Flycam Galaxy Vest + Zhiyun Crane 3s + BMPCC4K (The Steadicam Alternative)

[@TieDyedShawn]

Finally have mine. I have modded the arm to be silent. When moving around. Put rubber gaskets to replace all metal washers. I use mics with my setup. Also folded the shoulder pads in half with string and cloth. Was rubbing on my neck when walking. I walk the trails. Test to come soon. Thank you.

[@Kawaiivisualcreative]

Thank you for your perspective mate!!. Much appreciated, Yesterday my vest and redking unit arrived, now I'm with the tests too, greetings.

[@AustralianImage]

I'm disappointed that mine didn't work out as I'd hoped, but I hope that you have success.

[@TieDyedShawn]

Thank you for this. You just sold me on this vest. I walk the trails and my gear get heavy. Gonna get this and come up with a setup for my setup. Thanks.

[@kniferiver7788]

Would you be able to get a few close-up shots of the adapter you made for connecting the Crane 3s to the Flycam?

[@nolesdennhardt8986]

thanks for taking the time to introduce all of this information and share you perspectives and findings on this vest!! helped alot.

[@alexemm]

I'm so glad to have found your experiences with this vest, I had been on the fence with regard to getting one, but will make the purchase now, as I am like you, using it in a stationary position; therefore the Z-axis bounce is not an issue for me. I've also done the scouring you have to discern the guidelines of balance, placement, etc. but look forward to figuring this out as I go! Thanks again, from Adelaide.

[@AustralianImage]

I may have found a solution to the bounce (maybe) and will be doing some extensive testing this week, if the weather holds up. I'm going on a trip where I want to use the vest in varied conditions (I hate testing things walking up and down a hallway at home) and if what I've done works, or works better than before, then this will be great. I'll provide a full report on what I've found. Like you, I don't need to move about much, but I would like to find a solution to getting smoother movement with the setup while walking.

[@alexemm]

@@AustralianImage that sounds great! I look forward to hearing the results of your testing, it's very much appreciated by me and I'm sure many others.

[@haddonhousefilms]

I just got all of the gear to recreate this setup. I absolutely love it. My only complaint is you cannot get low shots with the camera. Your kind of fixed to a certain height. I'm gonna add the flycam redking to this setup with the crane attached to it. Then I will have more control of the camera height. I think that will be the final peice of the puzzle for this setup. ✌

[@paolowriedt1741]

did you ever get around to playing with that setup more? I am also building a similar setup since i found the vest for very cheap.

[@haddonhousefilms]

@@paolowriedt1741 works great with the redking flycam. You can swing it down and get low shots.

[@bobuk5722]

Hi, thanks for posting, the gimbal adapter was very interesting. By now you'll have sorted the spring tension but for other folks who may read this from a mechanical engineering perspective the more tension on the springs the more sharp high frequency walking 'jerks' will be transmitted to the camera. Trouble is, the less the tension the lower the camera will sit and the greater the excess low frequency vertical movement. Like a car these systems could do with some dampers. It's so dependent on the camera weight and desired ride height that setting the tension is really a matter of trial and error.

[@AustralianImage]

I think you've nailed it. Anyone who has seen these setups on major car mounts using gimbals, they use springs and dampers to alleviate the z-axis motion. it's fine for mainly standing still and for the vest to take up the load, but for moving about it's not all that it's promoted to be. The funny thing is that I can get more stable video supporting the gimbal with a heavy duty camera strap attached to the gimbal and using my body as the additional stabiliser, than I can with the vest and spring arm.

[@muskegonvideoproductions5580]

Awesome rig. Thanks for the video. Very informative. I did notice the up/down motion of walking during the video. I think taking baby steps might alleviate that, I've also seen others kind of walk with a slight squat.

[@CalvinFalk]

when wearing a vest with an elastic arm you must walk normally, the arm when tuned properly will handle z axis vibration, this video looks to be a way too strong setting for the arm and he's fighting it.

[@tecno8335]

That's cause he's not ninja walking. For regular walking it's pretty damn good.

[@altercinema4311]

All I wanted to do was pet the dog! Too cute. Thanks for the cool vid!

