What is a Steadicam and why is it needed?
Steadicam is a three-axis stabilizer, mechanical or electronic. The most famous steadicam for smartphones is the DJI Osmo Mobile. Similar devices are also used to stabilize video shooting on quadcopters or other RC models.
The most affordable Steadicam for mobile devices is the Feiyu Tech SPG C for $119. It provides three-way axis stabilization and smooth image movement during video recording without jerking, even when recording on the go.
In addition, the Tech SPG Steadicam can be used as a short monopod due to its built-in Bluetooth. But first things first.
Features of Feiyu Tech SPG C
Externally, Feiyu Tech SPG C looks like a regular monopod, ending with a complex smartphone holder on which 3 small closed motors are mounted. The stabilizer body is made of aluminum. The handle and latch of the smartphone are additionally covered with rubber. At the bottom of the handle there is a 1/4″ thread, and on its surface there is a stick (4 positions), a function button, an indicator and a button to activate shooting via Bluetooth.
On the left side of the handle there is a micro-USB connector for charging and connecting to a computer. On the back of the handle there is a trigger button. And another 1/4″ thread. Everything is made with high quality, nothing is loose, the assembly is tight. The stabilizer with an inserted battery and counterweight is quite heavy, about 467 g.
Which smartphones work with Feiyu Tech SPG C
The maximum width of the smartphone is 83 mm. Thus, any smartphone with a screen diagonal of up to 6 inches can be used with Steadicam. If you have 5 or 5.5, there is nothing to worry about at all. Likewise, any iPhone or Samsung fits easily into the cart.
The kit includes two foam pads that allow you to attach GoPro action cameras or similar sized devices to the Steadicam.
Operating modes
There are three main modes: Pan following, Pan and Tilt following and Locking mode. There are also additional modes: vertical shooting/panoramic shooting, 180° rotation and “Upside down” shooting. The default Pan mode is as follows:
- 1 press of the function button - panning tracking / locking.
- 2 presses of the function button - tracking panning and tilting.
- 3 presses of the function button - rotate 180°.
- 4 presses of the function button - reset to the original position.
- Holding the trigger button - locks until the button is released.
- Holding the trigger button and up/down stick controls zoom in Feiyu ON.
- 2 clicks of the trigger button - initial panning position.
- Stick - manual position adjustment.
Mobile companion application
To operate, Tech SPG C connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth. Moreover, this is enough for the iPhone. But with Android you need to use the proprietary Feiyu On application.
Using the Feiyu On application, recording can be enabled using a button on the gadget's handle. The app will also provide many image quality settings and set the gimbal's panning speed, for example.
Unfortunately, the maximum recording resolution is Full HD, even if the smartphone can record in 4K.
Settings
Before you start using the gimbal, you will need to calibrate it. Compared to devices designed for special cameras, everything with a mobile stabilizer is much simpler overall. The smartphone is clamped into Feiyu Tech SPG brackets.
Next, you need to align the gimbal with your smartphone without tilting it to the side. To do this, loosen the handle, hold the stabilizer in your hand to find the center of gravity, and then tighten the handle. In practice, everything will take literally seconds.
There is only one handle, and not three, as in large Steadicam cameras. If the device does not work correctly vertically after this treatment, you should place it on a flat surface in standby mode, and then press the function button three times.
Autonomy
A 2650 battery is hidden in the handle of the device. Removable and large. The kit includes a 3000 mAh “bank”, which can be charged separately or directly in the Steadicam via the built-in microUSB port.
The manufacturer claims about 8 hours of operation on one charge, but in fact - no more than 6-7 hours. When continuously recording Full HD video, the smartphone discharges much faster.
Feiyu Tech SPG S in work
The SPG Steadicam stabilizes video very smoothly when shooting. Dynamic movements are perfectly stabilized on a smartphone, and while walking, the picture is smooth and looks great.
Tripod
A nice additional feature of the Feiyu Tech SPG C is its compatibility with tripods: instead of a weight at the bottom of the steadicam, you can screw in any standard mount. Fastening - standard 1/4″ thread.
So it can be mounted on top of any tripod or action camera monopod. Serious DSLR camera systems are also supported.
conclusions
With a good smartphone and Feiyu Tech SPG C you can get great photos and videos. Moreover, a smartphone does not necessarily have built-in stabilization. In practice, this opportunity allows you not only to shoot high-quality video on the go, but also to take excellent shots in the dark - where smartphones usually fail. In addition, the Steadicam creates additional opportunities for creating HDR images.
You can also use Feiyu Tech SPG C during active movement - for example, while running. With its long runtime, you can work all day long.
Analogs from other manufacturers cost significantly more: there is not a single steadicam on the market cheaper than the Feiyu Tech SPG C. Compared to its main competitor, the $600 DJI Osmo Mobile, $119 for Feiyu Tech SPG C they look simply funny. But if you can get a similar result, why pay more?
