Mark_Monciardini
Active member
I need a stablizer and I'm looking at the Glidcam 2000 or the Flowpod. Any recommendations? And do you think the DVX will balance right or do I need a bigger one.
DVX too big for Glidecam 2000??
- Thread starter Mark_Monciardini
- Start date
disjecta
Lucky Duck
Re: DVX too big for Glidecam 2000??
The Glidecam 2000 will work fine with the DVX but you will need to consider accesssories that you might accumulate in the future. For instance, if you add a matte box with rods, you are definitely getting into 4000 Pro territory.
I recently purchased the 4000 Pro with this in mind.
If you are seriously considering a Glidecam, I cannot recommend highly enough that you also get the arm brace. The Glidecam works beautifully but you will find that your arm will get fatigued in about 5 minutes because all the pressure is being channeled to your wrist. The arm brace evenly distributes the weight throughout your arm, making it more practical for multiple shots.
The Glidecam 2000 will work fine with the DVX but you will need to consider accesssories that you might accumulate in the future. For instance, if you add a matte box with rods, you are definitely getting into 4000 Pro territory.
I recently purchased the 4000 Pro with this in mind.
If you are seriously considering a Glidecam, I cannot recommend highly enough that you also get the arm brace. The Glidecam works beautifully but you will find that your arm will get fatigued in about 5 minutes because all the pressure is being channeled to your wrist. The arm brace evenly distributes the weight throughout your arm, making it more practical for multiple shots.
chi_red
Well-known member
Re: DVX too big for Glidecam 2000??
I went to B&H a couple of weeks ago and checked out Varizoom Flowpod. It is really great that it is very versatile(monopod+low mode kit), but it didn't look as sturdy or well made as Glidecam 4000(especially rotating pivot part). I am sure it works almost as good as Glidecam. I want to buy Flowpod too.
I went to B&H a couple of weeks ago and checked out Varizoom Flowpod. It is really great that it is very versatile(monopod+low mode kit), but it didn't look as sturdy or well made as Glidecam 4000(especially rotating pivot part). I am sure it works almost as good as Glidecam. I want to buy Flowpod too.
Mark_Monciardini
Active member
Re: DVX too big for Glidecam 2000??
thanks for the tips!
thanks for the tips!
Mark_Monciardini
Active member
Re: DVX too big for Glidecam 2000??
WOW $149 for that brace!! HUGE mark up!
This business is eating my wallet!!
WOW $149 for that brace!! HUGE mark up!
This business is eating my wallet!!
Barry_Green
Moderator
Re: DVX too big for Glidecam 2000??
Hey, just to say "ditto" to everything that disjecta said...
Hey, just to say "ditto" to everything that disjecta said...
pacificstreet
New member
Re: DVX too big for Glidecam 2000??
Guys,
Any chance of sharing your basic Glidecam 2000 settings (number of weights, plate position etc.) as I have one but have had mixed results trying to balance it.
I know that this will vary with accessories and lens attachments but any basic starting point for even just a naked DVX would be great and MUCH appreciated.
Thanks
Guys,
Any chance of sharing your basic Glidecam 2000 settings (number of weights, plate position etc.) as I have one but have had mixed results trying to balance it.
I know that this will vary with accessories and lens attachments but any basic starting point for even just a naked DVX would be great and MUCH appreciated.
Thanks
disjecta
Lucky Duck
Re: DVX too big for Glidecam 2000??
Well I can tell you this much, there are no basic settings that I can tell. You can certainly reduce the overall weight of the unit with camera by extending the center pole. This shifts the center axis and allows you to place fewer weights at the end. The disadvantage with this method is that the Glidecam itself becomes less and less effective for lower shots.
If you haven't purchased it already, get a quick release plate. Glidecam recommends the Bogen 3270 or 3273. This will allow you to set up the three plates at the top of the Glidecam to where you find a good balance for your camera then all you have to do is slide the cam off the quick release plate and everything on the Glidecam stays in place. It's so much easier to put the camera back on another time and have it balanced (aside from a couple of tweaks).
There is simply no easy way to balance the camera on a Glidecam, the balance is incredibly fine-tuned and sensitive, this is what makes the system so effective. You have to schedule time and have much paitence to do it but it's like anything in life, if you are willing to put the time into getting it right, you will get great results.
With the center pole extended to an adequate length, I have managed to balance my DVX using two weights on each side (with the washers on top).
Although my camera is fully loaded, for Glidecam shots I strip it down to its bare bones. That way, fatigue is at a minimum. I also use the arm brace and that, my friend, is a godsend to say the least.
I hope this helps.
Steven
Well I can tell you this much, there are no basic settings that I can tell. You can certainly reduce the overall weight of the unit with camera by extending the center pole. This shifts the center axis and allows you to place fewer weights at the end. The disadvantage with this method is that the Glidecam itself becomes less and less effective for lower shots.
If you haven't purchased it already, get a quick release plate. Glidecam recommends the Bogen 3270 or 3273. This will allow you to set up the three plates at the top of the Glidecam to where you find a good balance for your camera then all you have to do is slide the cam off the quick release plate and everything on the Glidecam stays in place. It's so much easier to put the camera back on another time and have it balanced (aside from a couple of tweaks).
There is simply no easy way to balance the camera on a Glidecam, the balance is incredibly fine-tuned and sensitive, this is what makes the system so effective. You have to schedule time and have much paitence to do it but it's like anything in life, if you are willing to put the time into getting it right, you will get great results.
With the center pole extended to an adequate length, I have managed to balance my DVX using two weights on each side (with the washers on top).
Although my camera is fully loaded, for Glidecam shots I strip it down to its bare bones. That way, fatigue is at a minimum. I also use the arm brace and that, my friend, is a godsend to say the least.
I hope this helps.
Steven