Steadicam Pilot-VLB Camera Stabilization System with Power

Comments about Steadicam Pilot-VLB Camera Stabilization System with Power:

Expensive = Quality... if it has the name Steadicam branded on it. just make sure if your an FNG that you do you homework... like anything in life research will save a lot of headache later...
Steadicam for life

Comments about Steadicam Pilot-VLB Camera Stabilization System with Power:

I use this to shoot professional wedding videos. It's very useful and of a great quality!

Comments about Steadicam Pilot-VLB Camera Stabilization System with Power:

It does what you expect a steadicam to do.
Using it mostly on events or small low budged shoots with 5dmkii.
It's small, relatively light (the bag it comes in is also a backpack - wouldn't carry it for long though) and really quick to set up. With some practice you don't even need a stand to get set - just put it on and do it right there.

One thing you should get if you are on the move a lot is some sort of quicklock plate - I got the sachtler cine dslr tripod so for the steadicam I got a fitting manfrotto adapter (577 rapid connect)

The only thing that seems a little flimsy are the power connectors. Had my camera shut off a couple times because the cable moved.

Comments about Steadicam Pilot-VLB Camera Stabilization System with Power:

While I've not used other brands of stabilizers, this is the one that truly offers a solution that works - for small cameras. The ease of adjustments is remarkably well thought out, and shows how long Garret Brown & team have been designing and building these tools. It's especially nice to see something of this sort built in the U.S., where manufacturing can be top notch, as is the case with even this low end Steadicam. After looking at the details, it's obvious why this thing costs as much as it does.

If flying a DSLR, you'll probably want to add some supplementary weight to get the total package into the 3 - 4 pound range, as a minimum.

Yes, the monitor plugs right into the A/V Out of a Canon 7D, but the image is squashed to an unknown aspect ration. This is a DSLR problem, not one that Steadicam can necessarily anticipate.

The vest fits well, and is tight. No doubt the more expensive ones are better, but this one works pretty well, although the top buckle is rather oddly placed.

The IDX batteries are not as bulky as the AB batteries, but probably not quite as powerful either. Well made in China, they too are hideously expensive. Why can't someone power these devices with Panasonic cordless tool batteries that cost about a 1/4 as much?

Be sure you have or order a stand to balance the rig on: you can't do it on the Pilot arm while attached to you.

Comments about Steadicam Pilot-VLB Camera Stabilization System with Power:

I use it with sony EX1 and 5Dmk2 and it's an excellent tool, smooth and easy to work with

Comments about Steadicam Pilot-VLB Camera Stabilization System with Power:

I debated for a long time on weather I should bite the bullet on this. I spent the last year using a variety of different camera stabilizers, and for awhile I was using the Glidecam 4000HD with a Varizoom Arm and Vest. Eventually I moved on and bit the bullet on a Steadicam Merlin.

The minute I used the Merlin, I felt a difference between that and the glidecam varizoom combo. the glidecam/vari combo just plain felt cumbersome. it was hard to move through tight spaces and the arm had a really nice bounce to it. The merlin allowed me to achieve the same if not better stability and allowed my body to move very freely. The only downfall to the Merlin is it was great for slow camera moves...but the minute I had to use it for major tracking shots my footsteps would always translate through to the shots.

That's where the Pilot came in. I needed a truly professional rig, and I have to say the minute I strapped up I was amazed at the quality. The difference between the pilot, and the Glidecam HD/Varizoom is NIGHT AND DAY. NO COMPARISON.

The adjustable gimble design, and being able to add weight to top or bottom of the sled allows so many options for balancing and camera height.

I took this rig out on a wedding, and 1 IDX battery lasted me the ENTIRE 12 hour day! When I checked the battery, I still had 2 out of 3 bars left!

The biggest difference is the way this rig allows you to operate. Having a monitor on the bottom of the sled is SO critical. Without one, if your looking at the back of the camera, you can only pan the camera so far before you lose sight of the monitor. This will effect your operating posture, which will then effect your shots. By having the monitor on the bottom, it allows you to see the monitor no matter where the camera is pointed. This allows you to maintain the proper camera shooting positions such as the Don Juan, or Tango.

Bottom line, if your looking for something that will take your steadicam operating to the NEXT LEVEL of PRECISION. The Steadicam Pilot is for you. It's worth every penny.

Comments about Steadicam Pilot-VLB Camera Stabilization System with Power:

The pilot was very quick to setup and start flying. It will take some time to master as with any new piece of gear. Very impressed with ease and effective balancing. Excellent reference material supplied with product. Case, batteries, charger, arm, sled and vest all fit very nicely into the well designed backpack carry case. The carbon fiber sled makes the rig extremely light. Its been a joy to use, can't wait to use it more with our productions.

Comments about Steadicam Pilot-VLB Camera Stabilization System with Power:

This packages offers everything you need to use your steadicam right out of the box. The batteries charge surprisingly fast, and hold their charge very very well given a full days use.
The only weak element of this package is the "backpack case".... its still perfect for around town jobs, but I feel the need to buy a hard case for travel needs.
Having used a FLYER, I was skeptical about the Pilot at first, but now I feel like the pilot is exactly what is needed as the equipment gets smaller and lighter. This is the only steadicam that utilizes weights on the full rig, which makes DSLR video shooting a reality. Im incredibly happy with this purchase, and I dont know why I didnt buy one earlier.

Comments about Steadicam Pilot-VLB Camera Stabilization System with Power:

A very nice product. Light and usable.

Comments about Steadicam Pilot-VLB Camera Stabilization System with Power:

Excellent stabilizer... quick and easy to adjust. I don't find the plastic connections flimsy at all as a previous reviewer mentioned. I upgraded to this Steadicam Pilot after 2 years of shooting with a Glidecam Smooth Shooter/2000 Pro combo, and this is like night and day.

I can unpack this from the backpack, mount on a steadistand (not included with this kit), and have the camera fully mounted, balanced, and ready to shoot in less than an hour.

IDX batteries are nice. They run the LCD screen just fine. I've spent 12 hour days just using one battery. Add a 40w tungsten light though, and the charge time drops tremendously on the small 70whr batteries to around 2-3 hours. Would have been nice to have included the 95whr instead.

Also would have been better if the vest had buckles instead of only velcro because if you take it off, and have to quickly put it back on, you may not be adjusted properly. Despite that minor feature upgrade, the vest is great. Very comfortable.

The arm separates in two pieces, and the thumb screws for adjusting tension are made for on-the-fly adjustments. Also, the socket connection to the vest is a welcome upgrade from the Glidecam's fixed socket. This model lets you adjust every possible angle and configuration until the unit flys perfectly in front of you with equal weight distribution.

Bottom line, well worth the money if your clients are looking for very high quality stabilized footage, and you're shooting with a small sized HDV camera such as the Canon XH-A1.

Comments about Steadicam Pilot-VLB Camera Stabilization System with Power:

I really like the Pilot for the quality, ease of use and great design. With the practice you can take the same perfect shots as big guys with those $60K rigs.

Comments about Steadicam Pilot-VLB Camera Stabilization System with Power:

Too many plastic parts in high traffic places.
I would have paid extra for a better thought process on durability issues. You have to be very careful with this unit. But does the job.