One of the most popular accessories among image and video professionals and amateurs are the Steadycams, stabilizers for cameras formed by a suspension system and a straight post with counterweights at the bottom that allow you to carry you film or tv camera, GoPro or even iPhone attached to your body using a harness that compensates movement, to achieve a better frame or picture.
You can find plenty of Steadycams in AliExpress. So, in today’s article we are going to show you how these stabilizers work, what kinds there is and what price range to expect. We will also be talking about why you should buy one on the Chinese platform, well known for the quality of its technology products and accessories.
What is a Steadycam and what is it used for?
In the world of films and pictures, if you want to get a realistic picture or harder frames, you have to use a Steadycam: a camera stabilizer, made out of a vertical arm on which you can connect and support you camera. The body of the camera’s operator is attached to the Steadycam structure through a harness, meaning you can film from a character’s point of view.
Mostly Stedycams are used because you can take much better pictures with a lot less movement, making whatever is being filmed a lot more realistic. But aren’t these devices only for tv and cinema? Not at all! There are plenty of models made specifically to be used a GoPro or a DSLT (reflex cameras), which are used by tons of people with all kinds of experience. In fact, it’s a standardized system that’s quickly becoming as popular in the amateur world as it is in the professional one.
Why should I buy a Steadycam on AliExpress?
The fist thing you need to know about finding a Steadycams in AliExpress is that, no matter if you use an i or y in the spelling when typing the name on the search tab, you are going to get results. We mention this, because by using both, you will be able to find even more models.
The second thing you should know about finding a Steadycam on the platform is the price. Is there a difference with other shops? Go and take a look, but the chances of you finding a GoPro stabilizer or a reflex camera stabilizer outside AliExpress for 30 euros is very slim… This being said, depending on the features it has, it can be quite pricy, but never as much as other places.
IMPORTANT: different models will have a different number of shafts (2 shafts, 3 shafts and even 4 or 5) and the price tends to be proportional. The more shafts the Seadycam has, the more expensive it is going to be, but it will be more stable. Make sure you check the technical specifications of every product, it will help you answer a lot of questions you might have. 😉
Steadycams for GoPro
This is one of the most used accessories for GoPro. There are endless Steadycam models for GoPro, with a price range from 30 to 200, the standard price being something around 50-60 euros. Whether you are an amateur looking for a cheap device or a professional, you are going to find exactly what you are looking for here.
Here are three models that might work for you:
DSLR (reflex digital camera) Steadycams
If you’re a photography lover with reflex digital camera in need of a stabilizer, don’t worry, there is plenty of models for your DSLR. You can find them for 60 euros (depending on the model), but there are cheaper and more expensive ones. Our advice take into account the use it’s going to have, and then decide if you want to spend more or less money.
Here are three with different price ranges (high, medium and low)
Don’t forget about Gimbal, one of the first brands to produce stabilizers for drones ,which also has a catalogue of steady cams with different shafts. If you decide to get one of these, remember to find a trustworthy seller by checking previous customer ratings, number or sales and seller’s reputation.
This is the safest way to make sure you don’t run into any trouble with the authenticity or shipping of the product. Also, if you are having any doubts, contact the seller directly. They usually answer very fast and will be able to help you with most queries. Here at AlixBlog, we are also happy to help, so do leave us a comment with any question or comment you want to share :).
One last thing ;). If you are looking for a cheap steadycam for a specific camera brand (Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Sony, Olympus, Panasonic…) all you have to do is type in the model of the camera followed by the key word steadycam on the search tab. This will limit results to the model you have.
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