Glidecam 2000 PRO

darmanb

Well-known member
Hey!

Can anyone share any footage shot using Glidecam 2000 PRO (or similar) stabilizer? I would like if the clips are Windows Media compressed (please don't ask why :()

Thanks!!!
 
Re: Glidecam 2000 PRO

I have some in quicktime. Not a chance I'm recompressing given that I've got a mac.

Suffice to say, I like it, but it won't replace a dolly. I think most handheld footage is unusable but most glidecam footage is pretty nice. Don't expect miracles and you'll be happy. Also, expect that your arm will get a little tired, though it's not nearly as bad as people say with a small camera like the dvx.
 
Re: Glidecam 2000 PRO

I actually have the Glidecam 4000 Pro. I opted to upgrade for the 4000 package because when I tried balancing the DVX at the store with the 2000, it was at it's maximum capacity. It's tricky enough to balance it perfectly.

With the added weight of mattebox and filters, the 2000 wouldn't be able to handle the DVX so I got the 4000. The 4000 works like a charm once you've used it a few times.


I've yielded very usable handheld footage but taking a stillphotography tripod, extending the legs and closing them up so it was like a stick.
Mounting my camera to that, I held it low on the tripod to reduce the center of the gravity and the shakiest point- my hand and writs being as far away from the camera as possible.

Shooting like that for a year was good practice in getting STEADY STEADY tracking shots and beautiful moving pans with the GLidecam 4000. oh and don't get the body brace yet- they are developing a model that actually works this time. For now get the arm brace or wait- my suggestion. Personally I got the arm brace for now. (The glidecam 4000 is heavier and heavier still with the camera).

I would upload some footage for you to take a looksee but I am incapable of putting footage on the internet. I just don't know how to do it :-/ and I built this damned machine. Well, figures.

Hopes this helps, cheers.
 
Re: Glidecam 2000 PRO

Oh and Policar, you're right! These things don't replace the dolly, they are two completely different things with a different feel. Also for practicality reasons: imagine using a fisher dolly in a new york city apartment that doesn't have an elevator. It'd be like fishing with lipstick- not sure what that means but as disjecta say, 'the double post-er strikes again'

Maybe if I eventually figure out how to put up footage I'll be able to put the glidecam footages up.
 
Re: Glidecam 2000 PRO

Thanks guys!

I think in section "clips/grabs of dvx footage" you have an explanation on "how to post" your footage/grabs. I think you have to upload it first to DVX server and then copy the link and paste it in your reply (if I'm not mistaking).
If you guys could do it, I would greatly appreciate it!
Your replies help a lot, but since I am planning to invest in one of those things, I really would like to see some samples first.

Cheers!
 
Re: Glidecam 2000 PRO

Ok. This is my 1 min test. You have to give me credit because it was my second day of using glidecam 4000 pro. But i think few seconds are good. Anyway the stabilizer is capable of really great footage, although it really kills your arm...

http://www.navitas.pl/newschannel/glidecam_02.wmvx
//remove "x" after downloading
//3,6MB
 
Re: Glidecam 2000 PRO

yeah... now it's like sailing on a stormy see... :) but maybe someday it will be like driving on smooth a freeway...


And not to be completly over zealous I'm quite better now... These are from October...
 
Re: Glidecam 2000 PRO

Now about 2 second, but back then... i don't remember. Probably I didn't even test it then...
 
Re: Glidecam 2000 PRO

OK, here is a piece I did on a live performance of an artist using 2 DVX100 cameras shot in 30I mode.. one on Tripod and the other on GLIDECAM 2000 PRO.

http://ug.cynikal.net/Profiles/QSAMPLE_large.mov

As you can see.. not all the shots are GLIDE.. let me point out where:

The limo in the beginning is Glide..
The intro shot where the bar is, is Glide..
and throughout the performance, the closer shots near the stage is Glide.. (Some shots)

This is shot extremely Guerilla style, so I had no room moving around and all.. and it was crowded as hell.

Bottom line is, that I think the Glidecam can give you some impressive shots through thick and thin. I don't know.. you tell me?

CLD.JT
 
Re: Glidecam 2000 PRO

Thanks guys!
Very helpfull!

Q for "navitas": your footage is nice. Did you use any extra accesories for your Glidecam?

Cheers!
 
Re: Glidecam 2000 PRO

Back then no. But now I'm using portable monitor with battery (Varizoom).

And I think in your situation it's good to invest in glidecam 4000 Pro because it's easy (and cheap!!) to upgrade it to full rig with smooth shooter (www.glidecam.com).
 
Re: Glidecam 2000 PRO

So on the clip that you posted you had no additional accesories! For me it looks pretty good. I think I'll go for G4000.

Thanks
 
Re: Glidecam 2000 PRO

Here's a tricky one!

I have in front of me a full technical specifications for both G2000 and G4000.

Here are the differences:

G4000: G2000:
Supports 4 to 10lbs Supports up to 6lbs
18" Central Post 15" Central Post
9" Telescoping Post 7" Telescoping Post
Weight 3.1lbs Weight 2.2lbs

Every other thing seems the same for both stabilizers except for the 100$ difference ;D

Question:
Why should I go for G4000 when both are designed to handle Panasonic DVX100 (which weights 4.2lbs), plus G2000 is lighter in weight.
I guess finding the reason to go cheap(er) is the main subject but I don't mind investing more if something is REALLY better.

From what I've seen, G4000 is more expensive because it's designed for heavier (bigger) camcorders!

If used with DVX100, what's the difference between them?

Cheers!
 
Re: Glidecam 2000 PRO

If you use dvx100a alone there is no point of buying 4000 pro. but if you're planning on putting an extra battery, harddrive, wirless microphone receiver etc. the weight of the set will be to much for 2000 pro and you may have some problems with balancing it correctly...
 
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