GH2 Any reason I shouldn't get this steadicam?

That's a regular stabilizer and not a product of the Steadicam brand.
I hear the Glidecam products are fairly decent though, but recently there's come to be a "Cheap stabilizer look" and it's generally easy to spot when someone's using one because of the way the camera tends to sway (as perfect stabilization comes rarely with these products). Personally I'd rather put my camera on a shoulder mount than one of those, as the footage tends to scream "Cheap stabilizer" and it becomes quite a turn-off after a while.

 
Interesting. Which shoulder mount would you recommend?

And any other opinions on a good steadicam for the $500 price range for the gh2?
 
This stabilizer is designed to be handbombed, meaning it does not come with a Steadicam vest or isoelastic arm.

Steadicam operation is a hard learned craft. In my opinion, take a two day course from TIFFEN and then decide where to spend your money. If you are really serious about Steadicam, take the week long course before you buy anything. That would be my advice to others tripping on this thread.

If you are looking for something to experiment with then by all means get what you want to get.

EDIT:

The one HUGE problem with this Glidecam stabilizer is the lack of an arm. Without it you ARE going to see your footsteps in the shot which will eradicate any advantage of using this stabilizer. You can get away with it using a Merlin stabilizer as the weight will not be enough to tire out your arm within a few seconds. I cannot see this working well with a camera of any weight. You simply won't be able to eliminate your foot movement.
 
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I've been using the HD-2000 which is the bigger brother of HD-1000. you just have to balance it right (you can find tutorials on youtube), practice and practice and you get great resaults!
i love using this for short movment shots, it looks great! the hd-1000 is even better if you use only the gh2 without any extra weight.
i dont see any footsteps using this! it's a great tool for low budget productions that need that smooth movment shots, especialy filming walking people etc...
I think it's great value for money.
 
What would be my best bet for getting the smoothest shot? Hd 1000 or HD 2000? With the gh2 and slr magic 12mm, and I may use my monitor but if its smoother without it I don't have to. The other option is the CMR blackbird but I have heard the glidecam produces a smoother shot with a gh2.
 
Hi Craig,

If your price range is in the $500-600 realm, I'd suggest the unit that I use. I picked up a SteddiePod a few years back, and haven't looked back.
I borrowed a friends Glidecam 2000 and couldn't even get my 60D balanced.
Went to Createasphere here in Burbank, came across this unit and was duly impressed.
Take a look online, they have YouTube videos and such for it.

The major problem I've heard with the Glidecam is that the entire weight of the unit sits about 2-3 inches in front of your hand, which means your wrist is fighting against gravity the entire time; well, that, and the balancing issue.
Merlins tent to cant left or right, and go out of "tune" rather frequently.

Either way, take a look. Best of luck!
 
Hey thanks Pyland!

I found this video on youtube and have read that the glidecam works better than the steddiepod, especially when it comes to smooth shots and that is the main reason I am getting a steadicam... Have you ever used the blackbird CMR?

Im deciding between the CMR blackbird ($465) or the Glidecam HD 2000 ($465) .. anyone out there that used both of these steadicams? I need to find the best for the lightweight Gh2 but I will have a monitor too.
 
Hey Craig, I haven't had the chance to play with a Blackbird unit, but would not turn down the opportunity.
If you get the chance to forward me the links to the articles, I'd greatly appreciate it. I'd like to send it off to BarberTech. I'm friends with some of the employees, and would like them to continue to refine the product.
 
Hello Craig-
To your question and without opinions on equipment I have never owned (and therefor will not forward an opinion) . . .
1. I just sold my GlideCam HD1000 which is designed for cameras from 1.5 to 3 lbs (a perfect choice for your camera).
2. I have used the HD1000 with the GH2 and TM700.
3. Of course the handhelds (as pointed out by others) are not going to compete with vest/arm units . . . but neither is the price.
4. I took the week long (think it was around $2000) Steadicam course with Garrett and Jerry about 8 years ago.
5. The most important advice that anyone can give you (which would include Garrett Brown as I've listened to him say this) is two things:
Patience and Learning to balance the camera is an absolute necessity.
Any effort at operating the equipment without a lot of practice (and then A LOT MORE PRACTICE), would be a waste of time.
6. So all this "oh this is what I use" or "this is better than that" is utter malarkey, the result you're looking for does not come in a box (which is why you see so many of the devices available, used).

Two words my friend, "Balance" "Practice" . . .

Good Luck!

craigbuckley said:
I have been looking into getting a steadicam for my gh2. I know its lightweight so I know a lot of steadicams won't work, but I found this one and was recommended it and was wondering your opinion on it. Has anyone used a good steadicam with a gh2? What about this steadicam?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Glideca...357?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2565729e25
Click to expand...
 
Thank you Dgrenenthal!

Exactly what I was looking for... Thats why I just want to buy a steadicam so I can practice for days on end... But I do have an honest question, since I will have a monitor and an somewhat heavy lens on my camera, shouldn't I go for the HD 2000 with the gh2?

2nd question: As far as a smooth professional shot, which will get me there: The glidecam HD or blackbird CMR? Thanks!!!
 
Craig- as long as you don't bust clear through the 3lb suggested limit the 1000HD should be fine.
Sometimes people go with the 2000 (or 4000) but then end up having to add weight at the top because the camera is too light.
(Your arm will thank you if you don't do that).

I have no personal experience with the Blackbird but from what I hear, people who use them really love 'em.

Best.
 
I've used the Merlin, Glidecam & pilot over a number of years, there's absolutely nothing wrong with the glidecam in fact I prefer it to the Merlin and I use it regularly - it does take a fair bit of practice but you can get very steady moves once you're comfortable with it. flying a GH2 is no great strain.
 
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