Top 3 things to do to improve your steady bag game.
Hi, Focus Rat 🐀 here, and today I am going to share with you my top 3 secrets to improve your steady bag game, a must-have for Cinematographers, Videographers, and Camera Operators 🎥.
I am going to teach you how to use the bag efficiently on set, how to select and choose the appropriate steady bag for your camera setup, and how to use its storage capabilities to always have a cheesy snack 🧀 with you.
But first, what exactly is a steady bag 🤔?
Steady bags, or sometimes called steady saddles, it's a must-have in any cameraman’s arsenal. It’s lightweight, comfortable, easy to stabilize shots, provides excellent handheld flexibility, and most importantly, you can change angles and movements on the fly, much, much easier to maneuver than a tripod or a steady cam.
Tip1: The infinite uses of a steady bag.
Ground placement - you place the bag on the floor and the camera on it. It's excellent for low-angle shots as well as dutch angles, and if you place it on a sturdy object, it can replace a tripod as well.
Under the shoulder - You put one of your elbows on the bag and hold the camera with two hands. This way, not only your arms, but your whole body helps you stabilize the camera, giving you greater mobility and the ability to quickly change angles.
Hip placement - You put the strap over your neck, and loosen the strap till the bag sits comfortably on your belly. The camera comes on it next, and then you can take excellent low shots, and it can even replace steadicams in some places.
Neck position - You put the bag around your neck, and pull the straps a bit so it sits comfortably on your chest. You put your elbows/arms on the bag, and hold the camera in your hands, the bag giving you a stable point of contact, thus you can take very stable shots.
Tip2: The right steady bags for you.
Steady bags come in a variety of sizes, materials, bulkiness, and coolness by customizing them with your name and position.
Light weight - for small setups, like DSLR and mirrorless cameras, for example: Panasonic GH series and Sony A series.
Professional grade - massive bags made out of water resistant polyester, excellent for big cameras with intricate optics and lens control systems like the Arri Alexa, Red Dragon or the Sony Venice.
Our professional grade bags come with a Quick release system as well, that lets you discreetly pack the straps into its pocket.
Tip3: Pockets, pockets, pockets.
Thankfully, steady bags are not made like traditional women's pants, they have pockets.
You can and should store essential items in the bag for quick access. Batteries, chargers, and most importantly, a snack made out of cheese.
The bags are easy to clean with a damp towel. Don't put them into the washing machine!
Conclusions:
Be it a “Run & Gun” setup or a big budget Netflix production, a quality steady bag can save you a tremendous amount of time/money while also offering incredible freedom when it comes to stable camera movements, versatility of use, and stylistic choices.
What other tips and tricks do you know to improve your steady bag game? Share it with us over at our Instagram page by clicking here: Instagram.
Want to see more? Click here to check out our selection of lightweight and professional grade steady bags/saddle.
Check these out!
Customizable Rat Bag - Professional Steady bag (Steady Saddle)Customizable Rat Bag - Professional Steady bag (Steady Saddle)
€299,90
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