DVC 18025 Flycam 5000 Professional Camera/Camcorder Action Stabilizer with Tripod Mount Plate (Black)

If you're like me and you've been shopping for a "Steadicam" type stabilizer at an affordable price, and you've watched plenty of Youtube demonstrations on the Flycam 5000, then you are reading this and maybe ready to make a purchase. The decision is up to you, of course, but when I was pondering the price against my perception of the appearance of this thing (looks cheap), I was dubious. Until I watched the many Youtube videos done by all leagues of amateurs and pros. I bit and I bought and I'm glad I did. You can read several Amazon reviews of the Flycam 5000 under the other version (DVC17929) which is the same, minus the quick release tripod mount plate. Yes, this comes with a very adequate quick release tripod plate which seems to be standardized because the sliding plate already on my camera (for my tripod) fits the Flycam shoe. This Flycam 5000 also comes with a tidy little bag to hold all the stuff (see photos). [6/5/14 NOTE -- I just added a Neewer DC-50 5" LCD portable monitor to the base of the Flycam. Nice!! See my review on Amazon for that product]So, here's my [currently] solo review. Also, see the photos I've uploaded. I can't really add many more superlatives than what you can read on the other Amazon version of this Flycam 5000, or view on Youtube. It gets my complete endorsement, because when I was looking for a stabilizer (Steadicam-type) I kept seeing them being used with a variety of small and medium handheld camcorders. I have a shoulder-mount Panasonic that weighs 8 lbs. and needed a stabilizer that would accommodate that weight while allowing me (or any shooter) a comfortable "fly."This Flycam was designed to handle the weight, but be forewarned. With a heavier camera (maybe 5+ lbs) you will not do any prolonged shooting with this Flycam 5000 all by itself. I figured that out and ordered the Flycam Nano Arm/Wrist Brace accessory. BZZZZZZZ! Nope, that wasn't a good idea, at least not for my 8 lb. camera. Remember, you are "flying" the weight of your camera plus the counter-weights on the sled (which are supposed to equal your camera weight) plus the weight of the Flycam unit. So for me, it was around 18 pounds balancing on the Flycam with my one hand on the handle and the other lightly gripping below the gimble. This, even with the arm/wrist brace was a killer on my arm and lower back after a few short minutes of shooting.So, after a bit of a mixup on brands (my bad) I ordered the Flycam DVC 17755 Comfort Arm and Vest. Not the lower priced body vest, but the full monty. Trust me, if you have a heavy camera and can afford it, you really need to get the entire Flycam package (the 5000 and the DVC 17755 Comfort Arm and Vest). Matter of fact, look around on Amazon and you'll find a package deal which combines both.That said and when you unbox everything, you'll find it's fairly easy to put together if you pay attention to the instructions. Many have complained about the difficulty in balancing the Flycam with a camera on it (which, duh, is mandatory). It is a horrendous, yes, if you try to do it just holding the Flycam in your hand. Solution is found in my photos, but in a nutshell, buy a cheapo light stand (Cowboy Studio sells one) and a pair of bubble levels (Amazon Camco 25523 Standard Levels). Again, see my photos. Also reference Youtube. There's a couple of excellent videos on assembling and balancing the Flycam 5000. After that you might want to visit Youtube again and watch demos and tutorials for shooting with this and other stabilizers. It will take a lot of effort and work to become skilled at "Flying." First time out of the box, the Flycam works great. It only gets better after that.

Let me start off by saying its a good and solidSteady cam but its impractical hard to set upAnd haevy its pretty much impossible to hold this with out a vest . even with a phone point and or dslr . the flycam weighs about twelve poundsSo holding out in front of you is not easy .But lets say you can do that . it takes 10 to 15 minutes just to set up and thats with tines of pratice . the time toom me three hours . and if you take the camera off just for a second you have to redo the hole thing .That said its a great and chaep steady cam if your buying the vest and yoyr pro