[@danielvilliers612]

I don't want to be over critical but one of the main reason to use a vest and arm is to remove visible steps, in all your shot it is super visible.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

I love your senior dog!

[@AustralianImage]

Thanks. Senior he most certainly is, going on 14 years now.

[@joyoffilming9500]

Thanks for sharing. Just got my vest II setup with the flyking. Wow, what a beast. Next step will be to get my RS2 connected.

[@MarriedToTheKGB]

good video. I'm looking at getting one of these

[@tecno8335]

he's not ninja walking guys. For regular walking it's pretty damn good.

[@samson418]

That was quite interesting. I think the connection is a little to high. As the crane 3s is a huge object, it should be 5 to 7 inches lower. So you can take the crane 3s off for vortex mode. Perhaps you could manage the leveling by a S-connection instead of an I-connection. Then the springs can be adjusted better to do not jump up and down while walking.

[@AustralianImage]

I agree, but there's not much I can do about the height of the setup. I've been away and haven't yet had a chance to test out my theory on how to get smooth motion when walking. If it proves to work, then the height issue is moot as well.

[@JosueBLOS]

Great video! Awesome rig, just the audio gate really bugs me 😂

[@JayWeldy]

Thanks for sharing, great video. Your Pooch looks just like mine.

[@AustralianImage]

Thanks, I'm hoping to confirm some findings about balancing and walking with this setup in a week or so and, if they prove right, it will hopefully go a long way in fixing the issue of smooth footage while moving.

[@JayWeldy]

@@AustralianImage Cool, if you find time I'd love to see the findings. I'm on the fence, like most of us.. in making a purchase on this kind of kit. I'm thinking about the DigitalFoto Thanos 2 Pro. But the arm balancing is intimidating me.

[@AustralianImage]

@@JayWeldy Will definitely post my results, good or bad.

[@Britton0932]

Great video! I have a the same vest and a glidegear g2g 500 combined with a zihyun crane v1. I’ve had the same issues figuring out the balance of the vest arm. It sounds like a small thing, but you can definitely tell when it’s not properly “sprung”. I’ll follow you and let you know if I come across something that assists there. Cheers!

[@AustralianImage]

It's most likely a small thing, but exceedingly frustrating. I did an event last weekend and was walking on what could almost be described as a putting green, but with deeper and lusher lawn. Contrary to what I thought would happen, following my experiment in the bush, the lighter tension worked against me as I found out later. This leads me to think that you have to adjust the tension to match the ground surface, less tension for a hard and/or rough surface and more for a soft surface. I'm still waiting for a response from Proaim, their technical staff are apparently working on it. In the mean time, more experimentation is in order.

[@videoproducer1188]

Great video! thanks for the insight. I can see based on your experience, it will take some practice. Also, I think after a working at it a bit, walking up and down those hills or even a sprint will improve over time. The footage you showed seems would be easier to stabilize in post (must easier than without that gear) so thanks for showing that! I would love to see more clips of you maybe just standing in one place and doing a pan and tilt as well as moving the camera up and down, left and right. Just to see the capabilities of the rig from that perspective. That would help a lot. Thx again!!!👏

[@marchonore]

Good job.

[@tecno8335]

Is shootvilla also the company flycam?

[@tommyhayat1666]

Hi where did you get the nail I can’t find it anywhere ?

[@torrestorres6355]

Hi, I'm sorry but I don't understand English very well but I'm interested in the product, do you finally recommend it? Thank you.

[@AustralianImage]

No, not anymore. I found it impossible to get good results after much effort, because of some design issues with the vest. Some people have found it useful, but I would not recommend it now.

[@torrestorres6355]

@@AustralianImage Thank you very much, one more thing, have you tried something similar that has served you? Tilta float for example

[@AustralianImage]

@@torrestorres6355 The only other support system I've tried is an Easyrig (clone0. It works quite well, but is only good for standing still. It's also a bit cumbersome in some situations, so I don't use it that much. I've actually found that by using a SmallRig camera strap attached to the gimbal or just on the camera, helps with stabilising much better than does the galaxy vest and is pretty comfortable to boot. This is just hand holding he camera with the strap: kzbin.info/www/bejne/joSvdYSdbNumoJY and this is with the gimbal and strap: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXWoln2kmbeGo9k. The strap makes everything so much more comfortable.

