Finding a motorized shoulder-mounting for a digital DVD camcorder.

These digital DVD camcorders are really 21st century gadgets.
Here is one sample, happens to be Hitachi, a DZMV730A:

http://www.hitachi.us/tv/browse/camcorders/dvd/DZMV730A.shtml

As small as these gizmos are you still need to hold it and point it.

Does anyone make a motorized, shoulder-mounted swivelling base,
something like the alien had on his shoulder in the Predator-1 movie?

I suppose an extended view-finder, or lack thereof, might be the
clincher, but it would be handy if one could keep *both* hands free. 
Does such a Mounting exist?

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Request for Question Clarification by denco-ga on 07 May 2005 15:35 PDT

Not quite the "predator" type, grthumongous-ga, but what about one
of the smaller Steadicams?

http://www.evsonline.com/steadicam.shtml

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Clarification of Question by grthumongous-ga on 10 May 2005 12:02 PDT

sorry to be tardy.
denco, your suggestion qualifies. Make it Official.
bobbie7, yours was good too.

I suppose I was unrealistic to hope for something less expensive
rather than "pro" type devices costing twice as much as the camera.

Much thanks for accepting my suggestions as an answer, grthumongous-ga.

Alas, the number of microgyroscopic shoulder mounted auto-aiming camera
(or laser) mounts are few and far between.  Barring alien intervention,
the following are probably your best bet.

The pioneers in the field of stabilized camera systems are Steadicam, a
division of the Tiffen Company.
http://www.steadicam.com/

"The original Steadicam made its debut in the feature film, ?Bound for
Glory? in 1975 ..."

There is competition these days, one of which is Glidecam Industries.
http://www.glidecam.com/

"Glidecam Industries, Inc. has billed itself as 'The Name and Future of
Camera Stabilization' ..."

VariZoom sells some interesting products, including the (on special!)
$599.00 DVRigPro.
http://www.varizoom.com/pages/dvrigpro.php

"The DVRigPro is a precision shock absorbing shoulder support for MiniDV
cameras. The DVRigPro provides the greatest versatility and comfort."

They also have the DV Sportster.
http://www.varizoom.com/flowcam/dvsportster.php

"The DV Sportster is the most versatile and affordable stabilization arm
available."

There are also various Flowcam products.
http://www.varizoom.com/flowcam.php

This includes the Flowcam GT.
http://www.varizoom.com/flowcam/gtseries1.php

"Varizoom is proud to announce the acquisition of the high quality Hollywood
Lite line of stabilization systems."

There are also interesting, and sometimes amusing, alternatives.

SteadyTracker.
http://www.steadytracker.com/

"SteadyTrackers have been designed for handheld use, body supported use,
and self supported use."

The $100 "Dually" dual gimbal handled stabilizer.
http://www.geocities.com/film_products/Dually.htm

Johnny Chung Lee's $14.00 "Do It Yourself" (DIY) camera stabilizer, with
"Fancy New Pictures!!"
http://www-2.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/steadycam/

More DIY links can be found here.
http://www.vfx.co.nz/build.html

If you need any clarification, please feel free to ask.


Search strategy:

Google search on: Steadicam (and other related terms)
://www.google.com/search?q=Steadicam

I also have a friend who went through Steadicam training, and he gave me
"blow-by-blow" reports while going through the process.

Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher

thanks.

Would this product help?

Anton Bauer STASIS Shoulder Mount w/ Power Supply
http://www.fullcompass.com/Products/pages/SKU--64654/

There is also the Glidecam: http://www.glidecam.com/

Flowcam makes a similar product: http://www.varizoom.com/flowcam.php

My pleasure, grthumongous-ga, and much thanks for the 5 star rating and
pleasant tip!

Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher