How is the Glidecam? Anyone used?
- Thread starter MatthewC
- Start date
yeah you can make a steady cam for lik $14! I've seen it on the internet and te quality and performance are just the same. It's not like these expensive ones require aircraft precision machined parts becasue the balance and ergonomics must be spot on, are made from lite weight alloys like racing bikes and tennis rackets etc., designed by "signature" engineers in a niche industry, or sold to a niche market where only so many units can be moved a year regardless of price ... yeah what a rip off :evil:
mikkowilson
Steadi-Guru
Well put there Jack. :grin:
An intersting thread to read. Not much for me to coment on.
However, Jack, the Smooth Shooter only has a 1 section (not dual) articulated arm. And I am definatly not 'high' on it. Can't really speak for Pookie's view on the SS; but he wasn't really a big fan of single section arms.
Ind!cam is ok. Well on par with the price. Nothing fantastic (not a Flyer killer), but it will do the job with the benefits of the features it has (doesn't suck).
- Mikko
An intersting thread to read. Not much for me to coment on.
However, Jack, the Smooth Shooter only has a 1 section (not dual) articulated arm. And I am definatly not 'high' on it. Can't really speak for Pookie's view on the SS; but he wasn't really a big fan of single section arms.
Ind!cam is ok. Well on par with the price. Nothing fantastic (not a Flyer killer), but it will do the job with the benefits of the features it has (doesn't suck).
- Mikko
You know ... I thought the Smooth Shooter was dual arm.
I didn't realize both parts of the arm have to have the spring support system (like teh muscles on the arm) Seemed dual arm to me because it has an elbow, but the upper part is just an arm.
I got my glidecam 4000 and smoothshooter for $1000 on eBay though.
I returned a flowpod and dv sportster that I got for $1000 new as part of my zombie fest swag when I saw the glidecam, thinking I was getting a two arm system.
What pookie said (having gone back and read the infamous DV sportster review) was that for a "basic" system the smooth shooter was much more solidly built -- but its also way harder to transport and much heavier ... oh well.
I've had it since november and have never had time to practice with it.
I've tried to balance my camera a few times but can never even get that right.
I know that's just me though and not the rig.
I didn't realize both parts of the arm have to have the spring support system (like teh muscles on the arm) Seemed dual arm to me because it has an elbow, but the upper part is just an arm.
I got my glidecam 4000 and smoothshooter for $1000 on eBay though.
I returned a flowpod and dv sportster that I got for $1000 new as part of my zombie fest swag when I saw the glidecam, thinking I was getting a two arm system.
What pookie said (having gone back and read the infamous DV sportster review) was that for a "basic" system the smooth shooter was much more solidly built -- but its also way harder to transport and much heavier ... oh well.
I've had it since november and have never had time to practice with it.
I've tried to balance my camera a few times but can never even get that right.
I know that's just me though and not the rig.
Last edited:
mikkowilson said:
Miko I can't find this Ind!cam online or Indicam or Indiecam ...
dougspice
Veteran
haha, I must have googled the other premutations first and never got back to that one.
of course you have to realize your dealing with a guy that's owned a smooth shooter for 6 months and didn't know it was single arm and has never been able to balance his glidecam
... not the sharpest knife in drawer
of course you have to realize your dealing with a guy that's owned a smooth shooter for 6 months and didn't know it was single arm and has never been able to balance his glidecam
... not the sharpest knife in drawer
mikkowilson
Steadi-Guru
Jack Daniel Stanley said:... not the sharpest knife in drawer
Oh?
...I guess that's an axe.
rogar-BigGrin(DBG) - Mikko
well that's actually an outtake ... Shelly Duval, whom I was trying to kill at the time, was actually behind door # 2. Stanley wen't over it about a million times with me but it just didn't sink in. You should have seen the look on the faces of the craft services people when I stuck my head in door #3 though 
mikkowilson
Steadi-Guru
HERE'S LUNCH! :evil:
Daniel Skubal
Veteran
I love the 4000. Here's what I've learned since owning it:
1. Use it as much as possible to build up lower back/forearm strength. After 3 consecutive days of using it, your arm will be a pro at holding it. It doesn't bother me anymore.
2. Balancing sucks, that's really about the only drawback to it. The first time you do it, it takes awhile. It took me about 6 hours of playing with it to get it semi-balanced. Afer you have the camera and base weights where you want them, lock down the base weights and mark where the sled goes on to the top of the GC. After 7 or 8 times of use, you'll become a pro at it and can have it balanced in a matter of minutes.
The footage produced from the glidecam is impressive, and although most clients don't realize what they're seeing is stablizied, subconsciously they realize that your running shot looks very cinematic and they just can't put their finger on why.
Aside from the arm getting tired thing and the balancing issue, I'd recommend going for it. I got a chance to use the vest the other day to go along with it, and it's MUCH nicer to maneuver but for now, it's just as good without it. You're just limited to the amount of shooting you can do in a certain period of time, but like I said, using it will build those muscles up and you'll be a pro.
Also, before I bought my GC, I read on here that just holding it for a few minutes withought actually moving will cause you to break out in sweat, and I didn't believe what I read until I received it. It's true. It's strange how holding that sucker for a few minutes will make you sweat like it's Mid-July in Haiti, but for me, it's worth it. Nice product, adds a good production value and I'd recommend it if you're willing to suffer a little pain for the first few days.
1. Use it as much as possible to build up lower back/forearm strength. After 3 consecutive days of using it, your arm will be a pro at holding it. It doesn't bother me anymore.
2. Balancing sucks, that's really about the only drawback to it. The first time you do it, it takes awhile. It took me about 6 hours of playing with it to get it semi-balanced. Afer you have the camera and base weights where you want them, lock down the base weights and mark where the sled goes on to the top of the GC. After 7 or 8 times of use, you'll become a pro at it and can have it balanced in a matter of minutes.
The footage produced from the glidecam is impressive, and although most clients don't realize what they're seeing is stablizied, subconsciously they realize that your running shot looks very cinematic and they just can't put their finger on why.
Aside from the arm getting tired thing and the balancing issue, I'd recommend going for it. I got a chance to use the vest the other day to go along with it, and it's MUCH nicer to maneuver but for now, it's just as good without it. You're just limited to the amount of shooting you can do in a certain period of time, but like I said, using it will build those muscles up and you'll be a pro.
Also, before I bought my GC, I read on here that just holding it for a few minutes withought actually moving will cause you to break out in sweat, and I didn't believe what I read until I received it. It's true. It's strange how holding that sucker for a few minutes will make you sweat like it's Mid-July in Haiti, but for me, it's worth it. Nice product, adds a good production value and I'd recommend it if you're willing to suffer a little pain for the first few days.