Good shooting techniques suggest giving viewers a variety of shots. Moving camera shots should be used as the spice for your production. Do the moving shots when needed, then stay still and let the action happen within the frame when needed. Static shots can be done by setting it on the ground or a chair or table. Handheld static shots can be done by resting the base on your leg. This position even allows zooming in to the subject. These were the techniques used to shoot an uncut wedding ceremony (30 mins) at a park setting. Typical film style shooting allows plenty of time to rest between takes. One of the tapes that is included with purchase is an uncut 16 minute flying shot. This is more than enough time for what stabilizers are typically used for.

All moving camera stabilizers of this type use basically the same principle to stabilize unwanted motion. Lowered center of gravity counterbalance, and balance on all three planes. The device is balanced front to back, side to side, and top to bottom. How easy they are set up, balanced, and rechecked for proper balance depends on the individual stabilizers design. How easy they are to use depends on the type of handle utilized.

Does it use a gimbal?

All stabilizers use some sort of gimbal handle to let the device hang level. Other stabilizers are still using the old technology, while the SteadyTrackers are using the newest CGX technology (the SteadyTrackers also feature an unbreakable gimbal). This new CGX technology is better in six areas.

1) Balancing (including rebalancing when adding accessories).

2) Ease of use (incuding lowest learning curve and least wrist torque).

3) Dependability and durability.

4) Creative freedom.

5) Mutifunctional features.

6) Performance.

Balancing

The old technology requires a critical pinpoint balance to be achieved which can take hours of set up time moving the camera from hole to hole, then adding weights until the rig dosen't topple over from being too top heavy, or swing like a pendulum from being too bottom heavy. Keep in mind the inconvenience of having to repeat this procedure when adding or removing any accessories. The SteadyTrackers use an expanded 5 point balancing gimbal handle which is not anywhere near as critical as the other single pinpoint balancing gimble handles. The SteadyTrackers do not require weights to be added or removed (and lost) but utilize a sliding handle to make the unit balance top to bottom. The Camera slides in slots for front to back and side to side balance. These sliding balancing adjustments are much easier, faster, and more convenient than adding and removing different weights.

Ease of use

The old technology removes most of the control from their handle yet requires a second hand to control and steer the rig from just slightly above the handle. The SteadyTrackers handle design gives the operator 100% control and allows true one handed operation. This feels more natural, and is easier to learn and control. The free hand can be used to push necessary controls on the camera, (record, white balance, and adjust focus, iris, gain, etc) without the camera bouncing out of control. Their handle multiplies the force of wrist torque on the operators wrist and forearm. It can be likened to holding a sledgehammer up and at an angle. This can get awfully painful rather quickly. Wrist torque does not occur with the SteadyTrackers handle which is centered, not offset, under the weight of the device.

Dependability, durability

The SteadyTracker Xtremes are made from durable lightweight aircraft grade aluminum and lightweight steel. (Not plastic). They can put up with years of day to day use. Once set, the balance never needs to be reset or retrimed. The delicate bearings in the other handles tend to become wobbly and need a lot of retrimming.

Creative freedom

All moving stabilizers can fly, pan, boom,and tilt but how well you can control the device during these moves is what sets the SteadyTracker apart from the others. Try acceleration and deceleration when panning, quickly starting, stopping, and reversing directions while flying, smooth tilting at the start or end of a boom, or dutching off axis during a flying move. Or try just holding the camera still. Balance means nothing without control. Level shots quickly become boring when thats the only option you've got. Check out the moves on the demo tapes and you be the judge. The SteadyTrackers have several examples of smooth rotation dutch angle shots, which are some of the most beautiful shots imaginable.

Multifunctional features

SteadyTrackers have been designed for handheld use, bodysupported use, and self supported use.

Handheld. They can smoothly circle around your subject, dutching, booming, and tilting on the fly, changing angles and framing just like in music videos. You can do chase scenes, go up and down stairs, jump off walls, go over picnic tables, follow people in cars, shoot weddings, receptions, love stories, sports, documentaries, choirs, plays, etc.