[@Profmorphious123]

Do you use wireless follow focus?

[@MoniJohnson]

I also tried an alternative to the Steadicam.

[@gereral1_jackofalltrades]

Watch German film maker guy who does glidecam x10 series to set it up and how to work with it. I just bought glidecam x10 with hd4000. I have to support 10lbs

[@AustralianImage]

I've watched a few and there's one who works with the genuine Steadicam and shows exactly how to set things up (kzbin.infovideos), but what he shows just does not translate to anything I can emulate. I think there's something in the design of the Flycam setup that makes thing difficult to balance properly. I suspect that it's the vest itself that doesn't allow the proper adjustments that's causing the issues I'm having.

[@Cameranerd876]

Could you make a video on how you got your 82mm filters to fit your tilta matte box?

[@AustralianImage]

Unfortunately there's not really a great deal to show. I have two 77mm VNDs, where one has a max diameter of 85mm and the other 82mm. The 82mm VND fits OK, but the 85mm VND is a very tight fit and just goes in with room for the front element to turn. The issue that I had was that I use an SLR Magic Image Enhancer filter on the front of both lenses and when the Tilta matte box adapter ring was attached the lens would vignette at 14mm-18mm (it's an Olympus 14-35mm F2 zoom). So to stop the vignetting, I had to grind down the adapter ring until it was about half the original thickness and then when the VND was attached, the vignetting was gone. If you want to attach just 82mm filters on their own, I don't think you should have any problems.

[@mafiapasta]

This looks fantastic! Any way you could share with us a link or better name to find the attachment used to get the gimbal onto the arm?

[@AustralianImage]

That attachment is just something that I cobbled together from a spare top handle that I had lying around. While the setup itself comes together very well, to this day I haven't been able to get rid of the bobbing while walking. To be honest, I've been getting better results using the gimbal with a SmallRig camera strap: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHq1iXmZgtGSiLs.

[@CwikTV]

Maybe if u mix the red king with the crane 3 it will take the bounce away

[@littlecloudproductions-vid9937]

Looks a little bumpy. I am sure it saves on back pain though. Does it?

[@tecno8335]

That's cause he's not ninja walking. For regular walking it's pretty damn good.

[@hunzikart]

Great video, thanks for all the info! I have the Crane 3s and I've been planning on buying this vest to reduce some of the weight (cause it really does get tiring very fast) However, my biggest concern is how to actually mount the gimbal to the arm, you seem to have come up with quite a good trick to do so, but I was wondering if you or somebody else knows about some other alternatives? Thanks :)

[@AustralianImage]

Thanks, however, after a lot of use, I've stopped using the vest as I'm not all that satisfied with how it works, as I've pointed out in later videos. The major issue is that I cannot get rid of the vertical bobbing while moving. It's OK for supporting the camera and gimbal for longer periods while standing or walking very slowly, but that's about it. There's also another issue in that the way the vest is designed, unlike a genuine Steadicam vest, you simply don't have the adjustments needed to allow you to set the spring arm so that you can release the arm and it doesn't sway about, you have to hold on to the arm all the time. I believe that Proaim has a vest that's more like the Steadicam one, with adjustments, so this could be a better option. I don't know of any other alternative mounting option for the gimbal. I thought of using the side handle I have on my gimbal, but it didn't quite work out.

[@hunzikart]

@@AustralianImage Thanks a lot for the info!

[@Mediafx]

Do you suggest I get this vest?

[@AustralianImage]

@@Mediafx Originally I would have said yes, but it's now with some reservations. If you intend to use it only as a support, with limited walking about, it works well enough, but you cannot effectively move about and not get a lot of vertical bobbing. I've tried contacting Proaim (the makers of the vest) and they refuse to answer any queries. This is even after one of their representatives has twice asked me to do so when I made comment on other KZbinr's channels. I've found a better and cheaper way to support my camera on its own or with the gimbal: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXWoln2kmbeGo9k. It's worth trying out.

