I just saw your comment come up for my site and wanted to make sure to respond right away! In regards to the Atlas system, I definitely wasn’t paid or even solicited for my review. To be honest, I would have been incredibly excited if I had been! At this point I’m not sure my site is worth having someone pay for a review.

I actually really like the system when it comes to using heavy camera rigs handheld (like my XHA1, extended batter, wide angle lens, rails, mic, etc). With a bit of practice (and I’ve had a ton now, after shooting some local wrestling shows, a couple of concerts and a pair of short videos), you can get some pretty darn smooth handheld shots. With a lot of practice, shots are better than any handheld steadicam rig out there (and definitely better than the India faux-steadicam units).

The two issues I had with it are the fact that it’s a bit silly looking (which isn’t that bad) and that it doesn’t work as well with lighter cameras. When I tried it with my HV20, even with rails and a 35mm adapter, it was a bit bouncy for my taste. The heavier the camera set-up, the better the Atlas will work for you.

In regards to the Flowpod, that’s actually my favorite design for a handheld steadicam unit. For short shots it’s fantastic. For those quick shots (quick tracking where you aren’t hoisting the unit for more than a minute or two at a time), it exceeds the Atlas for sure. Where I think the Atlas wins out is for when you’re having to do handheld shots for longer periods of time or have a heavier camera. I also wish the Flowpod was a bit cheaper since it is targeting low budget filmmakers (like me) who tend to be hard up for cash!

Anyway, those are my own opinions on the matter and it’s always good to hear someone else’s, even if they don’t agree. If you’re in the LA area and want to try out the system, send me a note and you’re more than welcome to drop by and give it a run through.

Take care!

-Mat N.

Just for the record, after viewing the video, I wasn’t impressed with what I saw. The footage was still shakey. The unit itself looks no less clumsy than the “poor man’s steadicam” and from what I saw here doesn’t work any better either.

Oh yea, I know you’re not going to publish this, but just know that I frequent a lot of video related forums, so if the topic of Atlas camera stabilizers come up, I won’t hesitate to express my opinion. Not that it takes a brain surgeon to see for themselves anyway.

Have a nice day

For a hundred or 2 more dollars, you’re better off getting the Flopod from VariZoom, as this system uses a gimble (which is needed) to stabilize the camera.

I missed your comments! I’ve had good and bad experiences with the Indian Flycam units. The problem I’ve seen with them (in my limited experience of dealing with 3 different units) is their quality control process. Some of the units are great (although still at that $1000+ price point) and some come through with some horrible manufacturing defects. I haven’t had a chance to check out the Cinecity sub-$500 steadicam unit yet (the comfort arm? I forget the exact name), but I’ve heard similar things about manufacturing problems there as well.

For me, the Atlas is one of the best steadicam options for any indie/guerrilla filmmakers out there looking for something affordable and reliable. For the price you get some amazingly smooth handheld shots and, with a little bit of practice, you can even get some slick faux-steadicam shots too.

-M

Thanks for the comment. I’ve got one of the Atlas Camera Supports here in my studio and will be posting some test footage I shot with it, along with a video review of the unit. I’ve actually had the review done for quite some time, but my own schedule has kept me from posting it. I hope to finally have it up in the next week or two. Check back for it then and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the quality of shots you can get with the Atlas.

-Mat N.

Do you know any independent reviewers that have actually used this?

I have purc hesd a flycam 500 steadicam vest and arm which is t cinecities entry level system and think that it is ewell engineered and works great giving supersteday shots also at a good price i also have a steadicam pro system which I made myself which is an upmarket version of the poor mans sterdicam also no gimbal but a better system and a three way pan & tilt head cost me about $120. AU to make both give fantastic smooth footage which certainly no worse but most likely better than the stuff I have seen from the Atlas system at the very least it is on par. you gave such good reviews in the past about the cinecity gear that i’ am surprised to hear you say that. But the atlas system looks great as well and certainly will be easy on the back. Good value for the price feel free to give me some feedback Mate!