Glidecam or SteadDSLR?

A

adriandzo

New member
hi
Im debating between these two stabalizer options:

glidecam HD1000
http://www.glidecam.com/product-hd-series.php

and Stead DSLR
http://www.steaddslr.com/

The first look a little more legit, and from the demos, looks a little smoother, but the Stead looks easier to balance and more practical for quick shooting (which i would benefit from).
They're both about the same price (which is about as much as i can pay right now), anyone had any experience with any of these?
Any help is appreciated.
 
I literally got the hd 2000 2 days ago with my 7d. It didn't take long to balance and it works great. From what I've seen of the stead dslr, it's not going to be as good.
 
I have just ordered HD1000, will let you know when I try it out.

I think, Glidecam is more experienced in making Stabilizers, it must be better than any at this cost.
 
Anyone considering the Steadicam Merlin? Like the OP I will have to buy a camera stabilizer but i want the best quality in a hand held unit. I've heard that the glidecams arent as good as the merlin esp when trying to do low and high shots (their handle keeps hitting the bar). is their anything better quality wise than the Merlin?
 
yeah i am torn on this as well. with absolutely no experience using a steadicam at all, which would be easier, the merlin or the glidecam?
 
Not to confuse things there's also the Blackbird: http://www.camotionllc.com/blackbird-a-78.html

I recently posted a similar question on this thread: http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-eos-7d-hd/486811-stabilization-1000-a-2.html and it seems the consensus on that thread is that the Blackbird is as good as the Merlin for less. I have the Glidecam 2000Pro and have not had good results with it, not that the Glidecam is bad, I'm just not good at using it. You know, always blame your equipment when you suck...

Anyway, I thought you might want to add the Blackbird to the mix.
 
I would go with the Glidecam over the SteadDSLR just because the glidecam is more like a traditional steadicam sled. Plus you can probably do more upgrades in the future with the Glidecam.
 
Teddy Danh said:
~ Plus you can probably do more upgrades in the future with the Glidecam.
Click to expand...

Bingo.

When you buy equipment, it's best to think long term. Are you going to be doing this film/video thing for a while? What about resale? If you're just dipping your toes into DSLR video/cinematography, then it might work for a while. If you don't plan on doing anything more than casual filming, then it'll probably work good forever. But if you're in it for the long haul, a small steadicam lookalike with a weight limit just enough for a DSLR and a heavy lens might not be a great idea.

I've personally found that in my case, whenever I buy cheap equipment, it gets replaced by something nicer about 6-12 months later along with a lot of complaining anyway. The cheap equipment did allow me to do SOMETHING and learn why it's worth going up a step or two though, so count it as the cost of learning, I guess.
 
+! for Glidecam. If you're using a DSLR, get a HD 1000 or 2000. But get the wrist support too if possible, makes things a lot easier to hold for longer and once you blance it fr the first time you shouldn't really ever have to re-balance unless you add stuff to your rig. I had a Glidecam 3000 (which was a bit too big), but I still made it work and had great results with it. I still go back and look at the footage and am amazed at how smooth it was for what it was.
 
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