knobs and those models I don’t like. Is it worth the upgrade? If you take your camera on and off, throw the stabilizer around, need to shoot fast paced events and do lots of flying, then I would say yes the upgrade is worth it. If you’re taking your time and just want to get some ’staged’ shots, then you could do without the fine tuning knobs.
September 14th, 2010 at 10:33 am
Would this thing take the weight of a 7d (1444 grams/3.17465 pounds)?
September 14th, 2010 at 11:09 am
Might be close, maybe look into the Glidecam HD1000 or HD2000.
October 20th, 2010 at 11:07 am
anyone can still find this item on ebay? i am looking to get one for my 7D with tamron 17-50 and a zoom H1. I hope this is not too heavy!
October 22nd, 2010 at 12:53 pm
I have it and I have mounted on a Canon 550D + Canon 18-135 mm f3.5-5.6 IS EF-S. At first it cost a lot but finally found a way to stabilize it and now it works fine. The total weight is 960 grams.
October 24th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
Love the reviews! I’m digging this Flycam Nano… Thinking of picking one up for my 60D that’s on the way. But, I can’t find them anywhere! No current listings on eBay. Do you know where I can pick one up?
December 13th, 2010 at 11:52 am
Would this be good for something like a Canon g10 or even a Canon s95?
December 13th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
@Mike – Yes i’m sure it would work, but you might need to add weights to the top. It requires a good amount of weight on top, and then some weights at the bottom. If it’s too light, it may not perform well.
December 13th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
Thanks Emm, I took the plunge so I’ll keep you posted!
December 14th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
hi,
i need your advice.thinking of getting this item.
my setup is Canon 550D+ 15-85mm lens + led light + rode videomic
can flycam nano handle this setup?or i need go for flycam 3000?
thx
December 14th, 2010 at 10:48 pm
@hazremi – I don’t think it’s going to fly that setup. Anytime you add weight further from the gimbal it has a huge imbalance. By adding an led light to the top it’s changing the weight distribution greatly. It’s not as simple as just how much weight, but also how far the weights are from the center of balance.
December 15th, 2010 at 7:55 am
if Canon 550D+ 15-85mm lens only?will it work?
i guess steadicam merlin will do the job?
December 15th, 2010 at 12:05 pm
Is ebay the only place to find this item? I personally hate dealing with ebay and always find it riskier than online shopping should be. Not to mention pretty much all the Flycams on Ebay have estimated delivery of Jan-4th and on, eliminating the chance of getting this by Christmas time :c
December 15th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
@Chris – Yup so far that’s the only place I know of.
January 17th, 2011 at 5:10 pm
Has anyone used this with a 7D and any kind of general lens? (I’m thinking 7D with a Canon 17-40mm f4 although I generally shoot with a 50mm f1.4).
Would it be too much for it to take?
August 11th, 2011 at 9:48 am
Hi,
very nice review here. I see you mention you add 2 extra plates on it. I have almost the same setup as you (550d+tokina 12-24). Where can i bought 2 extra weight plates ?
October 20th, 2011 at 8:37 pm
Great. Now it’s like 180 bucks. So much for 115-130.
Is there anywhere that I haven’t looked that had it cheaper.
lol what happened to ts?
Yes, I am addicted to this site too. xD
October 20th, 2011 at 8:39 pm
@emm I saw it on amazon too, but the price has gone up so much! Do you know any other good stabilizers?
I’ve heard good about the hauge (don’t know the spelling) one. Do you (or anybody else) know another one thats more in the 130 dollar range? I don’t have 180 bucks to spend on this.
October 21st, 2011 at 10:55 am
@Elliot – Hague can fly only super lightweight cameras like a T2i and kit lens. It cannot support anything more. The Nano will support a 5D Mark II or 7D with 24-105mm lens.
October 21st, 2011 at 3:58 pm
Does anybody have experience with the uflycam? I’ve seen lots of videos on youtube and some reviews, but I’d like to see if anyone could compare it to this.
They’re about the same price.
Thanks in advance!
December 3rd, 2011 at 12:48 am
I REALLY need a more in-depth video or step-by-step guide on how to set this up!
I am running the standard t2i/tokina 11-16 and any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
December 3rd, 2011 at 4:43 am
@Nathan Fisher – Not sure if you saw this, best I could do for now. http://cheesycam.com/the-most-boring-video-in-the-world/
January 27th, 2013 at 4:30 am
Loving this discussion – and thanks Emm for clarifying that the Nano can take a 5Dii + 24-105L. It does still concern me that the combined weight of 1.7KG is right on the edge of what the Nano can take.
Thought I’d share a new product that I’ve found from the UK manufacturer Hague referred to above. The ‘DSLR Motion Cam’ seems specifically built for what I use, having an optimal weight range of between 1 and 2 KG, and to my mind looks slightly more evolved.
I have no connection with the company, but maybe I am a bit pleased that a small UK company has come up with something that looks so cool.
I’ll post with a review once I get one, but check out the details here: http://www.b-hague.co.uk/hague_dslr_motion_cam_camera_steadicam_stabilizer.htm
January 27th, 2013 at 10:53 am
@Mike – I’m familiar with the link you shared, and it is not as good as the Flycam Nano. You can see how limited the Gimbal is with the ball and socket design.