Glidecam 2000 or 4000?

Villeda

Member
Someone has experience with any of those? the 2000Pro set the weight under 6 pounds and the 4000 are 4 to 10. Jarred or someone who already had the HVX200 in hands can give me an idea of the weight of the camera, thinking have a shootgun mic and the battery on?
 
Magiqcam series IIa offer

Magiqcam series IIa offer

Magiqcam(.com) series IIa seems to me better option 'cause the adjustable two-arm system gives more flexibility [vs one stand arm of Magiqcam series I or any steady system like less expensive steadycam systems - not the more expensive ones - or glidecam systems (2000 or 4000, whatever), etc.] to provide smooth trouble free operation (see demo available on web site); theoretically. Is there anyone capable to answer that (for magiqcam series IIa pratice experience)?
 
Well if we are sugesting Stabilizers for the HVX, then I'm going to simplify it to 2 words: Steadicam Flyer.

If you can afford to buy one, it is by far the best rig for the HVX (or DVX for that matter) and can yeild excelent results.

If you can't afford to buy a Flyer.. then hire a Steadicam opertor. ..this will give you the best shots.

- Mikko
 
mikkowilson said:
If you can't afford to buy a Flyer.. then hire a Steadicam opertor. ..this will give you the best shots.

- Mikko

Are you joking, man? We are in the real INDIES world, NOT in TV or Hollywood! [By the way, I followed your :thumbup: good IBC report. Congrats! Are you interested in multi-camera shooting? What's your opinion about video-like (not film-like, 'come on'!) XL-H1? 'cause off-topic, you may answer by private message if you're pleased or prefer]
 
No I'm not joking.
There are lots of (more and more all the time) starting out Steadicam operators who will do work for a very reasonable rate (or if the project is interesting and you act professional about it, they may even do it for free for practice / to build their reel) - There are more than ever Rigs out there today with telented operators behind them.
- Just today I met with a Indy Director who is making a music video that sounds interesting, that I've agreed to DP/shoot (including Steadicam if necesary) for them on my spare days. They provide grips/assitants, transport, etc.. everything so it won't cost me anything, they'll even get my approval for shoot dates. And I get to do a fun side project. Not at all unrealistic anywhere.
I'm not saying shell out $2000 for a top of the line operator for a day (unless you can afford to, then by all means ;) )

<tangent>
Thanks for the IBC coment. :)
Yes I do a lot of multicamera work too, I prefer live/multicamera to single-camera work.. Though that is definatly fun too.
I think the XL-H1 is a fantastic camera (just about all these new cameras are), Pitty it's only HDV, but those proper connectors on the side make it very enticing, esp for low-budget live and studio work. Personally I'd still rather take the HVX if I was offered either right now though.
Where in Europe are you Emanuel?
</tangent>

- Mikko
 
mikkowilson said:
Where in Europe are you Emanuel?
</tangent>

- Mikko

Mikko, thanks for your excelent IBC report. Very useful! I'm in south of Europe (Yes, good american fellows, Europe is a big continent too! :) ) Now, I live in Lisbon. I'm portuguese but I lived in Rome before and I'm thinking to change for awhile. And after, we will see! I love that town and the italian culture... About HVX, what do you think about the HVX 24p/60i as an european affordable solution?
[please see my post:]
http://www.dvxuser.com/V3/showthread.php?t=36837&page=3&pp=10
 
Yes thanks. But you already saw the smooth shooter because this would be the following step if i were decided by the glidecam system. If the HVX will be to heavy for the 2000 i should decide for the 4000.
 
If you're planning on going with an HVX, I'd go for the 4000 no doubt. Even a DVX can be too heavy for the 2000, once you start adding any accessories (like a wide-angle adapter or a different microphone, etc).
 
So
I am intregued with the Glidecam 4000 (and the option of adding the single arm and vest to it later)

BUT...

For Those with HVX200 experience
I am under the impression that you Dont want to be Moving too much with High Def.
(maybe that is more for HDV rather than DVC Pro)

Barry, Jarred, please shed light...

Thanks,
J
 
Benton said:
So

I am under the impression that you Dont want to be Moving too much with High Def.
(maybe that is more for HDV rather than DVC Pro)

J

Only the HDV format has issues with artifacting/blockiness when there's too much motion.
It's the result of overcompressing the footage.
(Good luck trying to shoot an action movie in HDV!)
That's why a lot of Canon's XL-H1 HDV demo footage consists of still landscapes!

That's not an issue at all with DVCPro HD, you can move as much as you want!:happy:
 
I have the Glidecam Smoothshooter with the 4000. It's great. It takes a little getting used to though. The only thing I don't like is the single spring arm. I'd rather have dual spring arm like the Magiqcam; provides for better stability, and better vertical travel.
 
I might be getting a smooth shooter for xmas, my question is, with my PD170, do I get the glidecam 2000 or 4000, any words of advice please. Thank you in advance.
 
mikkowilson said:
Well if we are sugesting Stabilizers for the HVX, then I'm going to simplify it to 2 words: Steadicam Flyer.

If you can afford to buy one, it is by far the best rig for the HVX (or DVX for that matter) and can yeild excelent results.

If you can't afford to buy a Flyer.. then hire a Steadicam opertor. ..this will give you the best shots.

- Mikko

I have to agree with Mikko. I have been through both the Glidecam 2000 and 4000. Next I went with the Magiqcam IIa . . . not bad for the money -- sold it, took a Steadicam workshop in October and waiting for my HVX, then ordering my Flyer. If you are going to use any of those plan on investing A LOT OF TIME into practice. A workshop is not a bad idea either--you won't come away an operator but it sure will give you a lot of insight from guys (and gals) who are...worth every cent.
 
Is there really that big a difference between the two to justify the flyer being 3 times as much?
I don't know, maybe it's the girl, but the smooth shooter appears to be a more attractive offer.
There must be something truly extraordinary about the flyer versus the shooter.
camerasupportscomparison.jpg
 
I am not a pro by any means and in fact currently own none of these systems. From what I have gathered through a lot of research though, that FlowCam you linked to is not a good system because it doesn't have the dual arm system that pro's recommend. Just my understanding
 
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