Why did you invent Levelcam and LevelPod?
The short answer: My camera system is 12 lbs. lighter, $35,000 cheaper, and gets more dynamic shots.
Tim Nixon and Dave Shaaf on location at the top of Keystone, CO for USA Network.
My 24 pound built, shoulder mounted Betacam didn't have the problems that 1- 8 pound camcorders have with handheld shots. I would have loved to have given $400 to a company in exchange for that type of control for my palm camera, but that device didn't exist. So I made them, used them, modified them and discovered that I wasn't the only video professional that wanted the same thing: A versatile, affordable and simple system for palm held camcorders.
Now I use Levelcam with accessories , or connected to LevelPod. The quick release adapter allows Levelcam to go directly to my tripod. I set out to at least equal the Betacam shoulder mount form factor, and exceeded it.
Tim Nixon with "LevelPodQ Complete" on parade at Ullr Fest in Breckenridge, CO for a VNR.
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Where can I try before I buy?
LevelcamQ and LevelPod are only available on this site at a wholesale price. The solution is to try it for up to 30 days and return it in excellent condition if it does not work for you, and please, not because you already shot your friends wedding. To make sure that you're serious about buying one, you pay for the postage to return it. That's cheaper than a retailers markup.
This does solve the ethics problem of trying a product at a retailer and then buying it cheaper on-line.
Consider that you're buying directly from the manufacturer without markup. A retailer has to mark it up to pay for the salesman's time (does he know how to shoot handheld video?), plus a long list of expenses. One retailer told me that he needed to make at least a dollar for every minute a salesperson spends with a customer, and over that to make a profit.
This website has a short training/ demo video instead of a salesman. Watching the video shows you what can be done with Levelcam, Levelpod and includes a wide variety of sample shots.
All questions before and after the sale are directed to the owner, Tim Nixon.
E-mail: tim@levelcam.com
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How do most handheld stabilizers work?
All systems either add:
- Mass.
- Leverage.
- Balance.
- Shock absorption.
- Gyros: mechanical, optical or electronic.
- Any or all of the above.
Levelcam uses leverage, either handheld or mounted to a tripod. LevelPod uses mass, additional and adjustable leverage, and balance. LevelPod also moves into a different category as a mono pod. Most cameras include some internal stabilization.
Here's a breakdown of what's out there:
1) Stabilizers that add leverage and a little mass.
This includes Levelcam. These are simple handles that spread the weight of the camera out to achieve stabilization through leverage. Levelcam is unique because all controls are accessible while shooting and the handle is also a platform for mounting accessories.
2) The monopods or sticks that hook into a waist belt for stationary shoulder mounted shots.
Positive attributes include being low priced and having no learning curve. Negatives include shooting only stationary stabilized shots from chest or shoulder height.
3) Shoulder mount systems.
Tight zooms are steady and the few that strap to the chest are even steadier. A positive is that if all your shots are from the shoulder, it is more of a "set and forget" system. Negatives include the limited types of shots, set-up time and transportation for the more exotic ones.
4) Vertical counterweighted systems.
These put ALL of the weight in front of you. Great for a tiny camera, but not for the average 4-8 lb. video camera. LevelPod works like vertical counterweighted systems if its in monopod mode.
5) Horizontally counterweighted systems.
These are similar to LevelPod and work for shoulder mounted shots and more shots if it has an adjustable head and adjustable length (like LevelPod). Many use proprietary battery systems. Besides being pricey, achieving perfect balance means the battery has to weigh the same or less than the built video camera.
Levelpod allows you to use your stock batteries. It's unique and patent pending counterweight system also acts as a pendulum, like the vertical counterweighted systems, but with the weight perfectly distributed in a wide and adjustable arc.
Another concern is strength and flex. Some are flexy, which ruins the end of the shot. Others are overbuilt and are best for heavily accessorized systems. LevelPod is in the middle, supporting up to about 8 lbs. of a built camera.
Please compare Levelcam, LevelcamQ and LevelPod to our competition:
Anton Bauer EgripX, Stasis Flex, Steddiepod, Birns & Sawyer, Fig Rig, Modo Steady, Canon Brace, Chrosziel,
SteadyFreddy, Steady Stick, Easyrig, Frezzolini Stable-Grip, Frezzolini Stable-Cam, glidecam, Hoodman H-WS1 WristShot, Merlin, Bare Rover, Mighty-Wondercam, Videosmith Classic Shoulder Pod, Novoflex Chestpod Shoulder Pod,
Peter Lisand Adjust-A-Grip Pro-Camera Shoulder Bracket , Quad Pods, Stedi-Stock Shoulder Brace, Ugrip, VariZoom Shoulder Brace and Media Rig, Video Innovators. These are mostly registered trademarks.
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