Three abilities for getting a great Steadycam operator

It's not quite complicated to come to be a very good Steadycam operator. When you're working with any types of Steadycam, it really is essential to mount the vest on the body appropriately and walk typically. When applying a hand held Steadycam, it is best to location your hands correctly to become a great operator.



1. Assure Correct Hand Positions



Any time you use a handheld Steadycam, that you are in a position to hold the Steadycam by one or two hands. It is actually recommended that you just should really hold the Steadycam in addition to two hands, while you'll be able to get in all probability probably the most precise shots with this hand position. In instances which you have to hold the Steadycam with one hand, be certain that your thumb and index finger are on the guide all of the time.



two. Walk Commonly



How you walk influences the overall performance of the Steadycam. When you happen to be working with a Steadycam, it really is greatest to walk commonly. Do not bend your knees in operating the Steadycam. You'll want to use your arms to total all the operate. It can be pretty critical to retain right posture to produce confident that you just get a clean shot. Besides, if you are to move, let your camera move first, after which walk along with your camera.



3. Adjust the Vest Correctly



In the event you will wear the Steadycam for hours at a time, it is essential that the vest be adequately adjusted and you be comfortable with it. If you're unpleasant all the time, your overall performance will probably be affected. The shoulder pads from the vest must be pushed upward suitable against the shoulders along with the chest pads need to fit your chest firmly. To keep your Steadycam from moving, the hip pads on the vest need to not be fastened till the shoulder and chest pads are in the appropriate location.

Tips on how to follow focus your camcorder

A single with the most important approaches of applying a camcorder is follow concentrate. Normally speaking, the follow concentrate can be a mechanical method connecting onto lens and controlling it. It may be utilized for most camcorders including mini DV and consumer level cameras.



An adapter is normally supplied for the follow focus, which can control the focus of the camera with no touching it, creating it a lot easier to shoot with out knocking the camera.



Step 1: Buying a follow concentrate kit



To utilize follow concentrate methods, you also really need to acquire an extra kit, which lets you adjust the concentrate with out touching the lens itself. Should you be employing customer level camcorders, you will need to use a model having a 35mm lens adapter. The follow focus kit can concentrate the lens accurately for you personally. You may have lots of solutions of kits. Just ensure your choice fits your video camera. Also keep in mind to pick out a kit as smooth as you possibly can, so you can move it freely and with no resistance.



It is important that you just not to touch the camera because your moving it could result in a blurred video, these kits allow you to focus the camera without touching it.



Step two: Mount your camera



Then you might want to setup your camera. It is important to help keep your camera stable to ensure a high quality video, what you will need is really a tripod 1st. You setup your camera on the tripod and begin to read directions on ways of working with the follow concentrate kit.



Step 3: Mount your follow concentrate



Right after you've got mounted your camera on a tripod, you need to fit your follow focus kit now. You fit the follow concentrate in various methods, depending on the kind of camera you use. Usually, you'll be able to locate converter rings which could be screwed onto the camcorder. When performing this, you must pay focus not to let dust fall onto your lenses. You can also use compressed air to blow the dust out, for the dust would influence the quality of one's videos.



Step 4: Read the manual



As different follow focuses may perhaps have unique instructions, it is best to very carefully read the manual before using it.



Step five: Focus your camera



There is a massive knob on the side in the camera, use it to concentrate your camera, in order that you do not should touch the camera itself to stop blurred videos.

Wondlan Handheld Stabilizer

Booth # C12127

The 2012 National Association of Broadcasters Exhibit (NAB SHOW) - one particular with the most prestigious exhibitions in international electronic communication and media world - are going to be held at Las Vegas International Exhibition Center from April 16 to 19, 2012.



