FresHDV Test Bench Review
Visual Departures Steadybag
By Matthew Jeppsen
February 1, 2007

$42 - $70
Visual Departures, Ltd.
www.visualdepartures.com

The Steadybag is a simple camera support system for film or video cameras, similar in concept to a bean bag and available in several sizes. I have been using both the 3lb and 7lb models for a few months now. Originally I was only going to review the smaller model, but after they kindly overnighted the 3lb review unit to me and I had a chance to use it, I was impressed enough to immediately purchase the larger 7lb model at B&H.

Don’t let the simplicity of the Steadybag fool you, this is no ordinary bean bag. It has a tough black nylon exterior that is textured enough not to be slippery, but also brushes off and cleans up easily. The filling is composed of custom-milled polypropylene beads that tend to provide a certain “stiction” and hold the shape of the bag. Once you solidly set the bag down, the contents won’t shift or settle like cheap beanbags do. This seems to be a property of the filling material used. The casing shape and dimensions form a rectangular “flattish” sort of bag. There is a nice balance of filling vs. airspace, the bags have enough unfilled space to actually cradle your equipment without coming in contact with the surface the bag is sitting on. Everything is constructed very durably, and has a quality fit and finish.

There is a wide adjustable black nylon strap for carrying or securing the Steadybag. On the underside of the bag you’ll find another carrying strap sewn directly to the casing. The hardware securing the adjustable strap are actually constructed of a hard nylon material with quick release snaps on each end. A convenient laminated tag attached to one of the straps can be used to stake your ownership of the equipment. At first, nylon components seem like an odd choice…until you consider that they won’t scratch or mar your expensive equipment like metal hardware could. I’ve used the bags over the course of several months and haven’t had any issues with the strength of the nylon connections. They seem to be sufficiently solid and built to last, and I appreciate that they don’t damage my other equipment.

The 3lb Steadybag is well-suited to all sizes of consumer camcorders, as well as typical prosumer video cameras. Sony VX-2100/PD-170 and the new V1U or Canon A1 cameras are a good fit for this size. Small HC1/HC3/A1 camcorders would also fit well. Slightly larger cameras like the Sony Z1/FX1 or Panasonic HVX-200 will work perfectly acceptably with this smaller model, but they aren’t cradled quite as much by the bag due to their size.
The 3lb bag is extremely easy to tote when shooting handheld…just sling it over your shoulder and go. Throw it down when you need to grab a steady shot or want to protect your camera, or even kneel directly on it and save your knees. It is just light and small enough that you won’t mind bringing it with you. In my opinion it is the most versatile of the two models for run-and-gun situations.

The 7lb Steadybag seems better suited to studio or traditional production use. You can still sling it over your shoulder and jet, but the weight and size will begin to limit your movement somewhat. I’d recommend the 3lb instead for shooting on the run if that’s your thing. However, the 7lb Steadybag nicely cradles FX1 and Z1U-sized (and larger) cameras, and is a little thicker.

You can use it as a makeshift weight bag to hold down a c-stand. You can kneel or sit on the bag (it’s actually quite comfortable). You can throw it at grips that aren’t quiet on set. Overall, the 7lb model is a better choice for use on a set or in a traditional production environment.

The exterior dimensions of the 3lb model are roughly 12.5 x 8 x 2 inches, with a 1 inch wide strap that adjusts between 23 and 39 inches in length. The 7lb Steadybag is roughly 16.5 x 11.5 x 2.25 inches, with a 1.5 inch wide strap that adjusts between 25.5 and 42 inches in length. Both models were weighed, and yes they are exactly 3 and 7 pounds, respectively.

I brought the 3lb Steadybag along with me to a remote shoot, and was a little concerned that it would be examined by security at the airport. Turns out that TSA didn’t flag it for hand inspection, so it seems that the bag doesn’t look suspicious under X-ray. It was in carry-on luggage along with some other equipment (works very well as padding). As a side note, either bag would also be handy for use by a still photographer to support long telephoto lenses.

I haven’t had any issues using the Steadybag, it does it’s job very well. However, in a perfect world I would prefer a few improvements to the design. For starters, I’d be interested in the option of a somewhat larger Steadybag with a deeper, more rounded shape similar to the prohibitively expensive Cinesaddle by Cinekinetic. Regarding the use of hard nylon components, that is actually a feature very much appreciated. I can toss the Steadybag in my camera kit without fear of the hardware breaking or scratching something, and the nylon is holding up just fine. But I can imagine that some people might prefer metal hardware instead. It would be nice to have the option. Another thing I would love to see added is a pocket sewn to one side of the bag, something large enough to hold small items like lens cloths or maybe a shot list. And strengthened rings or tie points at all four corners would be a welcome feature addition that would greatly increase the usefulness of the design.

Here at FresHDV, we love reviewing products that are enjoyable to use and assist the production process. The Steadybag is no exception, and a welcome addition to my kit. Both sizes are priced very reasonably and built to last. I think you’ll find that they are a very simple, yet very effective tool. You can get your own Steadybag directly from Visual Departures, or from a trusted source like B&H Photo and Video.