Glidecam 2000/4000 afficinado's? Using a DVX100A

G

gert

New member
Hi guys,

Again a new thread regarding a steadycam issue. I'm considering buying a 2000 for my DVX100Ae. Is it a good purchase?

Will opt for the HVX next year. So i guess the 2000 is to light...? In the future i could extend with the 'smoothshooter'.

Any suggestions for a comparing system with better results?
Would a 'figrig' be a better alternative?

Please give me some advice.

THANKS!
 
Well, I have the DVX100 and the Glidecam 2000 Pro. The main difference between the 2000 and 4000 seems to be the extension length on the 4000 as well as the size of the weight carrying base plate (I have not seen the 4000 up close).

Running the DVX100 w/ a big battery and a pol filter I have to use a total of 6 weight washers to get it balanced. Operating this rig is NOT EASY, irregardless of which version you buy...try a windy day at the beach...

I find the 4000 self-defeating since the 2000 is so darn heavy (I also use the arm brace). The logic here being that if you need to add any equipment like a matte box, wireless mike (forget a wired one with such a sensitive balanced system) that would require the 4000, the whole rig will pull your arm out of its socket...:-)

I have no experience with other balance system but the laws of physics always apply. Depending on your planned use (I use it to fancy up vacation videos) you may want to look at vest-based systems...
 
If you plan on getting the HVX, I would recommend the 4000 Pro only because it can hold more weight. The 2000 works good with the DVX100, but because the HVX is heavier, throw in a mattebox, battery, light, filters, microphone or even a wireless receiver, possibly the Pro 35 or another DOF device, firestore, etc... and before you know it you can easily reach 10 pounds. If you don't use wireless mics, then you will either have to record sync sound or attempt to teter an xlr cable to the camera, which may yield undesirable results because the wire will disrupt the free floating effect of the Glidecam. So it will make sense to use a wireless mic if dialog will be recorded while using the Glidecam. In this scenario, I think it also makes sense to get their arm and vest which was released this past spring.
 
I got the 4000 Pro with the smooth shooter. There was no question about it as all of the stuff that gets added to the camera quickly packs on the weight and I like to concentrate on the shots, not muscle fatigue.
 
Yeah I'm referign to the Steadicam rigs.. yes the flyer costs a little more, but it's worth it in my oppinion.

- Mikko
 
Hey Craigbowman, after I purchase my HVX200, the smooth shooter is on my "next" list. Do you have any video of the shooter in action? Post it if you can.
 
So the 4000 gives really good results...

So the 4000 gives really good results...

So the 4000 gives really good results and can be used for the HVX... But is heavier.
And the glidecams 2000 and 4000 are both hard to balance. The plus is the possibility for extending with the smoothshooter.

Would this be more preferable then for example a Steadycam jr?
 
I've used both. I prefer the 4000, but own the 2000. Both work great with a dvx and a couple light accessories. But the 4000 leaves room to add stuff and is more stable with a heavier camera.

It's more about how you set it up and how you use it than which model you get. Practice makes perfect. And it's not that heavy but you can't shoot nonstop. Every ten minutes or so you should give your arm a minute to rest since it does get tiring, and the more tired you are, the less stable your footage gets.
 
Pro Max Steady Tracker Xtreme

Pro Max Steady Tracker Xtreme

I am also looking to buy a steadycam system for my HVX200 (when it comes out :grin: ) and as i do not have any experience of Glidecam or Steadycams this is the same question i had in mind. I was at IOV (Institue of Videography in Coventry UK) this year and had a go with Manfrotto Fig Rig and it seemed realy good at keeping the camera steady but i am not too sure if it is in the same class as Glidecam 4000 for instance. I have not seen any sample videos made with FIGRIG so i cant tell how good it realy is. I think its more suitable for static type work where you can not use a tripod or a monopod but for tracking shots i doubt that it will match Glidecam or any Steadycam system, i could be wrong. How about "Pro Max Steady Tracker Xtreme" ? its cheaper than the Glidecams, the results shown in sample videos on cameracranes.us are good and it seems easier to set up BUT i do not see a vest for it :( How much is the Steadicam Flyer?
 
A little more? Uh, sure thing. A Stedicam Flyer is six thousand and change as opposed to a Glidecam 2000 for roughly $300. :shocked: Since you're looking to get an HVX200, might I suggest a Panavision Genesis? Costs a little more, but worth it. :happy: The Merlin? Maybe, but it's still $800 for a mini-stabilizer and I haven't seen any reviews yet.

mikkowilson said:
Yeah I'm referign to the Steadicam rigs.. yes the flyer costs a little more, but it's worth it in my oppinion.

- Mikko
Click to expand...
 
Razamalik, some of the stabilizing systems that is on the market does not have a real gimbal incorporated in their system. The Glidecam have a real gimbal giving it that floating feeling. For the price you can't beat it. I was going to sell mine until I heard about the smooth shooter and then the HVX200 which is a bit heavier than the DVX100. Perfect for the 4000 pro. Glidecam also has a dvd with stabilizing footage but I think its mainly the 2000, which works just as well as the 4000. The difference like another poster said is that the 4000 holds more weight. Does anyone know if there is an adapter cage to do low shots with the Glidecam?
 
Would like to know that too. You can turn it upside-down. But then you have to turn your footage.
 
if I recall correctly, the gimble dones't move on the post. I think there may be issues with the gimble handle hitting the stage in low mode. - I guess you coudl always hodl the gimble handle up side down too, but that would be risky.
Someone with a Glidecam correct me if i'm wrong.

- Mikko
 
I bought the Fig Rig today, including a clamp and a controller for the DVX100, for around 520 dollars. The Fig Rig works quiet nice, but for myself I won't hold it steady after more than 8 minutes of filming. But that says more about my muscles than about the Fig Rig. The device is very light weighted. I am pleasantly surprised about the controller. You can attach it on the ring so you can start/stop recording while holding both hands on the grips. And the zoom is very good, I get much better slow zooms than when I try to do that with the on board zoom buttons of the DVX100.
 
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