Holding "Shoot movies yourself" as its concept, US Wondlan International Ltd. will attend the NAB show. Apart from its featured merchandise like handheld stabilizer, steadycam, DSLR RIG, Camcorder Kits, Wondlan will also show a series of new merchandise, which will surely bring a brand new trend in the field. Listed here are many of the items to be exhibited:



Wondlan Handheld Stabilizer:

Mini Handheld Stabilizer

Exquisite look, flexible operation, along with the design of flexibility make all-around shooting considerably stable

Created of high-intensity aluminum, letting you really feel comfy when manage it.

Weight: 1.1kg

Minimum length: 43cm

Maximum length: 71cm

Bearing range: 1-3kg



"Magic" Carbon Fiber Stabilizer Wondlan

High-strength and lightweight carbon fiber, producing shooting simple

Length might be fixed swiftly up to a maximum of 1.2m by adjusting balancing pole

Stretching adjustment improves weight ratio, and reduces the clump weights drastically

Specialist I-shaped straight pole widens the range of shooting, i.e. photographers can shoot stably from many angles horizontally or vertically having a 360?? totally free rotation.

Weight: 1.2kg

Minimum length: 60cm

Maximum length: 120cm

Bearing range: 1-5kg





Wondlan Steadycam:

Steadicam Leopard Series

Newly upgraded according to the old series

With tool-free installing and adjusting, simple operation and superb stability

Appealing look, superior materials, light weight and high intensity

Type Bearing Range

Leopard I (common edition) 1kg-7.5kg

Leopard II (deluxe edition) 6kg-15kg





Wondlan DSLR RIG:

Sniper 2.0

Kits consist of: 1. Matte box, two. Follow focus, Flexible Shaft, three. Support technique, 4. Monitor, 5. Magic Hand Grip, 6. Viewfinder

Patented design of side flag solves dropping of all of the flags on the planet

Special damp design, soft touch and accurate focus make the follow concentrate a great one particular in the industry

Support program is designed according to ergonomics. Its wonderful design provides excellent look and comfort



Wondlan Camcorder Kits:

Camcorder Kit Series

Perfectly help all types of camcorders, for instance SONY PMW-F3, SONY FS100, PANASONIC AF103, and so on.

Adjustable range amongst surface of baseplate and center of matte box is 30-75mm.

When the physique of camcorder is overtop, just add the high platform to adjust it for a great shooting position, the adjustable range is 50-125mm.



Welcome all of the experts and enthusiasts to our Booth # C12127, where we can communicate face to face, let's look forward towards the splendid display of Wondlan in NAB2012.

The best way to Reach Dynamic Balance on a Steadicam

It is actually essential to reach dynamic balance for steadicam operator since it keeps the camera level in movement. The steadicam allows camera movement to be completed without working with a crane or dolly, and it prevents the shakiness of handheld footage. With a steadicam, the operator can walk having a camera mechanically isolated from his movements, thus developing a smooth impact. But, the rig desires to become appropriately balanced for this to occur.



Parts of Steadicam



To balance a steadicam rig correctly, firstly you have to understand its components. Essentially the most essential component in the steadicam will be the post. There's a stage in the leading in the post, exactly where the camera is mounted. You will discover also knobs on the stage for adjusting the camera mount for balancing, but there is going to be much more on that later.



In the bottom in the post could be the monitor clamp as well as the battery mount. The gimbal and gimbal manage are situated at the center of the post. The gimbal manage attaches the rig to a vest worn by the operator. The operator can take away the gimbal handle from his vest to detach the rig when he is not operating.



Dynamic Balance



The steadicam requirements to become appropriately balanced for use. You ought to get started the balancing from the installing of camera. You have to locate where the camera's center of gravity is. Then you must mount the camera in order that the center of gravity is positioned slightly behind the center from the post. The positioning of the camera is often adjusted with all the knobs on the stage.



The steadicam requirements to be balanced on 3 axes: top to bottom, side to side, and forward to aft. In case that one particular of the axes just isn't balanced, the operator will have difficultly in operating the rig.



