I used to do some Hi8 video and found that a cheap way to keep the camera steady was to attach a monopod to it, but keeping it loose and off the ground. Adjusting the length of the leg, and/or adding some weight at the bottom gave me a near perfectly steady camera, but you'll need to test various lengths and weight.
I finally gave up video when I discovered how much work it involves in post processing to get a reasonable result… Not forgetting the cost of course !… :)

Hi 7Crossing,

I'd probably stick to a head that is compatible with your current tripod so your plates would also be compatible, unless your heads are too big to work - something that is unlikely (I have some tripods from video days...).

You might find some grave disappointment with fancy steadicam tools. Unless you're willing to commit to top-dollar, er, pound, quid, whatever the jargon, most of it is just weight at the bottom of the stick. Getting a real gimbal device will be very, very dear, far more than the D800.

My best,

Mike

Mike Gunter said:
. Without getting your feet too wet, I'd recommend a nice monopod.

......My best, and if you want to pass the D800 around...

Mike

thanks I will give that a try , what head do recommend

if you are ever in Brizzle do drop in a have a play with the 800

Has anyone used the WONDLAN ARES 'steadi camera device'

A simple bean-bag might be a good solution, if you can perch your camera on the rim of the balloon's basket. Don't forget to have the D800's strap wrapped round something for when (not if) you drop the camera.

sevencrossing said:
My D800 has VIDIO

I bought it for stills but cant resist the temptation to do a bit of video

So what do you guys use when a tripod is not possible
my next job will be air to air from a Hot air balloon, it would be nice to have a few seconds of library footage of the new balloon from the air

Hi 7C,

I do quite a bit of video, and unless you are a very, very steady fellow, the video will be choppy hand-held.

Shooting 'wide' helps, and any steady is better than none.

After that, it sort of depends of the situation, budget, and a cornucopia of things, too include what how much you want to get involved. Without getting your feet too wet, I'd recommend a nice monopod.

Steddipods had the best concept, a three prong foot at the bottom, single, telescoping pole.

I really wouldn't invest in to a 'steadi camera device' just yet. You'll want to look at microphones and shock mounts and such first.

Good luck!

My best, and if you want to pass the D800 around...

Mike

My D800 has VIDIO

I bought it for stills but cant resist the temptation to do a bit of video

So what do you guys use when a tripod is not possible
my next job will be air to air from a Hot air balloon, it would be nice to have a few seconds of library footage of the new balloon from the air