Glidecam or Steadicam

HVXOU

HVXOU

Well-known member
Which is the better choice? I know the steadicam is more expensive, but is there a huge difference?
 
More than enough reviews have been written on both brands (and many others, too). A few easy searches will return them on this forum and a few others. Steadicam is better in a head-to-head performance comparison. There's little doubt about that. That performance comes at a price, however. In my confident and relatively experienced opinion, that price is absolutely worth it. Better said, the Steadicam brand does not overprice their products. However, the real question you should ask yourself is which is better FOR YOU? You do get what you pay for, but if you don't need the best, don't buy it.
 
Had no real rigs in mind. I am just shooting base HVX200, no attachments. I would eventually like to get the whole body brace, but for now I was looking at the Glidecam 4000 and forearm brace.

Thoughts?
 
Your arm is going to die! The Glidecam 4000 or Steadicam Merlin can support the HVX200, but your arm will hate you.

Tiffen (steadicam) has really great support and a huge user community. I'd say go with price.

If you want a real Steadicam rig go with the Pilot. It can support the HVX and has a true arm and sled setup like a bigger rig.
 
i've had great success with the glidecam4000 pro and smooth shooter. i suggest you look into that if money is an issue.
 
PaPa is right. They also make the X10 arm which has a larger boom range and a few more features. The smooth shooter is upgradable to the X10... so you could always start out with the GL4000 and SS and upgrade later.
 
ok, what about the merlin? Thoughts on that? Is it worth saving for the merlin or going for the glidecam?
 
I agree with jstunzi. Make sure you get the articulated arm (or at least the body mount). Otherwise you Glidecam will end up gathering dust like ours does. I could only shoot with it for about 10 minutes using a older Canon XL1-S with a small monitor, before my arm strength would give out. We've never sprang for a body mount or articulated arm.....probably should though.

Honestly, with a wide angle lens, (we use an adaptor) I can just hold the camera and do a pretty smooth steady cam style shot. I wouldn't do it for critical high-end work though.....I guess it depends on your audience. :)
 
Merlin will work fine for the HVX200. This was *just* discussed within the past few days.

A Search for "Steadicam" always turns up loads of good results here.


- Mikko
 
mikkowilson said:
Merlin will work fine for the HVX200. This was *just* discussed within the past few days.

A Search for "Steadicam" always turns up loads of good results here.


- Mikko
Click to expand...


So being a stedicam owner, you think that it is worth waiting for?
 
Ive used the merlin with an HVX200 and its fine, however I would suggest that you make absolutly sure that you intend to add no extra stuff to your camera. If you get a merlin you will be fine with the HVX200 alone, but if you decided to stick a 35mm adapter or a firestore on it or something extra, you will max it out. The merlin with arm and vest is a nice combination, but I would suggest that you go for the Steadicam Pilot if you can afford it, as it has a more traditional steadicam shape, it will be easier to progress to bigger rigs if you have been using the Pilot previously.

Ive never flown the glidecam systems, but I have fiddled with them up close, and the quality is shocking. The machining is fine, but the materials are terrible, I saw one of their arms afew weeks ago (not sure which one) and it was so tinny it felt like it was made of recycled pie tins. Very bendy and thin, not good build at all.

Id save up, and get the steadicam if you can afford it.
 
HVXOU said:
Which is the better choice? I know the steadicam is more expensive, but is there a huge difference?
Click to expand...


Ok you seem confused or not really understanding what everyone has been telling you. So let me ask you again.

1. Your budget?
2. Your intended weight (camera)
3. Exponential weight (if you intend on flying heavier camera later on down the line) If so, what kind of weight?

you probably mentioned it before but say it again, because you seem to be repetative in your posting ;)

A tip I can give you is that, a dual arm is a must...regardless of what anyone else will say...
 
Budge = Next to nothing I will have to sav up for something, it is currently about $500.
Current fly= Cam only, maybe a matte box
Later Weight = Camera at current weight, maybe a matte box, but not too much else. Heavier cameras themselves are out of the question, it would be smaller accessories added on.

Sorry if I seem to be a complete and total idiot.
 
HVXOU said:
Budge = Next to nothing I will have to sav up for something, it is currently about $500.
Current fly= Cam only, maybe a matte box
Later Weight = Camera at current weight, maybe a matte box, but not too much else. Heavier cameras themselves are out of the question, it would be smaller accessories added on.

Sorry if I seem to be a complete and total idiot.
Click to expand...

Well, I'm not sure if you can get a brand new Merlin for that price. Maybe a second hand one. As Mikko already mention, it would be your best bet. If not then the glidecam 4000 series might just be your best bet. I am not a fan of handheld stabilizers. I would rather just use a tripod or a dolly or a Steadicam rental until I save up to buy a full rig like the Flyer or Pilot.

So in short...$500 dollars is not much to work with for a full rig. ;)
 
I'm having trouble with my 170. My mac (leopard) can't see it. Opened up utilities, no joy, installed the CD that came with the 170, no joy. Got any tips.. Appreciated...
 
You could try posting that in a more appropriate forum/topic, this one is about steadicams.

Thats one tip for you.

Have you tried plugging a firewire drive into the camera and seeing if the camera sees the drive?
 
LOL>.......:-Laugh(DBG):

HVXOU---- hang on to that $500, you are almost at the level of a used Merlin. Watch the Marketplace. They pop up from time to time in brand new condition around $650-$700.
btw----might want to forget about the Mattebox. If you use it outside, it will pick up the slightest breeze and act like a sail flying your cam every which way but where you want it.
 
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