Cheap Steadicams: Our Top 5 Picks

Finding the best cheap steadicams has become surprisingly harder these days and this is  mostly due to the sheer product overload most customers face. Steadicam technology has made incredible leaps and bounds in the last decade. Steadicams have become smaller, lighter and more affordable which is great news for the up and coming indie filmmaker, youtuber or film hobbyist whose ideas are bigger their budget. You now no longer have to stretch your finances in order to achieve those perfectly smooth, professional looking shots.

A quick search on amazon would reveal that there is no shortage of affordable steadicams but how do you know which one to pick out of the many products that you’ve been bombarded with? Well here’s a suggestion, how about sticking around to the end of this article where we talk about  our editor’s top picks of steadicams and discover which steadicam receives the coveted Editor’s Choice Award.

First things first though, here are the features that you should look for in a good steadicam.

Stability and Durability

A good steadicam needs to be made out of strong sturdy material that will be able to comfortably hold the weight of your camera, it should also be able to withstand possibly harsh external conditions especially if you plan to shoot outdoors or on the move.

Functionality

Steadicams are meant to simplify the filming process so they should not be too difficult and complicated to set up and balance. They should also be lightweight because you will probably be shooting with them over long periods of time. Finally, the more compact the better, you do not want to be lugging around heavy bags of equipment.

Versatility and Compatibility

It is important to find out whether your steadicam is compatible with your DSLR camera(s). Most steadicams are compatible with a wide range of DSLR cameras but they might not be compatible with other cameras like camcorders and GoPros. A good steadicam should also allow for different modes and styles of shooting, this will help you have smoother and more diverse footage.

So now that you know the features to look for in a good Steadicam lets dive right into our editor’s top selections:

1. Beholder DS1 Handheld Stabilizer 3-Axis Brushless Gimbal for DSLR Camera

Now we have written quite bit about this incredible Steadicam. The Ikan team certainly outdid themselves when it came to designing and creating this amazing steadicam. The Beholder DS1 possess all the features you could possibly want from a steadicam but its most desirable feature has to be its motorized 3-axis stabilization system that makes shooting with it an absolute pleasure and its results are outstanding.

 

Why We love it

• It can hold up to 3.7 pounds allowing for a wide range of camera and lens combinations
• Its incredible motorized stabilizing system
• It allows for various modes of shooting and include a pan and tilt feature that make it easier to shoot from a number of angles
• Lightweight and long battery life.

This high performing tool truly deserves to be at the top of the list as one of our favorites, it can easily hold its own against more high-end products. If you aren’t impressed already then just click here to see the price tag on this thing. It will leave you teary eyed for all the right reasons.

2. The OFFICIAL ROXANT PRO video camera stabilizer for GoPro, Smartphone, Canon, Nikon

This Steadicam looks great and works even better. It is lightweight with a sleek simple design that makes easy to use and master. One unique feature is its compatibility with DSLR cameras. GoPros and smartphones. It is perfectly suitable for both professionals and amateurs who are looking to take their filming skills to the next level.

Why We Love It

• It is compact and lightweight, great for travel
• Compatible with DSLRs, GoPros and smartphones
• ‘No slip’ grip handle that eliminates arm swing allowing for smoother shots

The Official Roxant Pro has a lot going for it, its only downside being its low weight threshold; it can only carry a maximum of 2.11 pounds. Still, it is an incredible tool that does incredible work and comes at an incredibly affordable price. Click here to see just how budget friendly it is.

3. Neewer Carbon Fiber 24 inches/60 centimeters Handheld Stabilizer

This is a great low tech but high functioning handheld stabilizer. Where it lacks in tech it makes up for in sturdiness and functionality. The Neewer can hold an incredible maximum weight of 6.6 pounds. This allows its user an array of options when it comes camera and lens combinations. It also comes equipped with high precision bearings that increase accuracy and balance.

What We Love about it

• Lightweight carbon fiber body
• Quick release plate with 1/4” and 3/8” screws
• Simple design, easy to set up
• Extendable body that increase functionality and portability

This Steadicam likes to keep things simple and sweet. Once you get the hang of it you will be surprised at how smooth your footage looks compared to other steadicams. All this stable goodness at a fantastic price makes this a worthy investment. Click here to see the actual price.

4. FLYCAM HD-3000 24″/60cm Micro Balancing Handheld Steadycam Stabilizer

The FlyCam HD 3000 is an excellent Steadicam for both professionals and amateurs. This Steadicam also posses a very wide camera load range of about 8 pounds. This makes it compatible with some of your larger cameras. You can also enjoy a wider range of camera and lens combinations. Its innovative design makes it easy to set up and balance especially when it is compared to other stabilizers.

Why We Love It

• Lightweight Aluminum body with microbalancing feature
• Quick release plate for increased compatibility
• Foam cushioned handle grip for increased comfort
• 3 axis gimbals for increased range of movement

If you are just starting out then the FlyCam HD 3000 would be a great place to begin your steadicam journey. This affordable steadicam definitely lives up to its hype and is definitely worth every cent you spend. Take a look at its actual price here.

 

5. Ikan MS1 Beholder Gimbal for Mirrorless Cameras

The Beholder MS1 is another Ikan product that is sure to impress you. This incredible Steadicam was meticulously designed for on-the go shooting. Sporting incredible features such as the pan and tilt control stick that gives you wider filming breadth of 40 degrees roll and 90 degrees tilt. This simpler light weight stabilizer is sure to provide you with incredibly smooth footage without exhausting you or your finances.

Why we Love it

• Its compact and lightweight make it ideal for shooting on the go.
• Its simple design makes it easy to set up and use.
• Long battery life (Always a good thing)
• Brushless gimbals that allow for stable camera movement.

Admittedly the MS1 is not as incredible as the DS1 but it definitely holds it own as a functional and very capable handheld stabilizer. It is also more affordable and offers great value for money. Take minute to check the MS1’s price and customer reviews here.

Now that we have exhausted our list of the Editors top picks its time to reveal which Steadicam gets to boast the Editors Choice Award. “…And the award goes to…The Beholder Gimbal DS1!”

This is by far one of the best handheld stabilizers that we have ever come across. Its performance levels are incredible and that coupled with its very attractive price tag make it an amazing steadicam. We certainly hope that this article makes your steadicam selection process easier. Good luck!