About me: I am a two-time Emmy award winning Director of Photography based out of Columbus, Ohio.
I work primarily in commercial and documentary film productions. My client list includes Ohio State, Harley Davidson, Cleveland Cavaliers, White Castle, The PGA, Best in America, Unchained Fashion, Merrell, DSW, Netflix and Honda along with hundreds of major political candidates in U.S. Politics.
Since 2009, I have traveled to more than 17 countries shooting documentary films but have retired from world travel to focus more on being home to raise my kids.
Hi Suresh, It depends on the type of back pain you are having. When I started I had some pretty bad back pain as well, but that was because my back muscles weren't used to holding the weight of the rig. After daily practice (about 30 minutes a day) my back started to get used to the weight. Same concept as working out. You'll be sore at first but your body will adapt. If it's another type of back pain, like pinched nerves or something like that, I have no idea! I hope it's the first!
Dear Sir,I am Suresh Thalavady Steadicam(GS 50) operator from KSA,I have Question,after using steadicam i feel heavy back pain .is there any tricks to reduce or any style which i can follow? Regards suresh
Awesome, I think i'll go for the merlin steadicam as I'm a student so I have a budget! What kind of lenses work best for the steadicam? (My priority is action film making)
Yeah the Merlin is perfect for that. the T3i is a very light camera (unless you have a heavier lens) but even then you're still very light. If money is not an issue I would recommend the steadicam pilot. It's made specifically for smaller cameras 2 to 10 lbs. That's what I started on and it's a great rig. But if you're on a tight budget the Merlin is your next best option.
Pretty big difference actually, the Merlin is made for smaller camera's and costs way less. I've only used the Merlin once just playing around. No arm or vest, just your arm taking all the shock so it's not as smooth and it's a little harder to control. I'm looking into getting one though because they're great for International travel, especially 3rd world countries where I've had a few problems with mobility when in a dangerous situation and you need to move fast.
@sniper1055 No problem! When it comes to brand you're going to have to read review and compare. I prefer Canon because I feel their glass is better and I like their menu setups. you ask someone else they might completely disagree. I'll message you a review that I wrote a few months ago that might help.
Thanks for the reply Daniel. I have not bought any Semi or Pro video cameras, yet, that is why I asked. I did buy a Nikon D7000 and the Steadicam Merlin, which I am now learning to use. It has not been easy balancing it.!!!! I was told to buy a Canon or Sony brand for video camera due to the editing programs out there are more compatible with them than the JVCs, Panasonics, etc. What are your thoughts on that??? I do know Red Rock...great stuff...but expensive.!!!
@sniper1055 I shot with a Panasonic HVX200a for that one. I sold that camera and started using DSR's with primes for the low light, but quickly found out it was a nightmare on steadicam because of the shallow depth of field and my lack of a remote focus puller. Redrock has got some cool stuff for remote focus pulling now if you want to go that route. JVC is coming out with some good stuff at the moment so I'd recommend checking out some of their new camera's (4k!)That's what I am doing right now
Daniel, What video camera did you used to create the RU-vid video "The Steadicam Difference"???? Thanks, Fernando Castillo P.S. What camera do you think would be great to shoot a Wedding Video, specially in low light that would be compatible with the Steadicam system???
@danielwoodsproduct when I 'fly' as you put it, I like using my Bower 14mm on my T2i. Focusing hasn't been much of an issue. But yeah, switching from video camera to DSLR is harder, however, you're using a very expensive steadicam. I use my own diy steadicam and results are pretty good. Now that's real limited budget.
