Glidecam HD-Pro vs DGS

D

DDirector

Veteran
I've been thinking of getting a Glidecam in replacement of an electronic gimbal.
Not 100% sure yet if this is what I want, but considering it heavily.

The two im interested in seem very similar, but I just cannot figure out what the differences between the two are, and whether one is better than the other.
Glidecam HD-PRO vs Glidecam DGS
 
What kind of camera are you looking to fly? Add up the total weight because that plays a huge part. DGSS can hold a bit more weight. It also converts to an underslung mode
 
I should add that I have the DGSS and fly an URSA Mini on it. I haven't had any issues except that I needed a vest.


 
Some budget stabilizers are well designed and positively reviewed. I have a Laing P-4S, but I haven't compared it to any Glidecam products. Many budget stabilizers use standard bearings packed with thick grease, so you really need to dissolve the grease and re-lubricate the bearing. Here's a tutorial I made on the process.

I think that the Glidecam DGS has a better design, as the gimbal is vertically adjustable, which makes a huge difference when it comes to balancing.

I'm really surprised that Glidecam isn't making these out of carbon-fiber.

You may also consider Steadicam products, Solo's and Pilot's are probably pretty cheap second hand.
 
I ditched gimbals and went back to glidecam. Ive had the ronin, the tilta gx2 and another one I cant remember. Dont miss them at all. Its crazy how cheap 2nd hand models are on ebay.
 
If you do get a Glidecam, put it through its paces immediately. These inexpensive, small stabilizers are notorious for un-centered/off-centered gimbals. I bought a Glidecam years ago to try after I bought my C300. It drove me crazy. I could static balance it in one position and then pan it and it was off everywhere else except the original position. Re-balance in another position and it was good. Until you panned it. After a day or two I called a friend that is a really good Steadicam op that teaches some of the workshops. He told me it was the cheap gimbals that these companies use. And there is no way to fix them/correct them like on big boy rigs. Not all of them are bad, obviously, but the chances of getting a bad one are very high, compared to something from Steadicam.

Luckily, I bought it from B&H and it only required fairly minimal effort to return it.

IMO, good "Steadicam" work still blows away the vast majority of electronic gimbal work.
 
As someone who's never used a motorized gimbal, I'd be interested in hearing your reasons for switching back to old-school steadycams.

I went with a counter-weighted steadycam because they're inexpensive, don't suffer from vertical bobble, and don't take batteries. They certainly have their disadvantages though, like horizon sway (especially in wind) and a steep learning curve.
 
I've been mainly thinking about the glidecam because Ive been wanting to get more moving shots when shooting festivals.
I have a decently heavy camera setup and my gimbal is not good for it. Would need a larger gimbal for it.

But still not sure if I would want the glidecam if I have to hold it one handed all day without a vest. Would get the arm brace, but still.
 
DDirector said:
I've been mainly thinking about the glidecam because Ive been wanting to get more moving shots when shooting festivals.
I have a decently heavy camera setup and my gimbal is not good for it. Would need a larger gimbal for it.

But still not sure if I would want the glidecam if I have to hold it one handed all day without a vest. Would get the arm brace, but still.
Click to expand...

I have a glidecam v16 with a vest and arm if you are interested in testing out the “steadicam” setup. Although, shipping costs can be something to consider.
 
Interesting to hear about people moving back to the tried and true stabilizers.

Steadicam remains alive and well in the higher-end production arena even as gimbals and their support systems have evolved. I will only work with a gimbal if it comes with an operator who is deeply familiar with the electronic troubleshooting process. On my current show we have two Movi Pro's that we use as stabilized remote heads and they are working very well, only because their owner is with us fulltime as an operator and he is one of the most expert longtime Movi users.

Meanwhile, gimbal tech has worked its way into the high end Steadicam world as a roll axis stabilizer and an inertial assist tool. So it seems the future is a hybrid of old and new tech.
 
I want a Steadicam Volt... :(

Glidecam is great. I recommend the Devin Graham Glidecam as it's not a whole lot more money but has good improvements and functionality. I regularly fly a 10 lb C300 Mark II setup on it without a vest. I have a Steadicam Zephyr, but I mostly use that with my Arri Amira. The Glidecam is way better for run n gun and quick setups. An Ursa Mini Pro is around a similar weight to a C300, so the added weight capacity of the Devin Graham version is quite useful.

My Steadicam Zephyr has various issues; feels like it's about to snap apart, pieces and screws, keep falling off of it, etc. I need to send it in for repair. Still works, though. Maybe one more film with it and hopefully it'll hold up.
 
Heya, so I dont believe Ive made an update, but I did end up purchasing the DGS Glidecam.
I have the Moza Air that im going to be getting rid of.

I know that this wasnt the best idea, but I got the glidecam the day I went out shooting a music festival. I balanced it and went shooting with it without any prior experience.
I must say, I really enjoyed it. It was tough, but got some nice shots. Need practice though.

But now my rig is getting heavier and I am using bigger camera setups.
Its not a problem for the glidecam, but its a problem holding the shot longer than a minute.

Need to look into a vest.
But the glidecam X10 is about $3200 cad!
Are there any other alternatives?
 
The Cowboy Studio double arm vest is what I use. Works great if you're just wanting something to help take the weight. You will need to modify the post though with gave tape and some metal pipe. I talk about that in my video on the other post I made replying to this
 
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