[@Mediafx]

What’s the rod do you have to connect the black magic to the zhiyun crane 3s can you send me a link? You said you got it at a hardware store?

[@AustralianImage]

I'm not sure which component you're asking about. Ah! You're asking about this: malvernirrigation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Poly-Sprinkler-Risers-2.jpg. It's agricultural poly pipe that's used for irrigation lines.

[@juanmanuelkassner849]

Hi, friend. I just saw your video and I need your urgent help please ... in minute 7 you show an adapter to connect the flycam with the gimball. Where can I get it? Do you have a purchase link on amazon, for example? I am in Spain ... I would sincerely appreciate your help because I am going crazy looking for an adapter that fits perfectly like the one you show in your video ... Thank you very much, I am waiting for your reply .. A big greeting.

[@AustralianImage]

You can't buy it, you need to cut down an alloy top handle: amzn.to/3veoCcy to the right length and then just inserted some plastic waterpipe that you can get from a hardware store. You don't need the half ball, but it just made it look a bit better. Some top handle wend come with a 3/8" threaded hole, with mine I had to drill and tap one out.

[@archeebookingagent1909]

I have found the same guy, he did posted that he will share some footage.. but that was about year ago or so.. no footage after that.. and only one video.. though I did find that the arm he was using was rated to 11 lbs only.. so I'm not sure if he broke his setup or just gave up on us.. arm for me is much nice solution than over the shoulder hanger.. but not sure how it would feel comfy for someone much bigger.. I Mean I'm fat...

[@AustralianImage]

I wonder if he discovered much the same issues as I did and ended up not using it. While the setup is of reasonably good quality, it's just not designed as well as a proper Steadicam and makes its use somewhat awkward. I haven't used mine for some time now.

[@archeebookingagent1909]

@@AustralianImage I wonder if the dual arm is what is causing the rebound.. like on bike.. maybe single spring arm and fixed arm for getting it out of the body but even your setup looks better than carrying the weight all day

[@AustralianImage]

@@archeebookingagent1909 I don't know which is better. I've decided to use a suitable camera strap and use my gimbal or just the camera. I seem to get better results and not have to worry about all the extra gear. I did a video here showing how it works: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXWoln2kmbeGo9k.

[@archeebookingagent1909]

@@AustralianImage yeah I actually watched that too.. Tilta made new style system called Tilta Flow but sadly it is ideal for RS2.. not much for Crane my friends told me it work son crane fine but truly get the best result is to have the RS 2 which struggles with the setup we both have.. cute dog btw

[@AustralianImage]

@@archeebookingagent1909 I'm always wary of Tilta systems, they promise a lot, are late with delivery and often drop products without warning. Try getting a Tilta Nucleus Nano motor now. I think mine became available less than two years ago and has now been discontinued. Sadly my buddy passed away on Boxing Day this year. Still sorely missed and I keep hearing his footsteps in the hallway.

[@StreetKarmah]

Where/how could I buy/make a tripod head like yours? I mean the handle that you turned into a kinda head for the crane to fit the steadicam's arm

[@AustralianImage]

You can get the parts by sourcing a 75mm half ball (it's just the cup under the bowl): www.amazon.com.au/INNOREL-Universal-Adapter-Aluminum-Leveler/dp/B08PFQNZWH/ref=sr_1_6?crid=HAD4CXKD9B31&dchild=1&keywords=75mm+half+ball&qid=1616700313&sprefix=75mm+half+ball%2Caps%2C312&sr=8-6 and a handle: www.amazon.com.au/SmallRig-Digital-Monitor-Microphone-Accessories/dp/B0114IGBC2/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=camera+handle&qid=1616700354&sr=8-2. The monopod head is a bit more difficult, as it came with my Sirui monopod, but you could substitute something like this: www.amazon.com.au/Panoramic-Panning-Aluminum-Panorama-Capacity/dp/B07T9KQZBF/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=3%2F8%22+levelling+base&qid=1616700471&sr=8-3. This one only has a 1/4" screw on top, which may not be strong enough, but if you can find something similar with a 3/8" screw, you'd be good to go. You don't need the half ball part at all (I'd leave it out), as you can simply attach the head to the handle. You have to drill a hole in the end of the handle to take a 3/8" bolt (preferably Allen key as it's smaller and easier to tighten), that then attached to the head. To be honest, all that you really need is the handle and just a big washer on top through which the 3/8" bolt goes. That's what I would have done if all I had on hand was the handle.

