STEADICAM/FLYCAM for GH1
- Thread starter terra1
- Start date
These are my modified bags. You can see the pocket on the monopod bag (top of picture); that's where I keep the quick-release plate. In the camera bag I used heavy duty foam to separate the equipment, and still leave room for filters, wireless remote, etc. It's all very handy for quick jobs. Pretty cool, right?
dvxhutch
Well-known member
That's not true at all.
The gimbal handle on the Glidecam HD series allows for far more flexibility than the Merlin, allowing for far better panning and tilting.
I used to use the Merlin but left it behind for the Glidcams. They're cheaper too.
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These are my modified bags. You can see the pocket on the monopod bag (top of picture); that's where I keep the quick-release plate. In the camera bag I used heavy duty foam to separate the equipment, and still leave room for filters, wireless remote, etc. It's all very handy for quick jobs. Pretty cool, right?
I'm having a nightmare trying to get the picture to show...
Whats the weight like on those? Ideally I'd like something inbetween the two I've been looking at at around the £350 mark... could this be it?
dvxhutch
Well-known member
Do you mean the weight of the Glidecam itself or the weight capacity?
For the gh1, the Glidecam HD 1000 is excellent. It's small and compact (smaller and lighter than the Merlin) and takes up to 1.3 KG. The gh1 is 385g, the kit lens it 485, so even with the battery and filters you still have weight left over.
The 2000 and 4000 are considerably bigger and heavier than the Merlin; the 2000 may be an option if you plan to mount a monitor and mic, lights, etc., but the 1000 should be fine. The 4000 will take cameras like the HVX and upcoming AF 100.
Make sure you buy from B&H in the US; even with shipping it's much cheapeir than UK, Europe, or Australia.
On B&H, the 1000 is $329 plus about $80 shipping, so just over US$400, which is considerably cheaper than 350 pounds. BUt if you buy locally you'll pay much more.
Here's a video showing the 1000 in use; notice when he goes downstairs how easy it is to tilt.
GOOD LUCK
http://cheesycam.com/glidecam-hd1000-dslr-video-stabilizer-demonstration/
For the gh1, the Glidecam HD 1000 is excellent. It's small and compact (smaller and lighter than the Merlin) and takes up to 1.3 KG. The gh1 is 385g, the kit lens it 485, so even with the battery and filters you still have weight left over.
The 2000 and 4000 are considerably bigger and heavier than the Merlin; the 2000 may be an option if you plan to mount a monitor and mic, lights, etc., but the 1000 should be fine. The 4000 will take cameras like the HVX and upcoming AF 100.
Make sure you buy from B&H in the US; even with shipping it's much cheapeir than UK, Europe, or Australia.
On B&H, the 1000 is $329 plus about $80 shipping, so just over US$400, which is considerably cheaper than 350 pounds. BUt if you buy locally you'll pay much more.
Here's a video showing the 1000 in use; notice when he goes downstairs how easy it is to tilt.
GOOD LUCK
http://cheesycam.com/glidecam-hd1000-dslr-video-stabilizer-demonstration/
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Is that $80 for shipping to the uk? Sometimes we have to pay import tax for things bought outside the uk but you're right b&h always seems so much cheaper than anywhere else!
I'm soon to buy a HMC150 which is 1.7kg.
I'm not 100% sure if I'd end up using this for glidecam shots too or if I'll only use the dslr but you say if I have to go to the 2000 there's a bit difference in size and weight?
How does the 2000 compare to the merlin?
Read a lot of good things about the glidecams so don't really want to go merlin unless I have to.
I guess I could just only use the dslr for glidecam shots only.
Not having used dslr much for video I'm having a hard time convincing myself to make the jump 100% but I think it's inevitable really..
I'm soon to buy a HMC150 which is 1.7kg.
I'm not 100% sure if I'd end up using this for glidecam shots too or if I'll only use the dslr but you say if I have to go to the 2000 there's a bit difference in size and weight?
How does the 2000 compare to the merlin?
Read a lot of good things about the glidecams so don't really want to go merlin unless I have to.
I guess I could just only use the dslr for glidecam shots only.
Not having used dslr much for video I'm having a hard time convincing myself to make the jump 100% but I think it's inevitable really..
D-Sand, I can see the photo now (must have been blocked at work!) Looks excellent! I might copy that idea...!
DVXHutch how do you do the tilt down when walking down stairs then? does the 1000 have some sort of axis control that the merlin doesnt?
Really like the look of that 1000, and its so small!
DVXHutch how do you do the tilt down when walking down stairs then? does the 1000 have some sort of axis control that the merlin doesnt?
Really like the look of that 1000, and its so small!
mikkowilson
Steadi-Guru
That's true very much at all.
"Ergonomics", how it feels to use. The Merlin places the weight above you hand; the Glidecam places it next to you hand. Above your hand the weight sits on your hand; next to you hand, then weight twists & torques your wrist. The Merlin is easier on your hand & wrist.
Both units have comparable "flexibility" in what their gimbals can do.
And the Glidecams are cheaper. In both ways.
- Mikko
im confident in my arm and wrist its more the back I'm worried about but like you Mikko said if I do it correctly, I shouldnt get pain.
