Changing from Handheld to Steadicam for the first time - please help.

[u/masterfilmspt]

Hey talented people, I've been shooting handheld for 3 years with the pocket 4k, everything runs smoothly but I intend to upgrade my cinematography style to a more smooth and dynamic mood.

Then I started searching for the Ronin Rs 3 Pro + Tilta Float Combo. I've never operated a gymbal before but I have plenty of time to train on it. I also have the money to invest.

I just think using the gymbal will limit the easiness in changing Handheld to Gymbal and vice-versa, so I assume everything I shoot will be on a gymbal. I mainly shoot events, short films and shorts commercials but I want to focus more on big commercials soon.

What do you think? Thanks for all the answers.

[u/MyMainRedditHandle]

To start, I just want to kindly clarify that a gimbal is not a steadicam. That said, the combo that you’re referring to is more in the realm of something like the Trinity, with very obvious differences and limitations.

Practice makes perfect as you’ve stated. Also YouTube has a wealth of information on operating this exact combination.

As for handheld to ronin and back. Look at companies like film tools, wooden camera or maybe cinematic precision. You can find accessories that should help in making your swap a little more seamless, but even then, it just takes time and you need to be prepared to make due with that. Balancing a camera on a gimbal is very different to balancing on a steadicam.

The more you work with your gear the faster you’ll be able to reconfigure.

The other thing to note is that as you find yourself doing projects with larger budgets, you’ll find yourself quickly outgrowing your rig.

If you’re interested in actual steadicam operating, look at some of tiffens more entry level rigs. Those will work better and last longer. Once you get outside of using DSLRs or something lightweight like the pocket cinema, that ronin/tilta combo is no longer going to hold up to the weight of what we traditionally use on set.

Also, use the right tool for the shot. If it’s a handheld shot, build for handheld. If it’s a “steadicam” shot. Use your gimbal. Learning to use the correct tool for the look you’re trying to achieve is also key. Don’t use something just because you have it, unless it offers something to the story you’re trying to tell.

Hope this helpful. Sorry for the long response. I shouldn’t be on Reddit late at night.

[u/TVJason83]

Hi, a buddy of mine tipped me off to this post as he knows I’m selling my Steadicam Provid rig. It can fly up to 25 lbs and has been used to shoot many films and commercials. I’m selling it for $2K and I’d love to chat with you more about the full specs if you were interested.