[@kniferiver7788]

What is the type of metal/material that the piece you made to connect or slip onto the Flycam?

[@AustralianImage]

It's just a SmallRig top handle that I had lying around: amzn.to/3Ai4fN8/amzn.to/3Co02Jl and a 75mm bowl adapter: amzn.to/3fzW86G/amzn.to/2WZNCax. I just cut the handle to size, removed the T piece and drilled a hole to take a 3/8" bolt, and then used the small middle part of the bowl adapter to make it look tidy (you don't really need this). I also inserted some poly pipe into the hollow of the handle to make it a firmer fit.

[@rowangallagher4677]

My only concern is that the footage you got was pretty shaky...

[@AustralianImage]

I've pretty much given up on the vest. I simply cannot get stable footage no matter what I've tried. In fact, I can get far more stable footage with just the gimbal, as I showed here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHq1iXmZgtGSiLs and even the camera on it's own as I showed here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/joSvdYSdbNumoJY. This is with nothing more than using just a SmallRig camera strap to support the weight. I've contacted Proaim three times now (twice after they contacted me) and all I've heard are crickets.

[@rowangallagher4677]

@@AustralianImage Cheers for the reply. Yeah if this vest is anything like the Proaim sliders then I'll be avoiding. Thanks

[@AustralianImage]

@@rowangallagher4677 I won't even think about buying or recommending anything Proaim from now on. As for sliders, I can't recommend the Zeapon Micro 2 highly enough, it even has an app that actually works. They have introduced a new pan/tilt motor accessory and I'm just waiting for the pan motor to become available. Google Zeapon Pons PT motorised panning head.

[@davidevans000]

Hi, I've been looking for a part that would sit between the arm and the Zhiyun. Where can I get something like that?

[@AustralianImage]

All you need is a handle like this: www.amazon.com.au/SmallRig-Digital-Monitor-Microphone-Accessories/dp/B0114IGBC2/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=camera+handle&qid=1617567127&sr=8-1, remove the piece at the end, drill a hole into the solid end to fit a 3/8" bolt (or tap it so that a 3/8" bolt will screw in) and then cut the handle to size. You can put a 20mm plastic riser (cut to size): cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0012/7454/4200/products/PR415G_300x300.jpg?v=1535514796 into the handle to make it a firmer fit over the arm spigot.

[@davidevans000]

@@AustralianImage hi. But how does that handle connect to the Zhiyun crane? Thanks

[@AustralianImage]

@@davidevans000 If you mean the side handle I've installed on the Crane 3s, I use a SmallRig handle that has a NATO clamp attached and that then attaches to a SmallRig Crane 3s collar that has a NATO rail built in.

[@davidevans000]

@@AustralianImage hi again. I'm talking about the handle that you mention in the video that was from a monopod. The handle that will replace the tripod component of the crane and will sit in the mechanical arm. Thanks

[@AustralianImage]

@@davidevans000 The part from the monopod was only the connecting plate, not a handle. If you look here: www.amazon.com.au/Sirui-SUP204SR-Photo-Video-Monopod/dp/B00I5NKCNE/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=sirui+p-204sr+monopod&qid=1617785895&sr=8-1, the top section of the monopod is removable and is what I used for the gimbal to spring arm mount. The monopod comes with two of these adapters, so the spare on was perfect for what I needed.

[@RobHuntProductions]

Which colour springs are you using? Red , yellow or blue?

[@AustralianImage]

I'm using the red ones. The kit only came with red and blue, and the blue are way too light duty for the 8kg+ combination. Unfortunately, I still have been able to replicate the smooth movements that are show by some users on KZbin, the bobbing remains a frustration.

