Here's a helpful video showing some balancing techniques with the Opteka SteadyVid Pro camera stabilizer from YouTube member videotestground. Looks like he's able to get it dialed in pretty good. Just want to remind people that these stabilizers won't make you a perfect operator overnight. That comes from knowing what to look for when balancing, and months of practice practice practice. [Thanks Vedran].
Hi! O bought this in Cowboys Studio (on ebay).
It´s very difficult to stabilize. I spent a lot of hours trying it, but unsuccessful.
I have some doubts...
1. I found a gap in the knee connection with the down part of the arc, is it normal?
2. I saw that you started with all the counterbalance weight loaded. Why?
3. Did you searched the center of gravity of the camera before starting the stabilization process?
Thanks!
Jimmie
"... generic battery add on which adds a little bit of weight ..." I disagree. It adds a lot of unnecessary weight. Why would you want to do that? Isn't one of the main principles of VDSLR filing, especially with hand held stabilisers, to make your rig as light as possible? Without a harness this is a very strenuous exercise. The lighter your rig, the longer and smoother you can fly it.
Orlando
Thank you for posting, great tips.....
I miss the name of the quick release plate that you use. Can you please write it down for me.
Thank you again
Edo
Hi,
I am Edo from Indonesia.
I have a short question regarding opteka steadyvid pro. I am using Sony Alpha Nex-5. Since it's not quite heavy, some websites said we could use opteka steadyvid EX.
However, reading the reviews, most of them said Opteka steadyvid pro is much better than EX. Thus, could you please advice me what is the best steadyvid for Nex-5?
@Will
Sorry I missed your question when I responded earlier.
The problem with the t2i is that it does not have a flip-out screen. Without the flip-out screen, it will be difficult (but not impossible) to get good framing. On my t3i which has a flip-out screen, I use a DIY sunshade that I made from an old black DVD case. It works just fine. I actually use the improvised sunshade instead of my Zacuto viewfinder 90% of the time. (Spending $300 on the overpriced, under-performing Zacuto viewfinder is probably the worst thing I've done in a while...) Live and learn...
Emm
Post author
@Allen - I would go with a stabilizer, easier to carry. The jib still needs a stable tripod and counterweights to travel.
If you were going to pick an accessory to purchase - would you get a jib/crane or would you go after a camera stabilizer of some sort like this one? I'm really torn - I think I'd be able to get more of a variety of interesting shots with a jib but I love the idea of the smooth action of the stabilizers for following the action...
Wide angle lenses are normally used with these stabilizers. It hides camera shake and provides a large frame with alot in focus. This is helpful if you cant see your screen very well. An EVF mounted to a stabilizer vest would be ideal for precise work.
Hi all, I'm really glad people are finding this guide useful!
I wanted to share a couple of sample shots I took with the Opteka stabilizer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aBwzL2qnnU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aDV5pa3J6I
Ouch - I just realized you can hear my flip flops in the video - I just incriminated myself... Never, ever operate a stabilizer while wearing flip flops! 😀
Will
I just bought this but I'm worried about the LCD sunlight issue with my T2i. Any suggestions for solutions?
DL
Nice! I had bought one of these but had issues trying to get that dynamic balance. Thanks for the heads-up!
Disastronaut
It's all in the practice. I've made handheld movement shots look like I was using a steadicam, just need to learn how to walk without stomping and pretend you are carrying a hair-trigger bear trap. ^_^
David
It's a great little stabiliser, I was able to use it pretty much as intended after a few days.
Opteka SteadyVid PRO Video Stabilizer- via Amazon
Márcio Nascimento
Hi! O bought this in Cowboys Studio (on ebay).
It´s very difficult to stabilize. I spent a lot of hours trying it, but unsuccessful.
I have some doubts...
1. I found a gap in the knee connection with the down part of the arc, is it normal?
2. I saw that you started with all the counterbalance weight loaded. Why?
3. Did you searched the center of gravity of the camera before starting the stabilization process?
Thanks!
Jimmie
"... generic battery add on which adds a little bit of weight ..." I disagree. It adds a lot of unnecessary weight. Why would you want to do that? Isn't one of the main principles of VDSLR filing, especially with hand held stabilisers, to make your rig as light as possible? Without a harness this is a very strenuous exercise. The lighter your rig, the longer and smoother you can fly it.
Orlando
Thank you for posting, great tips.....
I miss the name of the quick release plate that you use. Can you please write it down for me.
Thank you again
Edo
Hi,
I am Edo from Indonesia.
I have a short question regarding opteka steadyvid pro. I am using Sony Alpha Nex-5. Since it's not quite heavy, some websites said we could use opteka steadyvid EX.
However, reading the reviews, most of them said Opteka steadyvid pro is much better than EX. Thus, could you please advice me what is the best steadyvid for Nex-5?
Thanks! Really appreaciate it 🙂
Video Testground
@Will
Sorry I missed your question when I responded earlier.
The problem with the t2i is that it does not have a flip-out screen. Without the flip-out screen, it will be difficult (but not impossible) to get good framing. On my t3i which has a flip-out screen, I use a DIY sunshade that I made from an old black DVD case. It works just fine. I actually use the improvised sunshade instead of my Zacuto viewfinder 90% of the time. (Spending $300 on the overpriced, under-performing Zacuto viewfinder is probably the worst thing I've done in a while...) Live and learn...
Emm
Post author@Allen - I would go with a stabilizer, easier to carry. The jib still needs a stable tripod and counterweights to travel.
Allen
If you were going to pick an accessory to purchase - would you get a jib/crane or would you go after a camera stabilizer of some sort like this one? I'm really torn - I think I'd be able to get more of a variety of interesting shots with a jib but I love the idea of the smooth action of the stabilizers for following the action...
Thoughts? Thanks...
Mike
Would you recommend this for small camera like the GH1? I bought this one before https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Easy-Cam-Steadycam-Camera-Stabilizer-Steadicam-/180882955531?pt=UK_Tripods_Heads_Stablisers&hash=item2a1d76dd0b#ht_4561wt_1295
but balancing was a nightmare.
Matthew
@Will
Wide angle lenses are normally used with these stabilizers. It hides camera shake and provides a large frame with alot in focus. This is helpful if you cant see your screen very well. An EVF mounted to a stabilizer vest would be ideal for precise work.
Video Testground
Hi all, I'm really glad people are finding this guide useful!
I wanted to share a couple of sample shots I took with the Opteka stabilizer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aBwzL2qnnU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aDV5pa3J6I
Ouch - I just realized you can hear my flip flops in the video - I just incriminated myself... Never, ever operate a stabilizer while wearing flip flops! 😀
Will
I just bought this but I'm worried about the LCD sunlight issue with my T2i. Any suggestions for solutions?
DL
Nice! I had bought one of these but had issues trying to get that dynamic balance. Thanks for the heads-up!
Disastronaut
It's all in the practice. I've made handheld movement shots look like I was using a steadicam, just need to learn how to walk without stomping and pretend you are carrying a hair-trigger bear trap. ^_^
David
It's a great little stabiliser, I was able to use it pretty much as intended after a few days.