Body mounted. Resting it on your leg lets you zoom and focus with a heads up position with both eyes free to monitor or look for new scenes. Pull it up to your body with your eye against the viewfinder for traditional zooming style shots. Lift it up on your shoulder and shoot over peoples heads while looking in the color monitor for perfect framing.

Self supported. You can tilt and pan "monopod style" from the floor or the edge of a table. Or you can set it up like a tripod and get in the shot yourself. This lets you completely rest as you think of your next shot.

Performance

Watch the demo tapes and you be a judge on each stabilizers performance. Watch for horizon rocking, how much slow motion is used on the actual shots, and the range of cameramen used (if only feature film masters are shown, it may not be suitable for beginners).

Why don't all stabilizers use a harness and a mechanical arm?

The vest and arm adds to the overall weight, cost, complexity and spontaneity. It is hard to master, very expensive, and not needed with todays high quality lightweight cameras. With light weight cameras, the human arm does it easier and at less cost. The camera weight dose'nt go away, it all gets concentrated to your lower back. And when you add the weight of the vest and arm, it really can get quite tiring. We have a continous motion shot on tape that runs 9.5 minutes, which proves with todays high quality lightweight cameras, you don't need the added problems of a mechanical arm.

What is the total weight of the device?

SteadyTrackers figures are quoted at the total weight with monitor, batteries and ready to roll (minus the camera). Approx. 2.5 pounds total for the SteadyTracker ULTRALITE, and 4 pounds total for the SteadyTracker Xtreme.

What are the advantages of a stabilizer?

Staying with the action, getting the mic (on the camera) close to the source, creating on scene excitement, or getting the money shot. In a nutshell it makes better productions by engaging the viewers, because they now feel like part of the action. With time you will be able to add the most beautiful movements to shots, if you're into the artistic side of shooting.

Does it have a built in monitor?

You can order it with a built in monitor which is non dedicated, meaning you can take it on or off. Or you can buy it without a monitor, or you can use your own if you already have a Citizen m329, 938 or Sony 3" if you plan on using your own, ask to have it shipped monitor ready ($19.95 parts and labor charge).

I've heard these devices don't work in the wind.

The SteadyTracker is the one that does work in the wind.

How easy is it to mount and remove a camera?

Some stabilizers use a small screw that goes into one of many holes, that require a screwdriver every time you want to take the camera off. The SteadyTrackers use a "universal quick mounting plate" which stays on the camera, similar to a "quick mount tripod plate". This makes it fast and convenient when removing the camera. Requiring no tools, just the turn of a knob and it slides on or off.

Can I use an external battery belt with it?

Yes, the dangling cable will not adversly effect the balance unless the cable is stepped on or caught on something which physically yanks the camera.

How long does it take to learn?

With the SteadyTracker, most camera operators can get usable shots instantly. We've seen hundreds of people at trade shows achieve stable moving shots as soon as the rig is handed to them.

What have the Magazines said?

Every Magazine review has rated it as good or excellent. When compared to the other stabilizers on the market, the panel of reviewers at Video Pro Magazine rated ours the #1 Stabilizer. They actually said it blew away the competition.

What are some of the camera's that work on the SteadyTracker Xtreme?

VX-1000, DSR-200, EZ-1, PDV-1000, XL-1, L-1, L-2, ES-6000,5000,4000,2500,3000,970, ES-10v, A-1 Digital, UCS-1,2,3,5, TR-5, TR-101, V-101,701,801, FX-10, AG455,456, AG-3, PVS350, V-5000, TRV-7, TRV-9, TRV-10, PC-7, PC-10, PD-1 TRV-900, EZ-20, EZ-30, PV-700, PV-710, PV-810, Optura, The Digital 8's and many, many, more camcorders or camera heads.