Steadicam JR Lite?

Hi everyone, my names Chris, this site is very helpful. It helped me choose my new HD camera , the cannon HV20. Im interested in getting the steadicam jr lite for the hv20. Its cheaper than the nornal jr, probably fits the camcorder better perspective. Whats the best site to purchase this Lite version. Ive had no luck online finding them, not even on Ebay. Any help would be grateful. thanx Chris

Given the size of the HV20, have you considered the Steadicam Merlin.

The Merlin is rated for up to 5lbs of camera. (Unfortunately, my XH A1 just breaks 5lbs when using a large battery -- don't even consider putting the VL10 with battery and shotgun microphone <G>... When the urge strikes, I'll probably end up with the GlideCam 4000). Alternative to the Merlin would be the GlideCam 2000 (doesn't look as "finished", but cheaper).

I have not seen or read about the merlin. Thanx , im going to look into that. Ive looked into the glidecam 2000 pro which seems pretty nice as well. Have you used either or?

I have not seen or read about the merlin. Thanx , im going to look into that. Ive looked into the glidecam 2000 pro which seems pretty nice as well. Have you used either or?

{bottom up}

No, I've not used either... I've seen one user of the Merlin at a convention.

The Merlin is the cleaner looking -- the weights are machined and screw onto the lower arm, with a nicely shaped "end cap" piece. It also folds up for storage.

The Glidecam with its machine washers and wing-nuts, on a sheet-metal plate, in contrast, looks almost home-brew... But is half the price I believe.

My older camera (Optura 40) wasn't worthy of such... The XH A1 hasn't really been used yet... And since most of my work has been tripod mounted -- recording performances which I have no control over (so no ability to stop, reset the performance, and try from a second angle, etc. -- just one long take of everything) -- a glidecam, while nice, would be a major pain to hold that long... 6lb camera, on a 4lb frame, with 2lbs of counterweights (est.) Try holding that out in front for more than a few minutes at a time <G>

Next step up would be something like an extended handle on the glidecam, and the equivalent of a deep-sea fishing belt -- with a socket on the front to hook the handle into... That lets the belt do most of the "holding up"... And if that's not enough, there is the harness with the articulated arm <G>