Glidecam HD-Pro vs DGS

[DDirector]

I've been thinking of getting a Glidecam in replacement of an electronic gimbal.
Not 100% sure yet if this is what I want, but considering it heavily.

The two im interested in seem very similar, but I just cannot figure out what the differences between the two are, and whether one is better than the other.
Glidecam HD-PRO vs Glidecam DGS

[El Director]

What kind of camera are you looking to fly? Add up the total weight because that plays a huge part. DGSS can hold a bit more weight. It also converts to an underslung mode

[El Director]

I should add that I have the DGSS and fly an URSA Mini on it. I haven't had any issues except that I needed a vest.

[Imamacuser]

Some budget stabilizers are well designed and positively reviewed. I have a Laing P-4S, but I haven't compared it to any Glidecam products. Many budget stabilizers use standard bearings packed with thick grease, so you really need to dissolve the grease and re-lubricate the bearing. Here's a tutorial I made on the process.

I think that the Glidecam DGS has a better design, as the gimbal is vertically adjustable, which makes a huge difference when it comes to balancing.

I'm really surprised that Glidecam isn't making these out of carbon-fiber.

You may also consider Steadicam products, Solo's and Pilot's are probably pretty cheap second hand.

[jwalk]

I ditched gimbals and went back to glidecam. Ive had the ronin, the tilta gx2 and another one I cant remember. Dont miss them at all. Its crazy how cheap 2nd hand models are on ebay.

[Run&Gun]

If you do get a Glidecam, put it through its paces immediately. These inexpensive, small stabilizers are notorious for un-centered/off-centered gimbals. I bought a Glidecam years ago to try after I bought my C300. It drove me crazy. I could static balance it in one position and then pan it and it was off everywhere else except the original position. Re-balance in another position and it was good. Until you panned it. After a day or two I called a friend that is a really good Steadicam op that teaches some of the workshops. He told me it was the cheap gimbals that these companies use. And there is no way to fix them/correct them like on big boy rigs. Not all of them are bad, obviously, but the chances of getting a bad one are very high, compared to something from Steadicam.

Luckily, I bought it from B&H and it only required fairly minimal effort to return it.

IMO, good "Steadicam" work still blows away the vast majority of electronic gimbal work.

[Imamacuser]

Some Glidecams gimbals can be calibrated, but it should arrive calibrated. Here's a video on the process.

[Imamacuser]

As someone who's never used a motorized gimbal, I'd be interested in hearing your reasons for switching back to old-school steadycams.

I went with a counter-weighted steadycam because they're inexpensive, don't suffer from vertical bobble, and don't take batteries. They certainly have their disadvantages though, like horizon sway (especially in wind) and a steep learning curve.

[DDirector]

I've been mainly thinking about the glidecam because Ive been wanting to get more moving shots when shooting festivals.
I have a decently heavy camera setup and my gimbal is not good for it. Would need a larger gimbal for it.

But still not sure if I would want the glidecam if I have to hold it one handed all day without a vest. Would get the arm brace, but still.

[James0b57]

I've been mainly thinking about the glidecam because Ive been wanting to get more moving shots when shooting festivals.
I have a decently heavy camera setup and my gimbal is not good for it. Would need a larger gimbal for it.

But still not sure if I would want the glidecam if I have to hold it one handed all day without a vest. Would get the arm brace, but still.

I have a glidecam v16 with a vest and arm if you are interested in testing out the “steadicam” setup. Although, shipping costs can be something to consider.