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Manfrotto 585 ModoSteady 3-in-1 Camera/Camcorder Stabilizer and Support System | 
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| Brand: Manfrotto
Category: Photography
List Price: $209.95
Buy New: $99.90
You Save: $110.05 (52%)
New (7) from $99.90
Avg. Customer Rating:  10 reviews
Color: Black
Media: Electronics
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.4
Dimensions (in): 8.3 x 5.4 x 4.2
MPN: 585
Model: 585
UPC: 719821282006
EAN: 0719821282006
ASIN: B00103BRMQ
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| • | Can be utilized three different ways | | • | Use as a shoulder support | | • | Unique stabilizing system | | • | Can be used as a table top tripod |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Unique innovative-designed, ergonomic, multifunction stabilization system for lightweight camcorders / 3 Products in 1 Session
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| Customer Reviews: Read 5 more reviews...
 Manfrotto Modosteady review November 27, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Manfrotto Modosteady Video Camera Stabilizer
The Modosteady is a video camera stabilizer similar to the Merlin Steadicam, but much cheaper and lighter. According to Manfrotto it is suitable for small camcorders up to 1.65 lbs. It is well designed and made and folds into a light compact package that easily fits into a medium size camera bag.
It is easy to set up, but like other steadicams requires practice for good results. Set up involves three basic adjustments, horizontal balance, vertical balance and dynamic balance. The following describes set up for a Canon DC40 DVD camcorder. Refer to the instructions included with the Modosteady for a detailed diagram.
Horizontal Balance
Remove the quick release plate and attach the camcorder using one of the three sets of 2 holes. This choice gives coarse horizontal adjustment. The left set is suitable for the Canon DC40. Replace the quick release plate. Open the camcorder monitor, loosen knob P and adjust horizontal balance using fine adjustment knob R.
Vertical Balance
Place the weight containing section of the counterweight arm in an intermediate position. Partially loosen knob P and adjust arm X for coarse vertical adjustment and tighten knob P. The scale on knob X helps here. Use the weight containing section for fine adjustment of the deviation of the camcorder from horizontal. Moving the weight forward makes the camcorder point more downward while moving it back makes the camcorder point more upward.
Dynamic Balance
Dynamic balance is achieved by changing the weight in the counterweight arm. The unit comes with five weight plates. I assume that five plates would balance a camcorder weighing the maximum, i.e. 1.65 lbs. The Canon DC40 with battery weighs 1.2 lbs. Assuming proportionality, gives a balance weight equivalent to about 3.6 plates. I use 3 plates plus 4 quarters as an approximation. These quarters fit nicely in the weight compartment.
Test dynamic balance by moving the Modosteady in a horizontal arc. The camcorder should maintain a constant vertical pointing direction and change horizontal pointing direction smoothly maintaining the same directional relationship with the radius of the arc as it moves through the arc without swaying side to side or up and down.
A camcorder with remote control, like the Canon DC40, lets one zoom while shooting.
In summary, I find that the Manfrotto Modosteady is a well made and designed product definitely worth the price.
 Nice accessory for small camcorders November 20, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I purchased the modosteady for use as a stabilizer arm for my Canon HV20. I think it works great! Being able to prop the small camcorder against my chest is a very convenient way to stabilize a shot and allow you to move freely about. This product serves me well!
Andy B.
 Waste of Money November 19, 2008
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
This device was a total disappointment and a complete waste money. I bought it used, so I was glad I didn't make the mistake of buying a new unit which is completely overpriced. To be honest it has cast a pall for me over all of these so-called stabilization devices. One of the biggest problems I had was that the unit was moved by the wind. There was no way to be sure it was level and any movement by the person holding the device would cause it to begin rotating horizontally which rendered it useless. I have read reviews that indicated this problem even occured with the $700+ Steadicam Merlin. To date, I have not been able to find anything in a modest price range that can do the job.
 So so August 9, 2008
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
I think this product has potential , maybe I haven't practiced enough or am doing something wrong but can't seem to keep it perfectly stable.
A great little stabalizer August 8, 2008
10 out of 10 found this review helpful
For the price it's well worth it, but not for every camera. I have quite a few cameras and I first tried setting it up for my EX-F1. The camera is right at the upper edge of it's capacity and found it hard to get the right setting. I was a bit tired and didn't work at it for too long and thought I just screw in this Aiptek 1080P I had sitting in the drawer and Wow! It took just a few tries at the settings and I was gliding around like a pro around the house. I downloaded the video and was amazed (I never thought I can shoot scenes like that). This may be my favorite setup for a while but of course I still love my EX-F1.
I have tried the Merlin Steadicam but returned it after a week of frustration using it for my Sony A1U. Too complicated for a hobbiest like me. It only balanced correctly once (hours of trying and watching the video) and never again, even after writing down all the settings.
Some here said the gimbal was too loose, the screw should be loosened not tightened when in use. I feel the gimbal was as good or better than the Merlin's. As for the price, have you ever purchased video camera accessories? Some look like they were made in the back of someone's garage and charge as they were made and developed in a ISO-9000 manufacturing plant. Not with the Modosteady, they really went all out to develop a great little stabilizer for the consumer venue. Yes, it's not a glidecam or a Merlin that will handle more weight capacity, it's just a great little stabilizer for a small modern camera. This is something you can take anywhere without lugging around an extra suitcase of equipment.
This is the first time reviewing something I purchased on Amazon, but had to on this one since I wasn't expecting this surprise.
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