Glidecam + DVX100B

andythefilmer

andythefilmer

Veteran
I have been looking at the Glidecam 200 recently because I need a good handheld stabilizer for an upcoming music video shoot. Would you guys recommend that model or is it worth it to pay $100 more for the 400? The weight will not go over the maximum threshold on the 200 but will it be smoother on the 400 or is it just for heavier cameras?
 
Get the 400. It's easier to balance, especially if you have a camera with a rail-based rig.
 
Am I missing something? Are you guys talking about the 2000 vs the 4000?

In any case I wouldn't get a handheld stabilizer...your money is better spent hiring a Steadicam Operator for a day....all a handheld stabilizer will do is make your back ache for the next few days.

Otherwise I would save your money until you can afford a stabilizer which uses an arm, vest, and sled....and in the mean time attend a workshop....and Practice, Practice, Practice.
 
Look into the FIG RIG.
Read the user reviews on the B&H PHOTO site and you might be very surprised.
I'm achin' to try one myself.

~DPS
 
JFEditorIV said:
The glidecam isn't good regardless of the model. It's way too heavy. You only get a solid minute or two on it before it starts hurting. It puts a lot of weird pressure on your wrist/forearm and there's a good chance of injuring something. It doesn't work on set either. You're gonna spend your whole time trying to get it stable while everyone on set watches you screw it up. It isn't efficient and regardless of what you do, you are going to have a bobbing movement that the viewer will pick up on. It only works with the smooth shooter stabilizer.
Click to expand...
I beg to differ, I shot this whole musci video on Glidecam all handheld and no vest or arm, it just takes getting used to.

http://exposureroom.com/members/ShaunStoddart.aspx/assets/231cf715fcd4418ba5457aa807c30a02/
 
JFEditorIV said:
The glidecam isn't good regardless of the model. It's way too heavy. You only get a solid minute or two on it before it starts hurting. It puts a lot of weird pressure on your wrist/forearm and there's a good chance of injuring something. It doesn't work on set either. You're gonna spend your whole time trying to get it stable while everyone on set watches you screw it up. It isn't efficient and regardless of what you do, you are going to have a bobbing movement that the viewer will pick up on. It only works with the smooth shooter stabilizer.
Click to expand...
I was going to post a thread about my arm.................
I've done 3 weddings and spending 5 hours holding it and I ached for 3 days on my left side...
Then the last wedding I only did 1.5 hours...and a 7 hour drive in jams...and a week later last night, i had numb fingers, and my arms been sore for a week...
I'm not sure if the computer is to blame aswell...
Just wanted to know if it goes after a while...
I might need a vest or buy something different to get the glide effect :)
 
shaun1970 said:
I beg to differ, I shot this whole musci video on Glidecam all handheld and no vest or arm, it just takes getting used to.

http://exposureroom.com/members/ShaunStoddart.aspx/assets/231cf715fcd4418ba5457aa807c30a02/
Click to expand...

I certainly wouldn't say that it can't be done without a vest and arm, and there are thousands of videos that are proof of this....it doesn't change the fact that it's not safe.

A few people have already attested to these rigs causing damage, some first hand knowledge in fact. I myself own and operate a Steadicam SK2.

Let's not just throw caution to the wind and ignore people trying to help....take my advice and don't risk damaging yourself.

Again I'll give the best options in mine and everyone elses opinion:
1. Hire a Steadicam Operator
2. Use a Fig Rig
3. Save up for a vest/arm/sled and in the mean time take a workshop on Steadicam, Glidecam, etc.
 
Totally agree with Nick .
It can get very dangerous when you do unscripted stuff. I did some commercial shots the past two months . So im thinking of getting a steadicam pilot or the glidecam x- 10. I own the GC hd4000 .


http://vimeo.com/lifeemotions , the best glidecam work Ive ever seen. shot with the GC 2000 .
 
Maybe you all need to work out a little! I've never suffered any pain or injury from using my glidecam hand held, like come on, its only around 3 kilos in total weight, thats not heavy. I can understand if it were a Sony Ex1 or bigger cam but a glidecam and a DVX or HMC weighs nothin. I think you are all making it sound worse than what it really is.

I do 5 to 8 hour shoots with it and love it. You'll get a sore back when using the arm and vest cause you have to do that silly walk with it.
 
I've used the glidecam 400 w/ vest & arm before.
it was not fun shooting but the results is worth it.
the only thing I would say is that the vest & arm isn't worth it if you are shooting with the dvx.
just get the 200 and your arm should be able to hold the dvx and get smooth shots.
the vest & arm is only worth it if you have a bigger camera.
even with the 400 I shot better witout the vest & arm.
but don't forget, yes your arm will get tired after each take.
 
Ok I think I am going to order the 200 off B&H and then maybe down the road get the add on that goes on your back if it's practical. I will post the video in a month or two when I finish it.
 
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