Glidecam or Steadicam?

kgb

kgb

Active member
Hey everyone, I'm trying to figure out a mobile rig system for my HVX. I see a Glidecam 2000 Pro that looks perfect with a harness and everything, but it says it only supports 6 pounds. I thought the HVX-200 was over 11 pounds. Would that be an issue? I see a Canon XL-1 on the Glidecam in the photo, and I thought those weighed a good 10 pounds.

Any recommendations would be appreciated. Unfortunately, I don't have thousands of dollars to throw at it after buying the camera a couple weeks ago.
 
I have a Glidecam V-8 which basically the same as the 2000...just older. I got a new spring for it and it works great with the HVX+mattbox and marshall monitor. The new spring was $50 bucks. It's different than the standard one that comes with the unit. You would need the "gold" spring for the HVX.
 
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I got the glidecam 4000 for my hvx and have been very happy with it, especially for the price. It's a little bigger than the 2000 and will hold the extra weight. I would say of all the camera equipment we bought for our feature shoot, it was by far the best investment.
 
You really want a glidecam v25 with a weight cage for best results, a better system than the steadicam flyer that I used to own. Although if you get a flyer it will be alot better than the lower glidecam models.
Either way a proper steadicam is a big investment and you should do a workshop before buying anything.
 
First off: Do you need a Steadicam? If you are dooing dramtic work, a dolly and jib will give you much better milage.

As to Steadicam (and the like) I'll echo Matt's coments, though I'd still recomend the Flyer over the V25, but that's a question of preferance.

The HVX weighs 5.5lb. This will fly perfectly even on the Merlin. If you want to go handheld then get the lightest rig you can like the Merlin. Those shots of XL1s on handheld rigs are absurd.
For a full rig, the more you spend the better system you will get. My absolout faveorate rig for the HVX is the Flyer, but a V8 would give you a basic start if you add a little weight to the camera, but prepared to upgrade if you decide to get serious about Steadicam.

- Mikko
 
Thanks for the responses. It sounds like the 4000 series Glidecam might be a good choice for my purposes. I'll probably pick up the Body Pod option. I need fluid camera movement for tracking without the time consumption involved with setting up a dolly track on location. I'll take a look at the Merlin, as I'll be doing a lot more research before I make a final decision. Doesn't sound like I can afford the Steadicam rigs.

mikkowilson said:
First off: Do you need a Steadicam? If you are dooing dramtic work, a dolly and jib will give you much better milage.

As to Steadicam (and the like) I'll echo Matt's coments, though I'd still recomend the Flyer over the V25, but that's a question of preferance.

The HVX weighs 5.5lb. This will fly perfectly even on the Merlin. If you want to go handheld then get the lightest rig you can like the Merlin. Those shots of XL1s on handheld rigs are absurd.
For a full rig, the more you spend the better system you will get. My absolout faveorate rig for the HVX is the Flyer, but a V8 would give you a basic start if you add a little weight to the camera, but prepared to upgrade if you decide to get serious about Steadicam.

- Mikko
Click to expand...
 
Note: The body-pod is useless for use during movement. It's more of a place to set the rig down and maybe get a static shot. It's solidly attached to the body so it won't isolate bumps like a spring arm.

Do take a good look at the Merlin, it's a very good option for the HVX.

- Mikko
 
mikkowilson said:
Do take a good look at the Merlin, it's a very good option for the HVX.- Mikko
Click to expand...

Hi Mikko. Something I have been wondering about the merlin is how is the monitoring done, is it only through the HVX flip out? Does that cause problems keeping framing if you panned hard left or right, or am I not looking at this properly?

Thanks.
 
caugh CAUGH!!!! *(*

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=72275


CAUGH CAUGH

some demo footage of what the glidecam2000 pro is capable of.

dont fork out the extra dough on a glidecam 4000, just buy extra piping and extend the shaft length. maybe add more weights if need be. But ive been able to ue a 35mm adapter ( ifocus ) No rails, a shotgun mic, and tape while still keeping it in perfect balance, but i think thats its limit. ( with dvx100b )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Owlx13xCjCg
 
peter orland said:
Hi Mikko. Something I have been wondering about the merlin is how is the monitoring done, is it only through the HVX flip out? Does that cause problems keeping framing if you panned hard left or right, or am I not looking at this properly?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Yup, the LCD on the camera is the primary monitor, and is more than enough for most applications.
There is also a super lightweight LCD monitor for the Merlin in development that will go on the front weight position of the rig. That will be even cooler.

- Mikko
 
I already own a Glidecam 2000 that I used with my DV cameras, and hadn't thought of using it with the HVX, which I now plan to try. Can I use the Glidecam 2000 as is or do the folks who have tried this feel that the heavier spring or extension column is necessary to get adequate results? I'll be using the camera with a DVXUser battery and nothing else attached.

Thanks,
Kevin
 
I have tried the 2000 with my HVX and found it unacceptable for the weight of the camera. I didn't spend to much time though. Tell us what you experience
 
I use a Glidecam V16 extensively and got a chance to try both the V25 and the Steadicam Flyer this past April at NAB.

The Glidecam rigs seem to put pressure on my lower back, despite trying various postures to keep the mass centered over my legs. Not sure exactly what it is, but the familiar feeling of a tiny bit of lower back fatigue was evident when I wore the V25.

However, when I tried the Steadicam Flyer, that sense of lower back fatigue wasn't at all evident. And both rigs were supporting the same camera. The Steadicam system just seemed more user-friendly.

The V-25 is a major advancement over the older V-16 and, perhaps, the V-20. But the Steadicam Flyer seemed just a little better in terms of features and machining.

If I were to buy one, I'd get a Flyer.

My best advice is to try both and see for yourself. Different body types could translate into different handling characteristics due to the fit and feel of the vest.
 
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