I recently purchased a Glidecam V-16 for my HVX200. I also got the Low Mode Kit, Vehicle Mount, and L7 7" LCD screen, and 3 Storm Cases to hold everything. I am finding the V-16 to be a bit cumbersome and difficult to set up and keep balanced. I'm considering dumping my V-16 system. Is there something out there that would be a better alternative for the HVX200 at the same or lower price? I still want something with a vest so I can wear the camera instead of just hold it. I would also prefer some type of low mode capability. The monitor is not necessary as the HVX200 has its own screen. The vehicle mount isn't that big of a deal since it shouldn't be too difficult to rig my own. Any suggestions?
Glidecam V-16 alternative?
- Thread starter Mike@AF
- Start date
mikkowilson
Steadi-Guru
Wait, did you want better OR cheaper?
Better: Steadicam Flyer.
Cheaper: well.. there are lots of things cheaper than a V-16, not much that I'd recomend though.
- Mikko
Better: Steadicam Flyer.
Cheaper: well.. there are lots of things cheaper than a V-16, not much that I'd recomend though.
- Mikko
mikkowilson
Steadi-Guru
Oop, here we go...
A few biggies:
Fully adjustable vest - much more comfterble than the V16.
vest has a socket block to set the arm angle so you can stand up straight and the rig floats in place.
Iso-eleastic dual section arm with 30" boom range, no other arm in it's class even comes close.
extremely high quality adjustable gimble. (with proper clearances, it's not in thE way all the time and low mode is a snap.)
fully cabled sled.
battery mounts, with 12v power t stage for camera.
video through post from cam to included monitor. (which is down where it should be, so you can see where you are going and see the screen in any proper oprating position)
proper trimable stage with dovetail mount - just turn a knob to balance.
capacity up to 15lb.
custom case, docking and balancing stand included, etc etc.
and that's without even going into build quality and precision.
To be honest, it's not really a fair comparison, as the V-16 is only really a clone dragging at the feet of the Steadicam.
- Mikko
A few biggies:
Fully adjustable vest - much more comfterble than the V16.
vest has a socket block to set the arm angle so you can stand up straight and the rig floats in place.
Iso-eleastic dual section arm with 30" boom range, no other arm in it's class even comes close.
extremely high quality adjustable gimble. (with proper clearances, it's not in thE way all the time and low mode is a snap.)
fully cabled sled.
battery mounts, with 12v power t stage for camera.
video through post from cam to included monitor. (which is down where it should be, so you can see where you are going and see the screen in any proper oprating position)
proper trimable stage with dovetail mount - just turn a knob to balance.
capacity up to 15lb.
custom case, docking and balancing stand included, etc etc.
and that's without even going into build quality and precision.
To be honest, it's not really a fair comparison, as the V-16 is only really a clone dragging at the feet of the Steadicam.
- Mikko
Rookie Filmmaker
Member
Too expensive for my budget right now. I'm sticking with the varizoom flowpod.
Well, I'm holding off on dumping the V-16. Having a little better luck with it today. I still am not sure I'm balancing it right. It seems balanced, but when I move it sways around depending on my movement. I don't if it's because I didn't balance it right or because I just don't have enough experience. Or perhaps there's something wrong with my V-16.
Brooksilver
Active member
Let me know if you want to sell your v-16. Thanks!