[@RobHuntProductions]

@@AustralianImage I did a test shoot with that exact setup last week. Super thrilled with the first pass. I was even walking backwards. I don't mind a little bobbing. I've been practicing my "gimbal walk" to lessen it

[@AustralianImage]

@@RobHuntProductions That's good to hear. It may be that my walking style isn't good enough, but I have been trying it on uneven ground with less than ideal footwear. I did do some testing on a hard surface and it performed better. I had another thought and that was to increase the motor power of the gimbal, as it's at its lowest setting, and maybe some of the bobbing is the pitch motor not being strong enough. More testing required.

[@RobHuntProductions]

@@AustralianImage Yeah my motor settings are 1 higher then the lowest and I bought some comfy shoes for gimbal stuff. One pair is basically robust slippers

[@AustralianImage]

@@RobHuntProductions I did a test this morning just with the gimbal on its own, at various higher motor settings, and it made no difference to the way the gimbal handled the camera. I'm in fact getting steadier shots now with just the gimbal and SmallRig strap than I could with the Galaxy vest. I do think, given that others are having success, that it's more to do with the terrain that I'm trying to work in and it's probably asking too much of the setup.

[@maradonamartin9870]

Where to get it in Australia?

[@AustralianImage]

Your best bet is B&H: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1483103-REG/flycam_glxy_av_galaxy_dual_arm_and.html. This is where I bought mine and they had the best price that I could find, even with the shipping cost.

[@cegaton1619]

Up and down movement should not exist using a rig like that. Bounce should be gone by holding the arm lightly, and letting the rig do it's job, as with any steadicam-like system you need to use a very light touch, almost nothing, to guide the camera. If the operator tries to exert too much control (or holds the gimbal too tight) that thigth hold will negate all of the benefits of having a spring loaded arm. For information on how to balance the arm watch [SteadiRed's series of videos](kzbin.info/door/c27xcU0bQ-jHK6lbSDe9YQ) it is crucial to balance the load so that the arm stays in place. There are two adjustments that are essential: side to side and front and back, to prevent the arm from wandering off. Both adjustments are done at the point where the arm attaches to the vest. Besdes that, there is the up down tension. A properly balanced arm should hold the camera in the same place and height, even if you were to take your hands of the rig. As for the placement of the vest, it is important that is set up to keep the back straight and to have the lower part of the vest be tight at the hip bone, while allowing for up and down movement of the leg (as when you are going up stairs).

[@CalvinFalk]

I urgently reccommend that you do not use your arm in this orientation, the arm must not be used on the inboard side relative you you, please refer to any steadicam workshop video or guide video to see the reason for the arm to be used at an acute angle facing away from your body!

[@playmatee1]

u need more motor power in crane 3s

[@JWS1968]

You have a gimbal and a Steadicam elastic arm and there is still a lot of up and down motion. It's almost like you walking with just the camera and IBIS enabled on a GH5 or something. I was expecting perfect flawless movement. I appreciate all the effort that went into this video but the footage is very disappointing in my opinion.

[@CastroTheMexican]

This was just mind blowing

[@AustralianImage]

Thanks. I now have to do more than just talk about it, I have to prove that it really does work. If COVID restriction start to wind down, I might just get that chance.

[@CastroTheMexican]

Alright we need help big time. We're trying to 6 way calibrate this zhiyun. We can't get it to work it wobbles on its own. It currently 1:25 am for us. We're dying sir. We need help

[@AustralianImage]

Without seeing your setup, it's impossible to say what could be the problem. All that I can suggest is that you ensure that everything on your camera rig is tight and secure and the way that the rig is mounted to the gimbal is tight and secure (don't use a small Arca Swiss clamp). That means no cables hanging loose, the lens is supported so that it can't move on the mount and that you haven't got some very unusual setup such as a monitor mounted very high on a handle. You may need to start with the power setting at lowest and incrementally increase to see if that works. If everything is set tight and secure, just try the auto-calibration through the handle in the first instance. That was all that I did and it's worked perfectly at the lowest power setting. There are limits to what any gimbal can achieve if given too hard a task, so make sure that you aren't asking too much of the gimbal.