VARIZOOM FLOWCAM GT Instruction Manual - page 4
Page 10
Now you should be able to turn on the monitor and begin
practicing, assuming the battery is charged. You may need
to adjust the balance slightly after positioning the monitor.
OPERATION
For instructions on operation, watch the DVD. Generally
speaking, you have to keep in mind that the stabilizer will
not work like a magic wand and instantly transform your
shots into brilliant footage. Operator skill is critical, and it
takes many hours of practice to master this device, but the
reward for all the practice will be substantial. Here are a
few simple quick-start guidelines:
-Hold the system by the gimbal handle to control the
orientation and elevation of the sled.
-With the other hand, lightly grasp the center post of
the sled just below the gimbal, holding it close to the
gimbal for optimal control.
-Delicately grasp the center post with your fingertips,
like a flute – do not grab it like a handlebar.
-Practice good posture and hold the sled close to
your body.
-Fine-tuning of the balance adjustments may be
necessary a few times during operation.
-The way you walk will affect the quality of
stabilization, so you will need to develop a light-
footed rhythmic pattern.
-Practice for at least 20 hours before attempting to
acquire usable footage.
The DVD contains detailed, clear instructions and tips on
operation, and if you have any general questions, visit the
website –
www.varizoom.com
. If you’ve watched the video
and practiced and still have technical questions, call 310-
545-0466.
Page 3
The Sled
The Sled is the subsystem that holds the camera, viewing
monitor, and battery. The Sled mounts to the arm, and in
tandem they create a stabilizing effect.
The Sled can be adjusted at
various points to change its
weight distribution, which in turn
enables you to accommodate
cameras of different sizes,
shapes and weights. The basic
principles of sled adjustment
are that you want the section of
the sled below the pivot point to
be effectively heavier (slightly)
than the upper section, and you
want the camera’s mass to be
centered on the rotating axis.
The Sled consists of three main sections:
The Stage
enables you to adjust the
horizontal balance of the system and also
houses the video and power connectors.
The Post and Gimbal
provide smooth
pan and tilt action, a mounting socket for
the spring arm, and a grip handle. This
section also features one of several
vertical balance adjustment points.
The Lower Sled
holds the LCD monitor
and the battery power source. This
section provides a few vertical and
horizontal balance adjustment points.