CUSTOM STEADICAM PILOT FOR 5D MKII

I was in the market for a steadicam for my 5d for a while. In my research the Pilot looked fantasic value for money. I, like may 5d ops, end up hiking most of my gear around. The last thing I wanted was to have to hike PAG or IDX batteries and charger unit, when I already have to carry around my 5d charger and my Sony battery charger for my IKAN monitor.

Steadicam don't offer a Sony battery mounting plate option !

So how do I incorporate Steadicam, with only the basic to carry around? Well I bought the AA battery version of the Steadicam and since its been out the box, I've been rewiring and modifying it ever since. I still can't wait to take it on a full test next week.
What are the mods that make it better for the 5d?

1. Power. I already carry sony batteries for my Ikan monitor, they are cheap and can power my monitor for about 4-5 hours operating use. Thats way cheaper that the IDX/Vmount option. You need a separate bag just to carry the Charger for those units! The Sony's are smaller and lighter and as I said, I'm carrying them anyway!

2. Video feed. I've routed a HDMI cable from the sled through to the base. That means 1080 video feed (least when not recording) and thats better than the RCA connection.

3. IKAN HDMI monitor 8'inch. That's more screen and better vision for focus and framing.

This means I could buy the cheapest Steadicam and get everything I want.

If you cant buy what you need... MAKE IT.

Very cool. I did the same thing with the Glidecam X-10 and HD 2000 sled. I went to a machine shop to allow me to run the HDMI cable thru the sled pst. I use the DP1 from smallHD a the monitor and have a battery grip
so the 5D has lots of juice. I even upgraded to the curved handle that connects the sled to the spring arms. It works great...is easy to balance and received high marks from a friend who is a professional steady cam ($$$$$ system) operator
that our facility has used alot of in the past. All in all a fun process.

I was in the market for a steadicam for my 5d for a while. In my research the Pilot looked fantasic value for money. I, like may 5d ops, end up hiking most of my gear around. The last thing I wanted was to have to hike PAG or IDX batteries and charger unit, when I already have to carry around my 5d charger and my Sony battery charger for my IKAN monitor.

Really useful info here, thanks for posting! Have you some images of the HDMI monitor mod? I'm very interested to see them because I would like do the same on my Pilot too.

Ciao,

Emanuele

For other solutions for mounting the AC107 (ikan's portable power supply) take a look at the new ikan new camera support line, the Elements. Many of the components of the Elements are designed for the express purpose of mounting the AC 107. http://www.ikancorp.com/productListing.php?CategoryID=53

Very interesting post from davidatree!
I also considering of getting a steadicam and always asked my self if I should wait for sled that has also a HDMI connection. But custom Steadicam pilot just looks like the solution I was waiting for! Wonder how you managed to put the HDMI wire on the sled?!? Unfortunately isn’t there a picture where I can see the HDMI wire from the screen into the sled and from the sled into the cam…

Would be great if somebody can send an instruction or more picture so I can see how it is done.

Cheers,
Thomas

Excellent solution there, thanks for sharing.

Those are some great solutions you've come up with. I was piloting for a music video in the middle of a highway bridge last night and had my one pack of my AA batteries die on me before I could even finish fine tuning my balance, those things just do not hold on to charge. I would love to be able to power my monitor with a hefty Sony battery (especially since I could just press a button and see how much power I got left, you can't beat that).

I've been dying to get a 5D mkII! Right now I'm flying a the PMW EX1 which is great for shooting fast action/wide with infinite focus but I've been craving that depth of field that the 5D gives. I wanted to ask you, how is the Pilot handling with the 5D? From the picture you posted it seems like the gimbal is considerably far from the stage; you could benefit from adding additional weights up top as the Pilot acts best when it's close to it's weight limit (10 lbs). By doing so you can bring the gimbal closer to the stage thus obtaining a more stable and responsive rig... Unless you extend the post which I just noticed you did, changing the center of gravity. Heh, forget what I said.

I would definitely love to see a picture of your Pilot with all the upgrades you given it!!