Those of you who claim that the dv steadicam doesn't work with the XL- 1 have not really taken the time to learn how to use it. It takes time to learn to use this kind of equipment, whether it's a Steadicam, Glidecam, or a homemade device. There is not a big feature film being made anywhere nowadays that doesn't employ at least 3 Steadicam operators. These guys and gals practice and practice with these things and even take classes specifically designed to teach them how to use them. Not to mention the fact that a Panavision motion picture camera weighs a heck of a lot more than the little XL- 1, and these camera people have no problem filming a movie with their Steadicams because of patience and practice.(posted 7800 days ago)One thing I have learned by working with beginning film makers is that they are in such a hurry to get their movie filmed they don't take the time to learn how to use the Steadicam, even after spending all the $ on such a professional piece of equipment. As if owning it will make them a better film maker. To this I say: you didn't learn to break down a script, formulate a shooting schedule and budget, light a scene, film a movie and edit it in the span of 2 days. It took time to learn all this. So, try to give yourself a little more time to learn to use a Steadicam (did you jump on a bicycle for the first time and ride off into the sunset?).
For those of you who may not be able to afford a Steadicam, go to Hocast.com and you can buy instructions on how to make your own Steadicam-like device for a lot less. They work, I know because I have built and used 3 of them.