Latest consensus on glidecam type devices?

[ProAmateur]

I was wondering what the most recent forum consensus was on which handheld stabilizer would be the best for the HMC150?

I know its been asked/discussed before (and yes I did search) but I wondered what the latest thoughts were.

I am looking at the Steadicam Merlin or Glidecam HD-2000. The potential cameras used would be HMC150, Canon 7D, and Canon 1DMKIV...mostly HMC150. For my purposes, all the cameras would be "naked" for lack of a better term...meaning no matte boxes, shotgun mics, etc etc. The shots I would use it for would not require audio to be recorded, so no big mics or audio set-ups required. Which is a good thing, since it will be all handheld...meaning no arm or vest. It seems a naked HMC150 is well within the weight range of both models.

So what are the latest thoughts? I see things about both I like, and things about both I don't like. The Merlin seems better insofar as the location of the hand grip seems better...as in directly below the camera (weight). But the Glidecam design seems it might be slightly easier to achieve dynamic balance (easier...not easy) Can some of you with some hands-on experience give me some of your thoughts.

I know both require mucho practice, and I am willing to put in the time. I just would like to start off with the model that is best suited for a beginner.

Regards,

G.
Physicist

 

[Ken Steadman]

I have used both the merlin and the glidecam hd4000. For a naked hmc only the merlin works fine the hmc is so light it's not a problem but it is a bit sensitive to wind because the total mass of the system isn't that big. I tried using the hmc with a small 35mm adapter with the merlin and it did work but I felt like it was going to break at any moment. I have recently switched to the glidecam and bought an adapter post for the glidecam to fit the steadicam vest. This combination is really great you get a good amount of enertia from the higher mass so it's very stable. As far as direct differences the glidecam is easier to set you drop time/lower mass, but the merlin is much better/quicker to do your fine front/back/left right adjustments.

With both of them I would recommend the merlin vest, your footage will look so much better and your arms will appreciate it.

if you understand the physics of steadicam it will come VERY easy to you, it will come very natural and you will be a pro in no time.

 

[AGMedia]

Without writing an essay -- the best option at the moment for a "naked" HMC150 is the Glidecam HD-2000 (the 4000 is too big for the HMC150). The Merlin is slightly easier to use, but you can only shoot straight ahead of you. With the HD-2000 you can point up, down, wherever, and get stabilized footage. If you want to improve on the HD-2000, get a vest and arm. Also, the HD-2000 is much easier to balance than the old 2000 Pro.

The above being said -- there are reasons why there are training courses and guys who make their livings operating these things -- using a Glidecam properly is a field in itself -- and it will require weeks/months of practice. And, after you get past the beginner stage, you'll next discover that it's an art form -- meaning that there are bunch of people out there who can balance their Glidecam/camera -- but they still suck.