As soon as the camera has been mounted, you can add the monitor and batteries to the bottom from the post to balance out the weight amongst the top and also the bottom. When adding these, you have to preserve them centered and balanced in order that the weight distribution is equal from side to side and forward to aft.



Adjust the gimbal to balance the load if the rig is heavy in the bottom or best. If that is not sufficient, then it is possible to add weights on the mounts in the steadicam.



As soon as dynamic balance is achieved, you are going to have no predicament in keeping your shooting level throughout movement.

Steadicam Leopard Series

Steadicam (stabilization technique of video camera) came out in America in 1970s. With continuous development of years, Steadicam has been widely utilised in film, Tv, sports, stage efficiency and wedding markets. Middle-end and skilled users' demand to Steadicam also grows quickly, which can be needed corollary equipment in film, video along with other professional fields.



With tool-free installing and adjusting, uncomplicated operation and excellent stability, Wondlan "Leopard" series Steadicam will make a storm at expert Steadicam industry with its appealing appearance, superior supplies, light weight and high intensity.



Depending on the older editions, Wondlan has developed new Leopard I and Steadicam, which feature wider bearing ranges and scalable carbon fiber posts; further, the Leopard is equipped with cables for power, HDMI and AV, to meet several shooting demands.



Type Bearing Range

Leopard I (regular edition) 1kg-7.5kg

Leopard II (deluxe edition) 6kg-15kg



Steadicam Leopard I Carbon Fiber (Normal Edition)



Arm:

1. CNC, a kind of high-intensity and light-weight aerial aluminum alloy is utilized to produce the primary portion in the arm;

two. 26 high-quality precision bearing are installed at joints in the arm, to attain basic adjusting and uncomplicated operating;

3. Double-section and double-spring structure is adopted to support significant scope of weight. Elasticity adjusting button can control the length of springs, to adjust the bearing;

four. Thanks to its ultra-wide range of bearing, every section with the arm is often utilised to very easily adjust the load of spring, which can bear a maximum of 7.5kg of gear;

5. Bore size of the plug of spring arm is 16mm, matching particular stabilizer of Wondlan to reach multiple-angle shooting.



Weight: 3kg.



Load Vest

1. Comfortable and air-permeable high-end composite materials and ergonomic design are adopted to bear the weight of Steadicam evenly from all positions;

2. Heights of front chest plate and height adjusting plate from the vest can both be adjusted, and each and every fastening position is often adjusted freely, to bring wide scope of application;

3. The vest could be put on and adjusted without having any tool, making it straightforward and quick to utilize, to ensure that workforce and time are saved and shooting efficiency is increased;

four. Hasps with the vest are all produced of unique supplies, which feature powerful bearing capacity, and also a tool kit is allocated on the back to create shooting a lot easier.



Weight: 6.5kg



Specialist stabilizer

1. Light-weight carbon fiber is applied to make the main element of stabilizer, producing hand-holding simple and comfy;

2. The carbon fiber main post is scalable inside the scope of 550-950mm, rising the power weight ratio;

three. Proprietary "double-direction precision fine tuning head" of Wondlan is easy to install, and flexible to adjust all about;

four. Special universal joint of Steadicam characteristics high-precision and low-friction, permitting smoother shooting and much more flexible operating;

five. I-type straight bar might be rotated freely in all directions, each horizontally and vertically, to achieve all-round smooth shooting;

six. Monitor bracket that could be adjusted in all directions is applicable in all types of environment, bringing clear and simple vision.



Weight: 1.5kg



Leopard II Carbon Fiber (Deluxe Edition)

Arm:

1. CNC, a sort of high-intensity and light-weight aerial aluminum alloy is utilized to create the arm;

two. 26 high-quality precision bearing are installed at joints in the arm, to obtain uncomplicated adjusting and effortless operating;

3. Double-section light spring alloy arm is adopted to assistance significant scope of weight, and elasticity adjusting button can adjust the bearing;

4. It capabilities ultra-wide range of bearing, the maximum vertical stroke and rising range.



Weight: 3kg



Load Vest

1. High-end composite supplies and unique metal hasps are adopted to realize solid wearing, and hassle-free adjusting;

2. Ergonomic design permits it to bear the weight of Steadicam evenly;

3. Heights of front chest plate and height adjusting plate with the vest can both be adjusted, and each fastening position is usually adjusted freely, to bring wide scope of application;

four. A tool kit is allocated on the back to make shooting much easier.



