HMC 150 stabilization

Phil1076

Well-known member
Hi,

I'm just wondering what you guys use for stabilization. I currently use a Steady Stick for most of my work and I hate it. What's seems to be the best way to stabilize hand-held shots?

Thanks
 
i personally like figrig / halo rig style rigs. havent tried the halo rig yet but do like their flat bottom design which allows you to attach a monopod to it.
 
I use a HD-2000 Glidecam - with the small battery its very manageable and gives beautiful dreamy looking footage.
 
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Lat32Media, excellent video. Two questions about the HD-2000:

1. You mention small battery - you mean for the cam, right? Small to keep the weight down?

2. In use, how long before it becomes too heavy to use. I am considering for weddings and wonder if I would feel comfortable using it for 30 minutes or more.
 
Try downloading the Demo of Mercalli V2, see how far the software solution works for you. I am new to video and my immeadiate future is simple portrait of a place type of footage and it works for me. The demo is free, it just watermarks the output but yiu can see howfar you can push it for your use.
 
I have a Glidecam X-10 set-up...and 30 minutes of shooting is about as long as I can go without a bit of rest...and that's wearing the vest!
You will have a VERY strong back and arm if you are just holding the glidecam 2000.
 
Yes I use the small stock HMC150 battery to keep weight down. 30 minutes is out of the question - but 2-4 min sequences is workable.

HD-2000 is excellent for action shots as well. Balancing is the critical factor. It takes time to get the balance screws in place - but once done you can leave them forever and then make small adjustment on the camera (eyepiece focus ring will make a difference! + the angle of the flip out screen. Always use the glidecam with 2 hands. Here is an action video...running over rough terrain.
 
Lat32Media, I want to say your use of the Glidecam is awesome. Your use of it on terrain as rocky as what you have shown is crazy-good.

I bought a Glidecam HD4000 to use with my HMC150. I need to use something else with it to distribute the weight. Do you have any opinions on the forearm brace? I know the vest is best, but I'm on a budget. Is the forearm brace a waste of money? Should I just continue to save for the vest?
 
Hi Modus - It really depends on the length of the shots. With the vest you are somewhat restricted in maneuverability, so that's a no go for running over rocks etc. I havent tried the forearm, but from what I have read its a fairly inexpensive way to significantly increase your endurance. However many clips do we see in todays fast paced TV that are longer than 20 sec. 1 minute in that regard is an eternity, and thats easily attained "barehanded"- the vest comes into question when you need to carry mics, monitor, light etc.

Here is another rock tour - slower paced but much more difficult than the first, as the terrain is mostly boulders - the action begins at 0:17 - running straight over a huge boulder while pointing the can down and to the right trying to follow the biker.

 
Just wanted to bump this up for some excellent quality glidecam footage.... well done! Im looking into a solution for my HMC150 and this seems like it may be a great possible idea.
 
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