Glidecam Test with DVX100

ponder8n

ponder8n

Active member
I recently bought one of those small Glidecam's and needed to learn how to use it with the DVX100. So, I shot this footage as a learning experience. Then, I tweaked it in post. Of all the stuff I've done with the DVX, this came out the most "film-like".

Shot on F5. Edited, color corrected, diffused and level adjustemented in FCP. Corner vignetting added in post. Music by Music 2 Hues.

http://toppup.com/caleb/suspense.wmv (Windows, 8MB)

http://toppup.com/caleb/suspense_mp4.html (QT MP4, 10MB)

Let me know your thoughts.

Russell
 
Re: Glidecam Test with DVX100

i didnt really look at the way the picture looked, as much as i watched the camera movement. it was ok. there was alot of roll to it though. the camera usually tends to roll when its slightly off balance, and you take a fast corner, or change directions too quick. what i do sometimes which can really make it easier to stop this from happening for a rock solid level shot, is just use a lock to stop the camera from being able to roll on that axis. basiclly, you just have to connect the handle to the bracket , so that it cant use that bearing that normally allows the camera to roll on the handle, and the camera becomes locked straight up and down with the handle.. then you still have pitch forward and backwards, and of course yaw/panning from left to right from the bracket and main gimbal, but the camera cant roll from side to side at all. and if you dont need it for a shot(which is most shots) you can eliminate it alltogether, as long as you hold it level..(which is very easy). otherwise i would just say concentrate on making slow, and fluid movements and turns. even if your subject is moving fast, it should feel like the camera is floating gently and slowly around them..as if it doesnt have to make a real effort to keep the subject in view/frame . this of course is achieved through practiseing the shot , and knowing in advance where your subject is going , and what they are doing. caus e even if the shot id smooth. its jarring to the audience if it feels like they are looking through the eys of a hummingbird hanging around the subject. (not saying yours was like that, just that it it was more frantic than mellow) you really dont want the audience to notice the camera movement, as much as they should accept it as a natural flow to the shot imho.. although if you want to depict fratnicism like "cops" or "saving private ryan" or somthing.. it can be to your advantage.. all i all again i thought it was good,espescially for getting your hands wet on with the rig, and i dont really know what type of mood you were going for here. but with steadicam work practise always makes perfect.
 
Re: Glidecam Test with DVX100

Through much of the shot, I was watching the boys head. It kept going between above the top of the frame and back down to the magic 1/3 level. Was that deliberate or was the Glidecam rocking a bit out of control? Also, you did a long scene without a cut (the kitchen sequence), which I would suspect is harder to maintain balance. Actually, I was more impressed with the running sequence, where there was minimal, if any up and down bouncing (which, of course, is the point of the Glidecam in this situation). Thanks for the post and sharing that because I'm in the market for a Glidecam 2000 (i.e., the least expensive one!).
 
Re: Glidecam Test with DVX100

I think this was only a test.

Definate rockin and rollin but I imagine as one becomes more experienced with the stablizer the better it will be.

I would like to see more as your experience grows.
 
Re: Glidecam Test with DVX100

Nice first outing. There was a lot of wobbly-ness throughout. I'm not sure about your particular model, but having a horizontal handle usually takes care of the horizontal unsteadyness. Keep it up, and you'll be super smooth in no time!
 
Re: Glidecam Test with DVX100

The footage was *wobbley*...but it was NOT *jittery*. The CAM did definitely GLIDE, lol. I bet it looks even better when you've been practicing with it :D

And just a question to tag along here, I have access to a Steadicam that was intended for 35mm productions, for a feature I'm doing this summer. Will my DVX work properly with this, or might it a) not fit, or; b) be too small/light?

Thanks,
-MIKE
 
Re: Glidecam Test with DVX100

Hey Russell,

Was that a Glidecam 2000? I have had one of those for a few years myself. It was an impulse buy back when I bought one of my first digital 3CCD cameras (GL1). To be honest, I have used it a total of 3 times, just playing around with it. Never on a real job. I just never could get the hang of it.

Recently, I broke it out again when my DVX100A came in...I had a difficult time getting it to balance (although I didn't spend a lot of time). Once again, just toy'd with it. I'd love some pointers on how you ultimately balanced it. Perhaps I need to break it out again here soon and really spend some time with it. :)

I thought it was very interesting to watch. I did see some of the same wondering of the balance, but the gist of what your were trying to accomplish was there. If this was just a quick first test, I'd think you'll get it down after a bit. I just never spent enough time getting it balanced, and since most of my shoots were run and gun events, I never could see using out on a job. Just didn't have the patience or time.

Keep them coming. I enjoy seeing your work.

Andrew
Crystal Clear Media
 
Re: Glidecam Test with DVX100

i got the 2000 and the learning curve is pretty intense.. good job for just getting it.
 
Re: Glidecam Test with DVX100

I don't have one, but want one. One guy on the net said from the time he opened the box until the time he had it balanced to his satisfaction was about two hours (he had a GL2). Does this sound about right? It surprised me when I heard that. The learning curve you mention Jarred, I suspect, is in using the Glidecam after it's been balanced. Right?
 