Weight: six.5kg



Expert Stabilizer

1. Brand-new upgraded stabilizer in the camera might be operated devoid of any tools, it owns stronger functions and may bear a maximum of 15kg of equipments;

2. Its two sections of scalable carbon fiber posts are scalable within the scope of 620-980mm, growing the power weight ratio;

3. Proprietary "double-direction precision fine tuning head" of Wondlan is flexible to adjust all around and has interfaces for power, HDMI and AV;

four. Special universal joint of Steadicam characteristics high-precision and low-friction, permitting smoother shooting and far more flexible operating;

five. I-type straight bar could be rotated freely in all directions, both horizontally and vertically, to obtain all-round smooth shooting;

6. Power wire, HDMI wire and AV wire are allocated inside the base to meeting shooting.



Weight: 3.4kg



Any questions, please make contact with us

E-mail: contact@wondlan.com

TEL: 86-25-58851945 58851947

 58353306 58353307

Prefect DSLR rigs for 5D Mark III

DSLRs like EOS 5D Mark series may also shoot videos with great high quality; however, as DSLRs are usually significantly smaller sized than camcorders, a DSLR rig is really needed to keep your DSLR stable in long-time shoots, in particular if you zoom in and out, the camera shake might be extremely noticeable in videos; besides, the DSLR rig can also help shade unnecessary lights to stop overexposure. DSLR rigs are the basic for every film-maker, no matter whether it can be within the qualified film industry or in the backyard of an amateur photographer, especially for those who use DSLRs like EOS 5D Mark III, a highly anticipated item of Canon released on March 2nd.



Based on EOS 5D Mark II, the EOS 5D Mark III presents enhanced speed, higher resolution, enhanced processing power and extended inventive alternatives for each stills and complete HD films providing unparalleled artistic freedom for one of the most demanding photographers.



Superb DSLR needs fantastic rigs. Sniper 2.0 of Wondlan, with 4 standards of solutions, is the really a single for EOS 5D Mark III. Just after years of development and improvements, Sniper 2.0 has got scientific design, high-end supplies, exceptional shape and comfy touch, perfectly supporting Canon 5D Mark III. It can also be employed for Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EOS 500D, EOS7D, Nikon D90 and D300S, Panasonic Lumix GH1, and all kinds of camcorders.



For details of Sniper 2.0, please go to DSLR RIGS

My choice of Steadicam for 5D Mark III camera

When I first got my Canon 5D MARK III camera, I soon realized that I need to have one thing to stabilize my camera. I can not just shoot all my videos by hand holding, for the camera was uncomplicated to shake and also the light needed to be optimized.



If you don't need much for the good quality of your videos, you can use a lens with image stabilization built in to the lens itself, and also the finest lens we have discovered for each Canon and Nikon could be the tamron 17-50 2.eight VC because it is certainly one of the few crop lenses that features each a two.eight aperture and stabilization



The subsequent step of stabilization involves balancing your whole camera on a weighted program. This not just enables you to stabilize your non VR or IS lenses improved nevertheless it also lets you run about and capture moving shots with very tiny camera shake. The results aren't great due to the fact most DSLR cameras nevertheless possess a rolling shutter (and restricted bit rates) but with some instruction it is possible to actually up the production value on your own DSLR videos.