Will the Glidecam allow for quick switching between it and a tripod like the merlin would with an accessory? If so is an accessory required in glidecams case too?
Is there any DISadvantage of a lighter unit? The advantage is obvious but do you tend to get smoother shots with a heavier unit and lighter cam, or a lighter cam on a light unit? IF I go glidecam I need to decide between the 1000 and 2000.
Will the Glidecam allow for quick switching between it and a tripod like the merlin would with an accessory? If so is an accessory required in glidecams case too?
Is there any DISadvantage of a lighter unit? The advantage is obvious but do you tend to get smoother shots with a heavier unit and lighter cam, or a lighter cam on a light unit? IF I go glidecam I need to decide between the 1000 and 2000.
mikkowilson
Steadi-Guru
Heavier = more inertia, more stable. But. Heavier = more tiring handheld, more fatigue, loss of operating precision & control.
Goes both ways. Applies to all Stabilizers.
You could of course buy any regular quick-release system for the Glidecam; but that adds weight (See par 2 above); whereas the Merlin's is built-in, so doesn't add any weight.
- Mikko
Goes both ways. Applies to all Stabilizers.
You could of course buy any regular quick-release system for the Glidecam; but that adds weight (See par 2 above); whereas the Merlin's is built-in, so doesn't add any weight.
- Mikko
dvxhutch
Well-known member
I disagree. I find the Glidecam HD series offers considerably more flexibility in their gimbal handle, especially for walking up and down stairs, when you have to tilt abruptly.
dvxhutch
Well-known member
Obviously Mikko disagrees with me - and you should certainly listen to him - but I used the Merlin and while it is easier on the USER (than the 2000 and 4000), like I said, in terms of panning and tilting I actually find the Glidecams superior. The 1000 is lighter than the Merlin, is simple to take in your luggage, so I think the best solution for DSLRs is the HD 1000.
The $80 delivery was to Australia; I imagine it's cheaper to UK as it's closer, but I don't know about taxes. Just shoot B&H an email and they'll tell you.
You should also look into stabilizing software; FCPs SMOOTHCAM does a decent job of putting the finishing smoothing touches if its a windy day and their are a few shakes (and if you go for a cheap stabilizer like the Hague you'll need to use it a lot!!!).
AFTER EFFECTS also does stabilization, but it often crops your footage somewhat. It's similar to when you uprez 720p slo mo to 1080p - there's a loss in quality, but not a huge one.
The HMC 150 will need the HD 2000.
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interestingly I did some tests yesterday with 720p 50fps up to 1080 and you're right the quality loss was smaller than I thought. I know this is off topic but indeed when the end product is a DVD I found almost no difference between shooting 720 and shooting 1080, I'd imagine the difference will be there with bluray though.
ANYWAY... I think the thing for me to do is to practise with my GH1 for video a bit more (I've barely used it) and after a couple of weeks if I decide this is good enough to be my main cam at a wedding then I'll go for the Glidecam 1000 and just accept the fact that the HMC150 won't go on it. IF however I'm not sold on the DSLR thing and decide to buy 2 HMC150's then I'll get back to comparing the 2000 and the Merlin.
I'll also email B&H now and get confirmation on shipping and taxes. I really appreciate everyone's help.
edit:
Bugger... no need for an email... this brings it in line with UK prices.
Now to find a friend who's going to america some time soon
SubTotal: $329.95
Duties & Tax : $132.43
Shipping: $58.14
ANYWAY... I think the thing for me to do is to practise with my GH1 for video a bit more (I've barely used it) and after a couple of weeks if I decide this is good enough to be my main cam at a wedding then I'll go for the Glidecam 1000 and just accept the fact that the HMC150 won't go on it. IF however I'm not sold on the DSLR thing and decide to buy 2 HMC150's then I'll get back to comparing the 2000 and the Merlin.
I'll also email B&H now and get confirmation on shipping and taxes. I really appreciate everyone's help.
edit:
Bugger... no need for an email... this brings it in line with UK prices.
Now to find a friend who's going to america some time soon
SubTotal: $329.95
Duties & Tax : $132.43
Shipping: $58.14
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mojo43
Well-known member
interestingly I did some tests yesterday with 720p 50fps up to 1080 and you're right the quality loss was smaller than I thought. I know this is off topic but indeed when the end product is a DVD I found almost no difference between shooting 720 and shooting 1080, I'd imagine the difference will be there with bluray though.
ANYWAY... I think the thing for me to do is to practise with my GH1 for video a bit more (I've barely used it) and after a couple of weeks if I decide this is good enough to be my main cam at a wedding then I'll go for the Glidecam 1000 and just accept the fact that the HMC150 won't go on it. IF however I'm not sold on the DSLR thing and decide to buy 2 HMC150's then I'll get back to comparing the 2000 and the Merlin.
I'll also email B&H now and get confirmation on shipping and taxes. I really appreciate everyone's help.
edit:
Bugger... no need for an email... this brings it in line with UK prices.
Now to find a friend who's going to america some time soon
SubTotal: $329.95
Duties & Tax : $132.43
Shipping: $58.14
The Flycam nano is a cheaper option if you are just trying to fly a dslr. It is a knock off of the Glidecam and works well.