Steadicam Jr. vs Others

kylelewis1

kylelewis1

Well-known member
For those who have experience using stabilization devices, I am wondering what the best one is that is not very expensive. The Steadicam Jr. seems to have a pretty good reputation, but I was wondering if anyone has used some of the generic ones or another brand (like the glidecam) that I have seen on eBay a lot.

Any information would be appreciated.

Kyle ::)
 
Re: Steadicam Jr. vs Others

the glidecam 2000 was my pick, i think its the best of the handheld suited for the dvx.
 
Re: Steadicam Jr. vs Others

although its a shoulder mount the dvrig pro is giving me some pretty good results. it has taken some prarice to get it fairly smooth ,but it seems to be getting better everyday
 
Re: Steadicam Jr. vs Others

The DVX exceeds the stated weight limit on the Steadicam JR. I'm sure people have made it work anyway, but the camera is heavier than the JR says it can handle.

I got a GlideCam 4000 PRO. Works great. Filmmaker58 on this board shoots a bi-weekly TV show for me using it, and it delivers great footage (but then again, he is a master operator too).

None of these devices are very easy to use right away. They all take practice, practice, practice, and more practice.
 
Re: Steadicam Jr. vs Others

Acorrding to FEDEX, I am getting my Glidecam Pro 2000 today. I'll let you guys know how it works for me. I have finesse skills. ;)
 
Re: Steadicam Jr. vs Others

Glidecam 2000 pro is perfect. The 4000 is a bit better. Stick with the glidecam series in my opinion if your looking for as close to the body mounted look.
 
Re: Steadicam Jr. vs Others

Dude, everytime I see a post from you, I laugh. NOt because it's a funny post, but because I see Johnny Depp as Ed Wood and it just cracks me up! :D
 
Re: Steadicam Jr. vs Others

[quote author=Barry_Green link=board=Links;num=1079317858;start=0#3 date=03/15/04 at 11:31:09]

None of these devices are very easy to use right away.  They all take practice, practice, practice, and more practice.[/quote] Amen to that! Requires a half-day to balance properly and at least a week of steady practice before the first good shot. But then, oh boy, they look great!
 
Re: Steadicam Jr. vs Others

Once you get that 2000 balanced for the DVX, PLEASE post a picture and/or give some pointers!

I have had the Glidecam 2000 for nearly 3 years.  Haven't used it much at all.  Pulled it out a couple of weeks ago to try with the DVX for the first time.  I flat out couldn't get it balanced.  Constant swaying no matter what I tried.  I am sure it just takes more time than I spent.  I am a bit impatient with this device and have contemplated selling it many times.

Any and all advice is welcome.

Andrew
Crystal Clear Media
 
Re: Steadicam Jr. vs Others

..what? i just balanced it once, and then always used the same exact setup whenever it was on the cam, and if you use a quick release plate, its near perfectly balanced when you just stick it on there every time afterwards. a little tweak here, and a little tweak there, and its perfect, about 2 minutes max for balancing each time afterwards. its definitely well worth your time to get it working right.
 
Re: Steadicam Jr. vs Others

I have a Glidecam V8 and it only takes me 10 minutes to balance and that's after it was completely reassembled...
 
Re: Steadicam Jr. vs Others

This is my first post, please be kind to me.

I haven't received shipment of my newly purchased DVX100 yet, but I did receive my Glidecam 2000 Pro today and just for kicks, I strapped on my 1927 Kodak Model B 16mm camera to practice balancing and moving around my apartment. I'm happy to say that it took me less than 2 minutes to tweak the balance. A word of advice: try to centre (yes "centre" - I'm Canadian) the camera on the mounting plate first. If it's really close to being centred there, then it's much easier to tweak it on the rig.

I hope to have some test footage posted very soon. If anyone has Glidecam footage, I'd love to see it.

cheers,
Paulino
 
Re: Steadicam Jr. vs Others

Nice!

Yes, I took some time to balance my Glidecam 2000 Pro and after that, it is all good. Whenever I mount the DVX100 it takes about 2 minutes to tweak it and the imagery is, well, stunning. It truly looks like a steadicam shot you see in the Wood.

Very easy to use and everytime I use it, the shots get better and better. A great tool for the arsenal. Definatley take the time to learn it as you will not be disapointed!
 
Re: Steadicam Jr. vs Others

I use a home built. It will stand up to the Steadycam 4000. I ordered a book from http://www.dvcamerarigs.com/
I built a 13' camera crane before I had built my stabilizer using pics from the web. I wished I had the book for the crane because of the detail that went into it.
I just used them both on a music video I did.
I was amazed! others asking me how I got the shots I did.
I also think there is a misconception with some that you use it with only one hand. This is incorrect. I can see the camera all over the place if handled this way.
Anyway the stabilizer only cost me about $40 to build, the crane about $100 In my opinion VERY WORTH IT!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top