Glidecam 2000 or 4000?

Thanks,
It looked on the picture as if it the Hollywood Lite rig did have 2 arms...
but this is what I am hearing from all quarters now -So Thanks
Phew...I think I will order the Smooth shooter now

I would love a dual spring arm Magiqcam - but everyone is complaining about that company now - people have backordered over 6 months and have seen nothing -

other dual arm systems would cost 4000$
 
Digigenic said:
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
Click to expand...

I've been trying to keep out of these discussions recently, but what the heck...

Yes the Flyer is well worth the increase in price over the SS - they arn't really in the same class of rigs.

Where to start?
-> Flyer has a 2 section arm, SS has one. (Flyer can boom 30inches - that's about as far you you can reach) - Plus the Flyer's arm connection slides on the vest for even more hight adjustment.
-> The Flyer is almost Iso elastic (just like a top-of-the-line "Ultra" or "Master" arm. The SS is not, it's very bouncy.
-> Flyer has a socket block so that you trim the rig to your balance, with the SS you have to stand like the rig wants you to (who's in control?)
-> Flyer comes with the monitor and battery mounts - SS /CG4k doesn't (there's a cost one right there), Plus the Flyer monitor will run for about 7hours on a battery (if you arnt' powering the camera from it.)
-> The Flyer sled can also power the camera, CG2K/4K can't.
-> Flyer will fly 15lbs, SS will only fly 10 ...just... - the SS arm begins to twist at full load.
-> The Flyer has a properly adjustable (sliding) gimble so you can adjust your vertical balance, and it has full support for low mode (by way of an little extra bracket)- Low-mode with the CG is a ***** because the gimble won't move so the camera still can't get very low even if you can flip it (and that puts the handle in the way because it can't go upside down) - So that's 50% of the functionality of the rig right there.
-> The Flyer has through the post wiring for power and video, the CG doesn't - If you look carefully at teh pictures you will notice the the Flyer is wired up and in fully operational order, the SS is not, you would need a cable hanging down the front of the rig from the camera to the monitor (which also restricts panning)
-> The flyer stage can be timmed (Balanced) by turning a knob, the CG stage has just lockign screws and sliding plates. - To trim side-to side with the flyer you just turn one knob and that's IT, With the CG you have to undo 4 screws, slide, tighten, check and repeat untill you get it.
-> The Flyer arm is also fully tool free, and you can adjust the capcity on the fly (I can do it mid shot if I want to) - the SS requires a wrench. The SS arm adjustment will change the 'bouncyness', the Flyer's won't, the arm will be just as sweet regardless of capcity.
-> I also prefer the Flyer vest, it's snugger (lot's of extra bulk in the CG vest) - but that one is personal preferance.

There are other differences too, but those are the most notable ones.

Is the SS any good? sure, you betcha. But will it come close to the Flyer in capabileties (and therefore value)? Not even close!

- Mikko
 
Mikko,
Thanks for that report - Insanely good..
I wish the Flyer was an option for me now
(...or Maybe I should get the flyer and rent the HVX?)

Aaaaaarg.

J
 
David Nelson said:
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.
Click to expand...
Get a 4000. As soon as you start putting accessories on it, the 2000 will not be enough. I used the 4000 with the PD170 without accessories (only wide angle), and the 4000 is perfect.
 
Mikko

You have helped me in the past with my stabilizer questions and no one is doubting your expertise. The Flyer is a true Steadicam model, made by the people who invented Steadicams. Everything I have heard and read about it puts it at the top of the list of cost vs. performance and features included. It is at the top of its class for a non professional ($25,000+ unit). In no way am I disagreeing with you or your opinion that it is an ideal system.

The problem with this logic for most users here is that they do not have $7000 to spend on a stabilizer, but they can afford >$500 for the Glidecam, Flowpod or >$2000 for these with the smooth shooter. I think that for the majority of users there is nothing wrong with the Glidecam. You will not get the type of performance you will from otherunits, but it is a great unit for almost everyone working within a restrictive budget.

Then again, I also think your idea of hiring a pro for projects is a brilliant idea and something I hadn't thought about before.
 
*holds up hands inocently*
Hey, I was just listing the differences in the features between the 2 rigs in question. Someone asked the difference between them, so there you go :)

I agree that most people can't affod to buy their own rig, esp not the best one. That's why everyone decides for themselves.

Just as there are rigs, there are operators at all different levels all over the place, my oppinon that the best person to use it is someone who knows how still stands. Be it yourself or someone else who has the gear and lots of practice in the skills for the job. :thumbsup:
Any shot for a stabilizer should be motivated, just as any other shot, sometimes the work/cost of the shot is a good reminder of that motivation.

..Besides, if everyuone had the best gear and was an expert with it, I'd be out of a job! :undecided

- Mikko
 
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