new GH2 and Marshall monitor, so Glidecam HD1000 or 2000? ...pics

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pnmd

New member
I'm new to the world of video DSLR. I shoot stills with a D700, the GH2 is so small in comparison lol. My Model Mayhem.

So I was gonna get a Merlin Steadicam until I read CheesyCam's review. He owns the Merlin, Glidecams and likes the Glidecams better b/c "You’ll notice several ‘Tilt’ shots in this video as I point downwards going down the stairs, or point downwards at the skateboard. This type of Gimbal handle also allows for shots pointing upwards or sideways. This was one of the main reasons I left the Steadicam Merlin since it couldn’t support these type of shots.."

http://cheesycam.com/glidecam-hd1000-dslr-video-stabilizer-demonstration/

So, here's my setup: Marshall V-LCD50 monitor on top of the GH2, very lightweight setup. I've seen all the Glidecam and Merlin youtube videos and realize they can be hard to balance. Concerned about the HDMI cable and LCD on top in terms of balance. May add tiny LED light or Rode mic later...maybe. Would it better to mount the LCD on the bottom foot of the Glidecam?

So Glidecam HD1000 or HD2000? Thx :)

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I just received the Glidecam HD1000 yesterday and have been playing with it since; I did purchase it based on the reviews from Cheesycam. It's rated for 3lbs or less but I believe you can go over(slightly). I had the 14-140 kit and a Rode Videomic Pro balanced pretty well but the ergonomics are such that despite the fact the rig might be only 5-6 lbs total, I couldn't imagine using this for a lengthy duration.

There's no place to mount the monitor to the sled of the HD1000 and I don't believe you could fit it on the HD2000 either. The HD4000 might be your best bet. I wouldn't recommend flying it with the monitor atop the camera because that would be just one big sail that would cause the rig to become unstable with any movement.

I'm currently using it with the 20mm 1.7 lens and it requires minimal balancing when I swap out a Fader ND; I will say this, I had it balanced in about 5 minutes my first go around; I do wedding videography and the company I work for has a Merlin and I've yet to see my boss get that thing balanced; The Merlin certainly has its advantages, as you may already know, but it does take time to correctly set up, and like the Glidecam, takes practice to use.

My only negative about the HD1000, and this may be a build problem, is the knob that tightens the center post to the sled is rather loose and I have to He-Man it to get it so it's on there snug and won't move. I may have to contact Glidecam to see whether this is normal; Otherwise I worry about that thing snapping off one day in my hand when I yell "I have the Power!"
 
The FlyCam Nano is considerably cheaper and an option I did consider; However it seems the build quality on these things are hit or miss, and without any fine tuning knobs on the platform, all your adjustments are made by shifting the weights(really just large metal washers) on the sled or moving the camera placement on the platform(something you will have to do on the Glidecam anyway). Depending on how many lenses or other accessories you plan on using and in what application it'll be used in, the price difference and the ability to balance by moving the platform instead of fiddling around with washer placement may be worth it, depending on budget.
 
I have a pro4000 (annoying to fine tune) and looking into an HD. We have a hard time even with a h1 recorder on top as it throw balance way off, so that Marshall is out of the question. You're better off just using the LCD screen and tilting at your desired angle.

For the size and if you don't plan to use a monitor, I think a HD2000 is perfect. Gives you a bit more room if you do plan to add a tiny bit more weight.
 
Gymnut808 said:
My only negative about the HD1000, and this may be a build problem, is the knob that tightens the center post to the sled is rather loose and I have to He-Man it to get it so it's on there snug and won't move. I may have to contact Glidecam to see whether this is normal; Otherwise I worry about that thing snapping off one day in my hand when I yell "I have the Power!"
Click to expand...

I had the same problem, I squeezed that bracket a bit with some pliers and now the knob holds the center post snugly.

stonebat said:
Welcome to vdslr, pnmd. Bring your hotty Model Mayhem to motions!
Click to expand...

that's my plan to make some model videos to go with photoshoots, just another thing to offer clients :happy:

griplimited said:
I have a pro4000 (annoying to fine tune) and looking into an HD. We have a hard time even with a h1 recorder on top as it throw balance way off, so that Marshall is out of the question. You're better off just using the LCD screen and tilting at your desired angle.

For the size and if you don't plan to use a monitor, I think a HD2000 is perfect. Gives you a bit more room if you do plan to add a tiny bit more weight.
Click to expand...

yeah, tried it with the Marshall LCD and it was a pain. Just flying with GH2's flip out screen which works fairly well. I went with the HD1000 b/c wanted to be very portable. The forearm brace really helps distribute weight over my forearm so I can hold it longer. Still trying to balance the Glidecam. Seems like you have to walk smoothly with knees bent for best results...


Here's my setup:
5514228020_758cafea2a_b.jpg
 
Not totally related

Not totally related

Not totally related, but thanks for posting the pic with the LCD 50 on top of the gh2. I was having a hard time visualizing the size of the monitor in comparison to the cam. How do you like the monitor?
 
EWS said:
Not totally related, but thanks for posting the pic with the LCD 50 on top of the gh2. I was having a hard time visualizing the size of the monitor in comparison to the cam. How do you like the monitor?
Click to expand...

I really like the Marshall HDMI monitor, it's a good size, screen is viewable outdoors, great for getting focus. I have an Ikan shoulder brace similar to the Cowboy studio brace. Plan on using the Marshall on a setup like this guy's Express 35 rig but they're sold out...

http://express35.com/info/blog/video-rig-x/

pretty thorough review of the Marshall monitor:
http://www.needcreative.net/main/20...i-5-on-camera-professional-monitor-revie.html
 
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How're you liking that forearm brace? I think that's next on my list of things to get. I've found once balanced I've been able to get very good results, but the overall factor in getting smooth shots seems to be how steady and controlled your hand is holding the down tube.
 
Gymnut808 said:
How're you liking that forearm brace? I think that's next on my list of things to get. I've found once balanced I've been able to get very good results, but the overall factor in getting smooth shots seems to be how steady and controlled your hand is holding the down tube.
Click to expand...

I bought it based on the many positive reviews on BH. I wouldn't use my HD1000 without it now. With the brace, I don't squeeze the handle anymore. It rests on the arm brace and the weight is distributed over the top of your forearm. So you end up using just your biceps vs. no brace you have to use wrist muscles to squeeze the handle and your forearm and biceps to support everything

btw, look at my pic above. I'm using my GH2 with the 20mm/1.7 and it's a light setup so it wasn't necessary to extend the center post down very far...And the bottom of the forearm bracket was hitting the bolts holding the rear weights so I flipped the bolts.
 
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Big fan of pnmd from Flickr. I'm a D700 shooter moving to the GH2 at the same time as you (albeit without your skills!)
 
Hey Pnmd, Im interested in that exact setup you've shown. Any videos you have using that setup?
 
I shoot a lot with the forearm brace and the HD4000. I went with a heavier rig as the inertia is greater and it hovers pretty well handheld, but it's a monster to hold. The armbrace helps somewhat but about 3 minutes and I"m done. I also fly a HMC150 and an AF100.


This was shot with the HMC150 and the HD and glidecam forarm brace.. First day I had the thing...

http://www.electriccowtheater.com/CHRISTMAS 2010/nutcrackerfine.mov





I think the HD is a great setup especially if you decide to buy the steadicam merlin vest

vest.
 
I also need to get a monitor for the rig. I need a constant postion for the montior, especially when doing any don juan shooting. Super hard to do that without a lower positioned monitor, especially without an arm or vest.
 
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