Glidecam 4000 w/smoothshooter

Skilled

Skilled

Well-known member
Has anyone had experience with the glidecam 4000 smoothshooter? And would it be a good choice for the HMC150. I need to do some running shots.

Thanks!!
 
i am using the glidecam 2000 & smooth shooter. So far, it work well.
For running, you might want to put on more weight so that its more stable.
My advice is to go for the additional arm, if you can offer it. X10 is the way to go.
 
I got the X-10 and it is great! You will want to add a bit more weight.... and practice, practice, practice!
 
The perfect Glidecam for the HMC150 is the HD-2000 (up to six pounds). The 4000 Pro/HD is a little big for the HMC150, and even heavier -- meaning you really do need a vest and "arm" if you're going with a 4000 series. The only logic in getting a 4000 is if you intend to pile accessories on the HMC150 -- and that's a questionable idea relative to stabilizer use.

Definitely go for the newer "HD" series over the older "Pro" series. The newer HD series is easier to balance (a really, really big deal) and has other minor improvements.

The Smooth Shooter is nice -- the X-10 is better.

With a 2000 series and an HMC150 you can get away with a few minutes of handheld -- but not much more than a few minutes. With a 4000 series you really do need an arm and vest mechanism.

Allow weeks or months for learning a Glidecam. The inventor of the Steadicam described it as "learning to play the guitar," and that's exactly the right analogy.
 
Would you recomend the 2000 HD over the steadycam merlin??

Also..does the x10 work with the HD models..its says the pros?

THANK YOU!!!
 
Last edited:
Skilled said:
Would you recomend the 2000 HD over the steadycam merlin??

Also..does the x10 work with the HD models..its says the pros?

THANK YOU!!!
Click to expand...


That's a messy question.

The Steadicam Merlin has issues -- both in terms of its function and results. So, the short answer is, yes, I would recommend the HD-2000 over the Merlin for a professional using an HMC150.

That being said -- Glidecams are not easy to use -- and it will take weeks/months before you're functional. The Merlin is easier/more convenient -- but once you know what you're doing -- the best Merlin results aren't as good as the best Glidecam results.

(all this applies to the "MERLIN" -- and not other Steadicam models)

Yes, the X-10 works with the HD-2000 or HD-4000 stabilizers.

Good luck!
 
It will only take you months if you pick it up once every week .First off you will need to properly balance your camera on the Glidecam or merlin for that matter then practice every chance you get .
 
AGMedia said:
Glidecams are not easy to use -- and it will take weeks/months before you're functional.
Click to expand...

I disagree...or maybe I'm just good(which I highly doubt), but once I balanced the glidecam, put on the vest and adjusted the arm... I was shooting good steady footage within a couple of hours. It's not rocket science. I have the X-10 w/ 4000HD. I use both the HMC150 and a DVX100b w/ M2 and FF...both with and without a matte box.

Oh...and get a quick release system for the glidecam either way. I know the new ones have the QR plate, but it's not an easy on/off arrangement. With your own, you can just pop it off and put it on your tripod or shoulder mount!

The more you practice, the better you get...but I guess that goes for every aspect of filmmaking.:)
 
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