Steadicam AERO 30 Stabilizer System

I have had this system (AERO 30) for about 3 months now and have had over two years of experience with Glidecam/ Steadicam vest hybrid systems but I started getting into broadcast work and needed a big rig that could handle the weight. OVERVIEW The first thing I noticed when I got the rig is that it has a lot more movement than the other Chinese and off-brand rigs. The rig can actually "float" if done right which is something that doesn't really happen with the off-brand rigs. The quality of the springs and bearings is unlike anything I have ever used before and it actually took some getting used to. They give you a flash drive with the owners manual and a short ~3 minute instructional video. There are several training videos on youtube but that short video will get you headed in the right direction. The monitor in the pictures is not the same monitor they give you, it is a Feelworld 7in 2200nit SDI monitor that will run you about $340 on Amazon. I have no real complaints from the monitor because it is super bright and has accurate colors. I actually use this monitor now when I'm not doing Steadicam work because it is so useful. So far I have flown everything from a DSLR with a bunch of accessories added for weight, to a JVC HM 850 with a wireless transmitter and I am only at half of the arm's capacity. I have noticed that the arm and vest can make creaking noises from time to time but I think those will go away after more use. One of the things you are going to have to buy is a case, I have the Pelican 1650 for mine and it holds all my gear, cables, etc. then I have a duffel bag for my vest. I have also seen Steadicam soft cases made for the Aero as well. You will also obviously need a C-stand or any sturdy stand with a 5/8 baby pin on it. If you plan on doing any broadcast work you need to have some type of zoom controller. It is nice that the rig can break apart to be able to fit into a small case which can come in useful if you need room for extra gear in your case. The Zephyr vest is comfortable to wear, I am fairly skinny and it will still fit on me. This system is just like any other Steadicam system just with new upgraded features. All in all the Aero 15 is basically the upgraded Pilot and the Aero 30 is the upgraded Scout. PROS Smooth looking footage (if done right) Can break apart to fit into a small case. Can carry light loads and heavy loads with ease. CONS The most annoying thing about this system is the gimbal height adjustment. On the Aero, you control it by a thumbscrew at the bottom of the handle, but on other rigs like the Zephyr, you change the height by opening and closing a latch. This system is quicker and easier because I can not tell you how many times I have scraped my finger on the rough surface of the gimbal handle while changing the height on the Aero. I also wish it came with the low mode bracket. Conclusion If you are wanting a rig to give you organic professional results this is an amazing rig to buy. There is no up and down bob like in 3 axis gimbal footage, it just flys around perfectly steady. There is a learning curve to this system but the results speak for themselves. You're probably going to end up spending another $1000 in accessories like cases, cables, batteries, converters, etc. to get up and running. I would recommend this product to anyone who is looking to set themselves apart from anyone else.

I have had this system (AERO 30) for about 3 months now and have had over two years of experience with Glidecam/ Steadicam vest hybrid systems but I started getting into broadcast work and needed a big rig that could handle the weight. OVERVIEW The first thing I noticed when I got the rig is that it has a lot more movement than the other Chinese and off-brand rigs. The rig can actually "float" if done right which is something that doesn't really happen with the off-brand rigs. The quality of the springs and bearings is unlike anything I have ever used before and it actually took some getting used to. They give you a flash drive with the owners manual and a short ~3 minute instructional video. There are several training videos on youtube but that short video will get you headed in the right direction. The monitor in the pictures is not the same monitor they give you, it is a Feelworld 7in 2200nit SDI monitor that will run you about $340 on Amazon. I have no real complaints from the monitor because it is super bright and has accurate colors. I actually use this monitor now when I'm not doing Steadicam work because it is so useful. So far I have flown everything from a DSLR with a bunch of accessories added for weight, to a JVC HM 850 with a wireless transmitter and I am only at half of the arm's capacity. I have noticed that the arm and vest can make creaking noises from time to time but I think those will go away after more use. One of the things you are going to have to buy is a case, I have the Pelican 1650 for mine and it holds all my gear, cables, etc. then I have a duffel bag for my vest. I have also seen Steadicam soft cases made for the Aero as well. You will also obviously need a C-stand or any sturdy stand with a 5/8 baby pin on it. If you plan on doing any broadcast work you need to have some type of zoom controller. It is nice that the rig can break apart to be able to fit into a small case which can come in useful if you need room for extra gear in your case. The Zephyr vest is comfortable to wear, I am fairly skinny and it will still fit on me. This system is just like any other Steadicam system just with new upgraded features. All in all the Aero 15 is basically the upgraded Pilot and the Aero 30 is the upgraded Scout. PROS Smooth looking footage (if done right) Can break apart to fit into a small case. Can carry light loads and heavy loads with ease. CONS The most annoying thing about this system is the gimbal height adjustment. On the Aero, you control it by a thumbscrew at the bottom of the handle, but on other rigs like the Zephyr, you change the height by opening and closing a latch. This system is quicker and easier because I can not tell you how many times I have scraped my finger on the rough surface of the gimbal handle while changing the height on the Aero. I also wish it came with the low mode bracket. Conclusion If you are wanting a rig to give you organic professional results this is an amazing rig to buy. There is no up and down bob like in 3 axis gimbal footage, it just flys around perfectly steady. There is a learning curve to this system but the results speak for themselves. You're probably going to end up spending another $1000 in accessories like cases, cables, batteries, converters, etc. to get up and running. I would recommend this product to anyone who is looking to set themselves apart from anyone else.