Glidecam Test with DVX100

Re: Glidecam Test with DVX100

..for balancing i always set the cam up and did everything to make it ready to shoot but turn it on. cause even forgetting toi atke the lense cap off will make you have to rebalance after you realize it on. the arm brace is a nice thing to make it easier to hold for long periods of time, but it also decreases the fluidity of the system, because it takes your wrist out of the equation,which is where alot of shock absorbtion takes place. its kind of a tradeoff, but once you get used to getting smooth shots just by using your body, and the way you move, i imagine that even without wrist articulation, the shots are really great.
 
Re: Glidecam Test with DVX100


I started out with a Steadicam Jr, tremendous set up time, limited angles and movement of the camera, and cheap construction. Didn't like it at all.

Then I got a Glidecam 2000, MORE set up time, angles still limited by the gimble, but solid construction. My conclusion, nice product but too limited in its use due to set up time and the gimble. It did break once (piece came off) but Glidecam replaced it immediately with no questions.

I have finally settled on the Steadytracker from Promax. It so looks like it can't do the job. I actually drove up to Promax in Irvine to test it out myself before buying it (being burnt twice already). It was awesome! It's simplicity, ease of use, speedy set up time, and its versatility. I can do things with a Steadytracker that I would never dream of doing with one of the others. Inverting it for low shots, being able to control it like a handheld and then immediately rolling into a moving steady shot, passing it off, throwing it up on my shoulder for overhead shots. Very sturdy construction. Just an awesome piece of equipment to have.

Now, with the Steadicam JR and the Glidecam 2000 (the gimbled rigs) you can potentially get a smoother shot, but I'll be damned if I'll ever have 2 hours of set up time to get it just right each time.

I used the Glidecam 2000 on Death, the Desert, and Joe in a few places...an old drunken short film my friends and I shot a few years ago.

http://www.exfilms.com/downloads/ddj.mov

The scene with Joe running towards the gate with me running backwards in front of him was one...the scene where he cries by the fireplace was another. And the scene at the end where Death approaches Joe's house was another (and the best I ever got the thing to work).

I would be happy to shoot some test footage of the Steadytracker and post it if anyone is interested. The Steadytracker is also the least expensive of the lot I think.
 
Re: Glidecam Test with DVX100

Yes! Post your Steadytracker stuff. I watched the Steadytracker online promo. Your right. From the looks of it, you wouldn't think it could compete with a Glidecam or Steadicam. I didn't like that the online video was all about set up (although with the length of time you all talk about, the brevity of time is quite a strength!). They didn't show footage taken with the Steadytracker, which made me suspicious.

I also watched the footage of the FlowPod. It wasn't bad. Not as smooth as the Glidecam 2000 or Steadicam Jr., and more expensive. However, I suspect set up is quicker, and it doubles as a monopod. Anyone with experience with that one?
 
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