Camera Motion Research Blackbird Camera Stabilizer

Comments about Camera Motion Research Blackbird Camera Stabilizer:

I ordered this after debating whether I had the talent or not to build a DIY steadycam. I'm glad that I bought this because I don't think I would have been able to do it. I saw some youtube videos of this thing, and when I saw the camera operator climb over a waist high fence while still maintaining a fluid forward motion with the stabilizer, I knew I had to buy it.

You can quickly adjust the balancing, when you switch lenses. And it is very lightweight with my Panasonic GH2. I used this thing to film a performance that was almost and hour and a half long and I was able to hold the stabilizer for the entire time. My arm was a little sore the next day, but the main thing I like about this thing is how portable it is because it is so lightweight.

Comments about Camera Motion Research Blackbird Camera Stabilizer:

This is my first stabilizer. I am using a Canon 7D with an 18mm-135mm lens. One good thing about this stabilizer is the ability to adjust the stiffness of the gimble which as a noobie has made my shots better.

The one thing that has bothered me so far is this stabilizer pans in the direction that the wind is blowing when filming outside, which has made some of my shots look jerky when trying to reposition it back to the center. It tends to sway and pan indoors too.

I have found a fix to this using two semi-thick medium sized rubberbands stretched from top to bottom on the handle and pan knob. My shots are a lot better now. I'm sure that overall my shots will get better the more experience I have at using it.

Comments about Camera Motion Research Blackbird Camera Stabilizer:

I bought the blackbird for wedding videography using my DSLR. It took me about 3 hours to balance (watching the DVD tutorial is a must!). I wasn't impressed with the dinky aluminum contraption when I pulled it out of the box. The head seems solid, but not extremely durable (compared to my all metal, manfrotto tripod head) and the manual and DVD tutorial look all home made.

The stabilizer would work great for doing short films and such, where you have a controlled atmosphere and have time to make the adjustments. But for wedding videography, stay away! It has it's own custom mounting plate, which forces you to constantly switch plates, or buy their plate adaptor (which is less than impressive).

Again, the stabilizer works, but shooting weddings can be hectic and you won't have time to switch mounting plates, and fine tweak the balance if the bride and groom do something unexpected and you are not prepared. The only way it would work is to have two cameras, and balance one on the stabilizer before hand and leave it on the stand all night to use as needed, but that only works if you are at one venue and don't have to change locations.

Overall, with the quality of this thing, it should only cost about $150. But the demand for stabilizers allow the price to be jacked up.

Comments about Camera Motion Research Blackbird Camera Stabilizer:

I've used both a glidecam and this. The blackbird is far far easier to balance. It's also much easier to make micro adjustments. I was flying in no time. The DVD included was a ton of help. Within two days of practice I'm more than comfortable using it in shoots. The possibilities are endless! Definitely worth the price. Would take it over a glidecam any day. There's almost no strain on the wrist at all.

Comments about Camera Motion Research Blackbird Camera Stabilizer:

I am working on a documentary film and my budget is very tight. I seriously considered a variety of budget stabilizers, but chose this one because the main support handle is located directly beneath the camera. The result is less lateral pressure on your wrist, compared to other stabilizers where the grip is offset from the center of weight. This was an important consideration in my decision to purchase the Blackbird, as I cannot afford the various braces and supports out there to take the pressure off the wrist. So far, the Blackbird is proving to work very well, and I can operate it for reasonable periods without undue strain.

Using these devices effectively requires skill, and that means practice. The Blackbird comes with a set of instructions (and these should be examined closely), but it is the included DVD that gave me the most help. It is also inspirational, offering a variety of ideas for shooting with your Blackbird. I tried it out during my New Year's Eve party, even though I had only a few hours of experience with it, and the resultant video was surprsingly effective. I was amazed by the dream-like fluidity of the images, despite my lack of skill. After a few weeks of study and practice, I've improved considerably.

I am impressed with the quality of the Blackbird: It's well-designed, well-made, and performs exactly as advertised.

Comments about Camera Motion Research Blackbird Camera Stabilizer:

I truly love this product so far. It took about 30 minutes to set up but once I did, I was flying in no time! I still need to tweak it a bit to really get it perfect but this provides incredibly smooth shots and is light enough to hold onto for several minutes at a time. Here is some test footage I took with it the first day I got it. [@]

Comments about Camera Motion Research Blackbird Camera Stabilizer:

I am a Realtor and I use my Blackbird for HD Virtual Tours. I love the product and after using this only 1 week or so, I already am finding success with stabilizing my 7D. I owned another stabilizer previously and never obtained the kind of success that I have with this product. Leveling the camera was much easier due to the to abjustment screws and the bubble levels on the unit also help greatly.The only regret is that I did not purchase the complete set. It would be worth the aditional $200[...]

Comments about Camera Motion Research Blackbird Camera Stabilizer:

Great alternative. I bought it because the Merlin Steadicam was too expensive for me, i had second thoughts after I ordered but it turned out to be excellent. Nice product and a great DVD tutorial.

Comments about Camera Motion Research Blackbird Camera Stabilizer:

Once you get your camera balanced the rest is easy. It is a very user friendly stabilizer with little practice it is very easy to achieve professional looking shots.

Comments about Camera Motion Research Blackbird Camera Stabilizer:

I bought the blackbird basic and was originally frustrated. Using the blackbird basic right out of the box was very hard to do. After a couple of days practicing with it I finally became more comfortable with it.
I think the blackbird basic does not offer as smooth of shots as its counterpart, the Merlin Steadicam, but it is also about half the price. Also the blackbird basic doesn't come with the carrying case which can be inconvenient. Overall, great buy and amazing product