Manfrotto 585 Modosteady 3-in-1 Multifunction Camcorder Stabilizer

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Although it doesn't confuse the stabilizer, as sometimes happens when using a tripod with stabilization, it doesn't seem to provide any additional steadiness. Without the image stabilizer, there's still some jitter. If your camcorder lacks an optical stabilizer, the Modosteady might provide some support, but it's price is high relative to what's probably an old or inexpensive camcorder.

This notched indicator helps when you're setting the counterbalance, and it provides an easy way to remember your setting, but I wish it gave an angular reading instead.

The brace is an interesting idea, but since it works against gravity (as opposed to bracing below arm level against a leg or torso, like a steadicam does), it doesn't help lighten the load. So after holding the camcorder outstretched in your hand for a while, your arm begins to shake more than if you'd simply braced your arms against your body and used the eye-level viewfinder.

Four 1.2-ounce counterweights allow you to fine-tune the Modosteady's counterbalance. Manfrotto doesn't provide anything to hold the spares when they're not in use, though.

The counterbalance is a nice idea, though it's a little harder than it looks to determine the appropriate positioning and weighting. Also, most people's natural instinct when shooting via the LCD is to grip the LCD with one hand while holding the camcorder in the other--a position that's more comfortable than the single-handed outstretch required by the Modosteady.

If all you're going to use is the tripod, there are loads of smaller, cheaper options available. And if your camcorder lacks an optical image stabilizer, you may want to consider upgrading rather than shelling out for the Modosteady.

See more CNET content tagged:: counterbalance,; camcorder,; head,; LCD

User reviews

Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 4 reviews
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2.5 stars

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

"Not an actual alternative for Steadicam...."

by AgentSixSix on July 27, 2008

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5.0 stars

"Its great !! Worth every penny!"

by igerber on July 18, 2008

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2.0 stars

"modo-'shaky'"

by jmolesworth on January 16, 2008

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Manfrotto 585 Modosteady 3-in-1 Multifunction Camcorder Stabilizer

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