You'll find a ton of solutions but following really serious survey, I decided to decide on the most recent version of Wondlan Steadicam Leopard I, which features bearing capacity as heavy as 7.5kg (Leopard II can bear 15kg), and long scalable carbon fiber rods, not to mention its appealing look, high-quality materials, light weight and high intensity, and is always to deliver the most effective stability and cinematic excellent of pictures. So I have no doubt that a great operator can get remarkable results out of Wondlan Steadicam Leopard I. One more surprise to me is Wondlan DSLR Rigs Sniper two.0 of Wondlan, that is just exceptional for the 5D Mark III.

Comparison of several mid-market steadicams (steadycams)

Lately I purchased my new camera, and as I strategy to shoot my own movies, I have to have an expert gear named Steadicam. With tiny information of it, I read loads of various Steadicam merchandise on the web. I desire to acquire 1 with extensive efficiency plus a moderate value.

I primarily researched Glidecam X-10, Steadicam Pilot, Flycam Pro 6000, Steadicam Phantom and Wondlan Leopard II Series.



I identified most of them are made of aluminum alloy, and some are also produced of carbon fiber, that is lighter and stronger, most vests are light weight, and much more arms are iso-elastic arms, most sleds are adjustable, and so on. But you'll find some significant differences, essentially the most obvious and critical a single seems to be the load capacity, which varies lots among unique items, from 2 lbs to as high as 33 lbs. As my camera is about eight lbs, I can't pick factors like Wondlan Leopard II Deluxe (about 13 to 33lbs), and Flycam 6000 is as heavy as 27kg and its balance is stated to be difficult to adjust, lastly my scope is limited to Steadicam Pilot (2-10lbs), Wondlan Leopard II Common (about 2- 17lbs) and Glidecam X-10, with similar rates and load capacities. Here will be the comparison table of the 3 products, with some of the information and facts missed:



Glidecam X-10 with Glidecam 4000 Pro Steadicam Pilot Wondlan Leopard II (typical)

Construction Aluminum alloy high-carbon alloy Aluminum alloy high-carbon alloy Aluminum alloy high-carbon alloy

Load capacity 4 to ten lbs 2 to ten lbs 2 to 17 lbs

Weight 8.5kg 10kg 11kg

Vest Lightweight Lightweight Lightweight

Arm Dyna-Elastic? Help Arm Iso-elastic Arm Dual Iso-elastic Arm

Sled Adjustable Adjustable Adjustable

Swift Release Yes No Yes

Dovetail Plate Yes No Yes

Docking Bracket Yes Yes Yes

Gimbal low friction low friction low friction

Dynamic Spin Yes Yes Yes

Post Telescoping Telescoping Telescoping

Other Included accessories None Battery Base, 5.8'' LCD Docking stand, battery base

Price $2,898.00 $3,995.00 $2344





From the table we can see Steadicam Pilot has the highest cost, Wondlan Leopard II (standard) has the biggest load capacity. I have not decided which to get, but I hope this table can give some reference for all those to purchase Steadicam.

Comparison of high-end steadycams

As a film maker, I am definitely desperate for any steadycam fitting my huge camera, and meanwhile, with an affordable value. I checked ebay.com and other internet websites, and found some interesting info as under:



Steadicam Tiffen Zephyr Camera Stabilizer with Vest

US $8,995.95



Payload - 24 lb (11kg)

Adjustable Iso-elastic Arm/Standard Vest

Dual-axis Vernier Adjustable Stage

Sled with Telescoping Centerpost

Common 7" LCD Keep track of

Knurled Gimbal Handle

Common Vest / AB Battery Mount

Docking Bracket / Dovetail Plate

BNC - RCA / RCA - BNC Adaptor



Steadicam Tiffen Scout Camera Stabilizer with Vest

US $6,995.95





Payload - five to 18 lb (2.three to 8 kg)

Adjustable Iso-elastic Arm

Dual-axis Vernier Adjustable Stage

Camera Mounting Chassis/Removable Sled

Telescoping Centerpost (18.5-32")

Active Matrix 16:9/4:3 Color LCD Keep track of

Delrin Knurled Gimbal Manage

Typical Vest / V-Lock Battery Mount

Docking Bracket / Dovetail Plate

BNC - RCA / RCA - BNC Adaptor



Flycam Pro 7000

$3116.57

Excess weight: 27.95kg





HIGHLIGHTS OF FLYCAM-7000 STABILIZER:-

Carbon Fiber Sled

Telescopic post - Sled maximum extends upto 115cm

Leading & Bottom Junction Box for DC & AV in/out

Top-Bottom Junction Box joined with coiled cable inside Carbon Fiber Sled

DC & AV cable with Connectors for camera, monitor & battery.

V-Mount Battery Mount Plate

Universal Head enables Fine balancing.

Gimbal



Wondlan Leopard II Deluxe

$3485.26



Load capacity: 13-33 lbs

Construction: Carbon fiber & aluminum

Adjustable Carbon fiber sled with Telescoping Centerpost (980mm Max)

Regular Vest with metal clasp; Adjustable and Dual Iso-elastic Arm

Knurled Gimbal Manage; Quick release & Docking bracket

Common Battery Mount / V-Mount Battery Mount Plate

BNC - RCA / RCA - BNC Adaptor

three Interfaces: Power, HDMI & AV with coiled cable inside Carbon Fiber Sled

7" LCD Monitor











Glidecam x22

$7,900.00



Glidecam X-22 Support Arm

Glidecam Support Vest

Glidecam X-22 Support Sled

Docking Bracket

Arm Publish, Hardware and Operations Manual.

(C-Stand not included.)



Glidecam Gold Series

$26,390.00- $27,385.00



The Glidecam Gold System is a professional body-mounted camera stabilization system designed for cameras weighing from 13 to 38 pounds.

The first two that caught my attention was NEW Steadicam Tiffen Zephyr Camera Stabilizer with Vest and NEW Steadicam Tiffen Zephyr Camera Stabilizer with Vest, bearing 24lbs and 5-18lbs, worth $8,995.95 and $6,995.95, they seem to be high-quality products, but the prices are a bit too large for me. The next is Flycam Pro 7000, bearing cameras up to 33lbs, cost $3116.57, but it's too heavy, weighting 27.95kg, the other two Flycam products - Flycam Pro 6000 and Flycam Magic 6000 have the same shortcoming, and someone said on the internet that "To be completely honest, the Flycam is a piece of Bantha Poo Doo... It's poorly made, made in india by the looks of it, the same company that makes the fake 35mm adapter that look stunningly like the REdrock adapters... cause they just copied the parts and resold it." Then I identified Wondlan Leopard II, but it can only carry 16.5 lbs of cameras, but later I got to know that its latest Leopard II Deluxe can carry 13 to 33 lbs, and cost only $3485.26. My friend also told me that Glidecam Gold System has a load capacity of 13 to 38 lbs, but the selling price is too steep, from $26,390.00 to $27,385.00; besides, it's weird that on their site its "gold arm" has been marked discontinued, and another Steadycam I identified was Varizoom, which has less load capacity but substantial value - $5499. So I think the new Leopard II Deluxe will be my best choice. Here is a comparison chart of the above products:





Steadicam (Steadycam/Camera Stabilizer) Quick Comparison Chart

Max Load capacity

(Camera Excess weight) Weight Price

Tiffen Zephyr 24 lbs (11kg) (unknown) $8,995.95

Tiffen Scout 18 lbs (8kg) (unknown) $6,995.95

Flycam Professional 7000 33lbs (15kg) 27.95kg $3,116.57

Glidecam x22 25 lbs (11kg) 12kg $7,900.00

Glidecam Gold Series 38 lbs (17kg) (unknown) $26,390 ~ $27,385

Wondlan Leopard II (Common) 16.5lbs (7.4kg) 11kg $2,438

Wondlan Leopard II (Deluxe) 33lbs ( 15kg) 12.9kg $3,485

Varizoom Vzblackha wkab 25 lbs (11.2kg) 11.4kg $5,499