VariZoom VZDVSPORTSTER User Manual

DV Sportster shown with VariZoom FlowPod and UltraLite

The DV Sportster is covered by a 1 year parts and labor warranty.

Stabilizing Arm/Vest Manual

Thank you for purchasing the new DV Sportster. Please
read the instruction manual thoroughly before operating it
for the first time.

The DV Sportster was designed to transform your FlowPod,
UltraLite, or other handheld stabilizer into a fully supported
system. Included with the package are the vest (w/ arm
bridge), spring arm, spool adapter for the UltraLite handle,
adapter post for mounting either the Steadicam Jr. or
Glidecam handheld units, and the padded carrying case.

Although it is fairly easy to set up the DV Sportster, you

must know how to use the handheld stabilizer before
you get started, so read the instructions for the handheld

unit first, if necessary. Operating the full system smoothly
will require practice.

Page 2

The Vest

The purpose of the vest is to comfortably distribute the
weight of the camera and stabilizing system on your body.
To achieve optimal results, you should adjust the vest so
that it fits snugly. It’s probably best to start with the chest
plate extended upward at least
4-5 notches. To do this, pull the
stainless steel release pin and
slide the plate up until you find
the right notch, then let the pin
lock into place. Clip one of the
side straps to the side buckle on
the chest plate and one of the
shoulder straps to one of the top
buckles, then slide the vest onto
your body and snap in the other
buckles. See picture at right.

Adjust the top straps to
the proper length and slide
the chest plate up or down
until you find the right
position.

Adjust the tightness of the
vest around your waist
and hips using the Velcro
strap, drawing it around
evenly on both sides of the lower vest pad.

Adjust the tightness around your torso by reeling in the side
straps. Make the vest as tight as possible to maximize
operational quality and comfort. Once you’ve adjusted the
vest, remove it for easy re-suiting by unclipping the buckles
and strap on one side only.

Page 7

Operation Notes

Generally speaking, you have to keep in mind that the
stabilizer will not work like a magic wand and instantly
transform your shots into brilliant footage. Operator skill is
critical, and it takes many hours of practice to master this
device, but the reward for all the practice will be substantial.
Here are a few simple quick-start guidelines:

-Controlling the orientation of the sled is essential, so
find the best control point on the sled, in close
proximity to the gimbal.

-Grasp the control point lightly with only your thumb
and forefinger – do not grab it like a handlebar.

-Practice good posture and hold the sled fairly close
to your body.

-Your other hand may be put to use in controlling the
rounded base section of the arm where it mounts to
the bridge, but this is up to your discretion.

-Fine-tuning of the balance adjustments may be
necessary on occasion.

-The way you walk will affect the quality of
stabilization, so you will need to develop a light­footed rhythmic pattern, and you may find that a
sideways step works better.

-Practice for at least 20 hours before attempting to
acquire usable footage.

-Seriously - practice, practice, practice.

For more info, visit

http://www.varizoom.com/flowcam/dvsportster.php