How to balance the 550D and Glidecam HD1000?

D

daktulus

Well-known member
I just got my Glidecam HD1000 for my 550D plus 18-55, read through all the instruction manuals and videos and made some tests. What are your experiences: How much weight do you put on? When I put 2 pieces of weight on each side, the glidecam is too bottom heavy. With only one weight it seems OK, but the camera is swinging, still shaky and wobbly, should I better use 2 weights and put some extra weight on the camera?
Any hints?
 
I use all 4 weight for my 60D with tokina 11-16, I'm thinking you need to read that manual more in order to balance it right, what you are doing doesn't sound right using only 1 o 2 weight, I'm thinking your camera and your lens is pretty close to my camera and lens, mine is perfect with 4 weights, (8 total)
 
the 550D with Canon´s 18-55 (kit lens) is much lighter than a 60D with Tokina 11-16. When I put on 4 weights (2 on both sides), the drop time is less than a second. With 2 weights I have a 3 second droptime, but I wonder if that little weight is the reason why the camera deosnt seem steady?
 
You might want to check the search results for "Glidecam" in the APS-C section. This question has been addressed many, many times, and there are tons of good information on balancing the smaller cameras/rigs.
 
Last edited:
There is no information about what I asked - the exact number of weights with the lens etc. And of course I did a search before I started a new thread.

So if anybody can answer my questions and share their experiences I´d appreciate it.
 
On glidecam 2000hd with t2i and 17-50 2.8 lens i use no.weights on the bottom and get a slow 3 count. And proper balance.
 
The reason I pointed you to other threads is that it's helpful to understand the principles involved. It's not simply a matter of the "Exact" number of weights for your Glidecam + camera + lens. If the drop time is right, and the camera still wobbles, there are other adjustment points that need attention.

If the camera is still wobbling during use, you're off balance but it may be on a horizontal plane (front to back or left to right) and not a vertical plane. And then, there's practice in how to handle a stabilizer. Balance is one thing, but improper technique will throw it off.

Read other posts. Check out the links and tutorials. They'll teach you what to watch for and how to correct the issues:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?271383-Glidecam-hd1000-first-tests

This one has a link to a YouTube tutorial... different Glidecam, but same process:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?259382-Glidecam-2000-or-the-4000-with-the-Canon-T2i

And there's a reference to a T2i (550D) with kit lens and Glidecam HD1000, and number of weights he used, in this thread:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?245826-Camera-Stabilizer-for-a-T3i
Though he does use a quick-release assembly as well, which adds more weight topside.
 
Last edited:
@Alex H.: Thank you for your efforts, but none of your threads or information was any help at all. On the contrary - I guess people think (seeing all the threads you post) I already have the information I needed. But I do not. Dont get me wrong, I appreciate your efforts, but hope someone can actually share some experiences concerning the HD1000. BTW: is that picture you?

@Everybody else: I´d still like to share HD1000 experiences.
 
I've seen some interesting responses to suggestions on this site, but this one takes the cake. PLONK
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top