How is the Glidecam? Anyone used?

MatthewC

MatthewC

Well-known member
I am very interested in using a Steadycam for some of my shorts, but it is way too expensive. How are the Glidecam 2000s? Do they handle relatively the same way and return smooth images? I see there is a bodypod that also helps out.
I'd love any feedback from anyone whos used these.

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
Which Glidecam? Glidecam makes all sorts of products from $300 entry-level to $20,000 Steadicam competitors.
 
I dunno about that one. I have used a Glidecam 4000 with the DVX, HVX, and XL1, and am overall pretty pleased with it for the price. I believe the 2000 is very similar, just supports less weight. If you're thinking about putting an HVX on there, definitely go with the 4000.

I guess the key thing with these devices is to understand your limitations. First, you're going to need at least a couple days' practice before you really get it to work right. Second, you're not going to get glorious running shots on these things... I'm sure Mikko or one of the other real Steadicam guys can step in here and tell you all about the virtues of a real articulated arm. But for basic walk-and-talk and tracking shots, it's way better than handheld.

You'll definitely want the bodypod if you're doing a shot lasting more than a minute or so, or a lot of shots. Even a fairly light camera will quickly wear out your arms, and the more fatigued your arm gets, the more likely you are to screw up your shots and need MORE takes.
 
dougspice said:
I dunno about that one. I have used a Glidecam 4000 with the DVX, HVX, and XL1, and am overall pretty pleased with it for the price. I believe the 2000 is very similar, just supports less weight. If you're thinking about putting an HVX on there, definitely go with the 4000.

I guess the key thing with these devices is to understand your limitations. First, you're going to need at least a couple days' practice before you really get it to work right. Second, you're not going to get glorious running shots on these things... I'm sure Mikko or one of the other real Steadicam guys can step in here and tell you all about the virtues of a real articulated arm. But for basic walk-and-talk and tracking shots, it's way better than handheld.

You'll definitely want the bodypod if you're doing a shot lasting more than a minute or so, or a lot of shots. Even a fairly light camera will quickly wear out your arms, and the more fatigued your arm gets, the more likely you are to screw up your shots and need MORE takes.
Click to expand...

The 2000 should be perfect for me and my DVX. I'll spend at least a few days getting it right, but it will definately help out with a lot of shots. I love it when they use it in movies and you could almost swear its a dolly on wheels moving around, getting close and backing away, etc. I'm looking forward to picking one of these up and learning how to use them properly. I'm sick of handheld bouncy shots.
 
I love it when they use it in movies and you could almost swear its a dolly on wheels moving around, getting close and backing away, etc.
Click to expand...

Again, don't get excited about results quite this good. You probably won't get those. But you will get fairly nice, fluid shots if you practice long enough.

One other caveat: the Glidecams are kind of a ***** to set up the first time. You may spend a frustrating hour or two just trying to get that first balance right. After that, you learn to do it much much faster.
 
Do a search, there has been a ton of conversation about these units.

As a former owner I am not a fan of the Glidecam system. Balancing is beyond being called a pain in the ass, use is exhausting, and the bodypod is for support, not shooting.

What this means is the bodypod is used to hold the unit when you're not shooting. You need the fore arm brace for when you're shooting, and then it just moves the weight off your wrist and onto your arm. They are very heavy (and I'm not a small guy) and the results are... well they are results.

If you practice shooting handheld you can get more creative, but I'm very anti Glidecam.

-Jeremy
 
Using the Glidecam4000 SmoothShooter.
Works fine, still need way more practise though.
Setting up really is APITA.
But easier than leveling dolly tracks on ruff terrain...
Love the motion of course, but the use of a wideangle lens yields big DoF which can scream video in some situations.
And if you want to use a mini35 adapter, you´ll have to use a remote FF, good planning and measurement and an AC...
Good luck!
 
I keep reading about the difficult set-up of "an hour or two"... I am finding the set-up is much more difficult than that if you want precise balance. Try a few days just to figure out the balance.
 
We´re getting a quickrelease now, changing from glidecam to tripot/handheld and back again is impossible otherwise...
initial setup: +3hours
 
Yeah, I've been reading about the long initial setup times. That's no problem. I like a good challenge and I have the patience for something like this.
The only thing that worries me is having to use a wide angle and getting a very very big DOF, as I dont have a 35mm adapter.
 
It would be almost impossible to use a 35mm on a glidecam because pulling focus would make the unit flop all over the place.

Check out the indicam as an alternative.

-Jeremy
 
the only way you're going to be able to pull focus on a stabiliser is with a remote unit... and if you can afford that, you can afford better than the glidecam 2000!
 
TheYankee said:
It would be almost impossible to use a 35mm on a glidecam because pulling focus would make the unit flop all over the place.

Check out the indicam as an alternative.

-Jeremy
Click to expand...
The Indicam is quite a bit more money. How does the Indicam allow you to pull focus compared to the Glidecam, because it has a sidearm?
 
If you haven't purchased yet, check the specs. The 200 may be maxing out the
2000's weight limit. I believe that the 4000 goes up to about (supporting) 10 lbs.
or so which should give you plenty of support and not cost that much more.
 
The first balance for me wasn't hard at all, I'd say less than 20 minutes before I was walking around and practicing with it. If you get it then definitaly check out the dvd that comes with it and watch how the operators walk with it for the most fluid motion. It does get heavy after a while but you get used to it after a while if you use it often.
 
Wow, old post. I never meant to say that the indiecam would let you pull focus, only that the indiecam might be a better alternative to the glidecam.

It has a dual articulated arm and from my conversations with the maker of the product, seems to be a very well built high performing unit.

I think Mikko was going to try one out at NAB, but haven't seen his opinion regarding it posted yet.

-Jeremy
 
Hey wathcha mean Jeremy?

glide cam ( a sled) is used with a smooth shooter vest ...

so glide cam + smoothshooter vest = vest with dual articulated arm ... that's why Mikko and Pookie are high on it.

I know norm has strapped a 35mm on one of these and pulled focus with an assistant ai think ... it should be prettty easy for an assistant to turn the focus on your lens except for running down stairs situations

we'll see how Norm pulled it off for his hero fest entry.
 
there all a rip off....judging the prices these companies are asking, they are making profit at least 10x the cost to produce such a device.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top