Flycam Stabalizers with DSLRs

NextWaveG

NextWaveG

Well-known member
I've heard mixed reviews of the Flycam series. Some build quality issues, but most that can be resolved by replacing a few nuts, bolts, & screws.

I'm considering getting the Flycam 5000 with comfort arm and vest for my 5D MkII. Does anyone have any experience with this?
 
dunno, but report back.

I desperately want a steadycam of some sort, but my budget wont allow for much more than $100 for one
 
The Flycam is a Glidecam knockoff, and as such does have "issues".
Obviously a genuine Steadicam or Glidecam are preferred, but the cost difference is noticeable.
If you go for the Flycam 5000 with the comfort arm etc, you will get (with serious practice) smooth[er] shots, but being a single arm you have to work harder to get smooth shots, no running etc.

They are a good way to get your toes wet in the Steadicam world for less, but always remember, you get what you pay for, but it will definitely smooth out your shots.

I hear their quality issues are improving lately.
 
ydgmdlu said:
I had a Flycam and it sucked (quality- and performance-wise). Do not recommend.
Click to expand...

Hey what were the problems you experienced with it? I've been looking into one but figured good feedback would be best first. So what specifically "sucked" about the Flycam- I'm looking at the Flycam 5000 plus arm/vest as well. Thanks!
 
It was hard to balance, hard to keep balanced and thus hard to shoot smoothly. It also suffered cosmetic damage (e.g. scratches, dents) far too easily, and some joints became noticeably loosened after little use. Perhaps they improved the quality control in the last year or so, but my experience makes me reluctant to buy another product from them.

I also have a blimp from them for my shotgun microphone, which I bought way before the Flycam, and it's tolerable but still has terrible build quality.
 
I ordered the Flycam 3000 to give it a try. I figured I could afford $250 to test it out. I heard too many people say the single arm vest is useless and they usually go handheld with it anyways, so I got the Flycam 3000 and body pod for between shots.
 
I have also heard (and read) that the single-arm does not enhance anything and they usually go hand-held with the flycam anyways, so, good call.
 
Okay, so I got my Flycam 3000 a week ago and have been trying it out a little bit. Still got a lot of practicing to do, but I can say that for $250, it's a very useful tool. I wouldn't use it for long shots or all the time, but it's a great tool to get steadier shots and specialty shots that would be almsot impossible handheld. Example: I set my 5D to 105mm and do a fly around a person. Handheld it would look like crap, with the Flycam it's not perfect, but way better.
 
NextWaveG said:
Okay, so I got my Flycam 3000 a week ago and have been trying it out a little bit. Still got a lot of practicing to do, but I can say that for $250, it's a very useful tool. I wouldn't use it for long shots or all the time, but it's a great tool to get steadier shots and specialty shots that would be almsot impossible handheld. Example: I set my 5D to 105mm and do a fly around a person. Handheld it would look like crap, with the Flycam it's not perfect, but way better.
Click to expand...

Please post some vid when you get the chance...I'm looking for a decently priced ( $200-$600) stabilizer solution...
 
I have a Flycam 5000 to kick me off into steadicam work. Just got it and it's really my first time running around the house as an idiot making smooth "fly motions" from room to room and around my girlfriend :) I would say it has some weak points when it comes to the hardware but it seams easy to balance and I can get really smooth shots. But the weight is just to much. When having just a GH1 and 20/1.7 lens it's bearable but when putting a 7D and 16-35/2.8 on the flycam it's just to heavy and I wouldn't use it more than a few minutes before resting.

A vest seams to be a must have if doing some kinda serious work with it. But as a stabilizer it works just as it should. Will try a vest+arm next month.

I have both cheaper and top notch stuff and the Flycam 5000 is one of the cheaper items but for the price you get smooth shots at the expense of minor design flaws.
 
i currently use a Steadicam Pilot (two arms) but i never had a problem getting smooth shots with my Glidecam 2000 pro and single arm Smooth Shooter vest in the least.

there are a few people here that feel that you cant get a smooth shot with a single arm but im not one of them. i cant speak for any other system besides the Smooth Shooter though...maybe the others a junk?

david
www.davidprobst.com
 
i have the 5000. i did some shots at tokyo auto salon yesterday, but im sitll editing nad sorting. i might have a reel up in a few daysi can post up

​
 
Last edited:
Did two jobs this week with a Flycam 5000 to produce some shots. I've already selected takes and it looks good. But you do get tired fast without a vest/arm.

I would say the weakest point is the lock for the two pipes at the bottom.
 
I'm currently debating the steadicam issue - looking at the Merlin vs the Glidecam HD-2000. The Merlin looks a lot lighter, which is good, but also more tempestuous, whereas the newer Glidecam looks easier to setup and go with, but is heavier on one's wrist.

In the UK the price isn't too much different - £430 for the GC HD-2K and £580 for the Merlin.

Anyone have any thoughts between these two? The flycam to me is too expensive to be a throw away and too cheaply made to be long-term viable.
 
eh a new flycam 5000 is the same price as a glidecam 2000 pro used---so your saying the flycam would be the same?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top