Re: Glidecam Test with DVX100

Another question I have is this. Once you have it set to balance a camera, how much of a hassle is it to switch to another camera? If you have things in balance, can you write down the number of weights on each side and make a quick change as you go between cameras?
 
Re: Glidecam Test with DVX100

That's not bad for a test. It's light years above most handheld stuff. It looks like your 16X9 crop cut into the boys head during framing. Maybe your next test could compensate for that. You could do the Robert Rodriguez bit and use slow motion to cut out some jitteriness. Otherwise, a pretty promising first crack.
 
Re: Glidecam Test with DVX100

Balance was pretty tricky. For example, after I got it all balanced, I then opened the side LCD screen, and I was back out of balance. It's that picky.

So yes, you have to re-balance it after you change cameras.

Russell
 
Re: Glidecam Test with DVX100

Oh yeah!!! Balance and constant monitoring of the balance is KEY. I notice with my Glidecam V8 as the tape is shot overtime the balance ever so slightly goes out of wack...
 
Re: Glidecam Test with DVX100

[quote author=ponder8n link=board=Clips;num=1079098932;start=0#12 date=03/15/04 at 12:40:49] For example, after I got it all balanced, I then opened the side LCD screen, and I was back out of balance.  It's that picky.  

So yes, you have to re-balance it after you change cameras.

[/quote]

And how long would that take, 2-3 minutes or 20 minutes.


[quote author=Taylor_Moore link=board=Clips;num=1079098932;start=0#13 date=03/15/04 at 14:03:48]I notice with my Glidecam V8 as the tape is shot overtime the balance ever so slightly goes out of wack...[/quote]

That seems incredibly sensitive. The ads on the net and video demos make is seem soooo easy.
 
Re: Glidecam Test with DVX100

Calibrating has got to be the single most important part of the process. I just spent I don't know how long doing it.

First you have Horizontal. Then you have Vertical. Then comes the 'Arc' Test. Jeez.

And oh yeah, that LCD. Thank god I remembered this aprt of the thread before it really messed me up. I've only been 'playing' for a little while tonight but have to note that getting used to using that second hand as a 'Guide' is crucial.

My take.
 
Re: Glidecam Test with DVX100

Any alternative stabilizers that are easy to use and not so sensitive? Steadicam Jr.? SteadyTracker? FlowPod?

After hearing all of this, I apologize to Ponder8n for any criticisms of his first time out that I posted above. I revise my comments: Nice first time out!
 
Re: Glidecam Test with DVX100

LOL

Good point Magic. I too regret any negative comments (regarding rockin').
Wow. They are not kidding about the learning curve. But, hey, Magic, don't trip! Sensitivty is a good thing. I mean, you can really tweak this thing to the finest detail. It's like any other tool. You have to take the time to appreciate it and understand how it works. I imagine using the other Stabilizers are the same (Of course, if you have doubts, try them out!).

Now, on to my new take:

WOW! This thing is killer! It really does do as they say. The DVX is floating through thin air. I mean, I was jogging, walking, creepy crawlin'.

No matter the movement, the camera glides on ice and floats through the air. I was trippin! I am so stoked! Another wonderful tool in the arsenal!

Yes!

Granted it will take time to learn and my right forearm is killing me (Insert you joke HERE) and now I know why they invented the BODY POD.

Anyway...
 
Re: Glidecam Test with DVX100

The Body Pod doesn't do what you think it does.  There's no articulated arm on it.  It doesn't help stabilize things, in fact it makes shots LESS SMOOTH.

Think of the Body Pod as basically a mobile tripod.  You rest the camera on it in-between shots.  Or, you lean up against a wall and you BECOME the tripod.  But you can't walk around with the camera on the body pod and hope for smooth shots, because they won't be.

The key distinction is, with the GlideCam and other handheld stabilizers, they're counting on the flexibility of your arm as part of the whole stabilizing equation.  Expensive vest systems (like the V-8) include articulated arms that hold the camera. With the Body Pod, the camera is no longer on that kind of flexible arm, it's on a rigid shaft that's ridigly mounted -- so no flex, no bounce, no more "glide".

If you want support, you need to get the forearm brace.  It does help quite a bit.  It distributes the weight across your forearm, instead of on your wrist.  Pat shoots our TV show in 10-minute takes using the forearm brace, and while it does of course kill him, it's much better than just using the handle.

I'd think the Body Pod would be the only way you could get through a wedding or a long event with a GlideCam.  You have to be able to rest, so if you could lean up against a wall and put the camera on there, then you could still sort of tripod-shoot, while not killing your arm... seems like at that point you'd be crossing the line over into something like the DVRigPro though...
 
Re: Glidecam Test with DVX100

Tks for the tip Barry. I will def not be getting the V8 (boocoo cash) but the brace might be of interest for sure. I dont plan on abusing the Glidecam ala ER but will most def use it!

YEah, the arm is killing! lol
 
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