Steadytracker / Glidecam or Dv-Rig Pro ?
- Thread starter Carrington Benz
- Start date
Carrington Benz
Well-known member
Re: Steadytracker / Glidecam or Dv-Rig Pro ?
you may have to hold fire for a bit - Im thinking to swap it for the 4000 now - after some fiddling with 2000 - it looks like my wide angle lens is topping the max weight.
watch this thread
you may have to hold fire for a bit - Im thinking to swap it for the 4000 now - after some fiddling with 2000 - it looks like my wide angle lens is topping the max weight.
watch this thread
pookie_old
Veteran
Re: Steadytracker / Glidecam or Dv-Rig Pro ?
Carrington, I thought you'd find the 2000 to close to the limit for the DVX with any addons. I did mention that on one of your other posts.
I am amazed that people say that the 2000 works for them... you'll find that the 4000 is much better suited.
btw, where did you finally get your Glidecam from, I know you were having trouble finding a place in London?
Carrington, I thought you'd find the 2000 to close to the limit for the DVX with any addons. I did mention that on one of your other posts.
I am amazed that people say that the 2000 works for them... you'll find that the 4000 is much better suited.
btw, where did you finally get your Glidecam from, I know you were having trouble finding a place in London?
Carrington Benz
Well-known member
Re: Steadytracker / Glidecam or Dv-Rig Pro ?
Hey Pookie,
the email from dave at glidecam said
Century op.7x wide angle lens 1lb 6oz
the dvx itself without battery is 3.652 lb
I forgotten off the top of my head how much the 3 & 8 hour batteries weigh but it worked out within the suggested 6lbs - so I figured what the hell.
It totally works fine without the wide angle tho.
In the end I had to order it from a place in yorkshire up north - Im in london & I really did wanna try before I buy but they said they would swap it over or refund me if It was unsatisfactory - can't argue with that
Hey Pookie,
the email from dave at glidecam said
Century op.7x wide angle lens 1lb 6oz
the dvx itself without battery is 3.652 lb
I forgotten off the top of my head how much the 3 & 8 hour batteries weigh but it worked out within the suggested 6lbs - so I figured what the hell.
It totally works fine without the wide angle tho.
In the end I had to order it from a place in yorkshire up north - Im in london & I really did wanna try before I buy but they said they would swap it over or refund me if It was unsatisfactory - can't argue with that
Carrington Benz
Well-known member
Re: Steadytracker / Glidecam or Dv-Rig Pro ?
http://w1.854.telia.com/~u85419426/dvx100/gliderigg.jpg
Also take a look at the above link - I found in the archive.
It shows the dvx with mic etc on the 2000 but it looks like the guy has used all the weights plus a couple more blocks on top.
His footage is here also - http://w1.854.telia.com/~u85419426/dvx100/
click on glide.wmv or glidecat for the results.
Youv'e probably seen it already - but it definitely shows the dvx working with the gc2000 - but without the wide angle lens ???
so kids - listen to pookie & don't get cheap with weight
My lesson has been learned.
By the way - damn this thing hurts - my wrist feels like a piece of nut brittle already & I hope the 4000 isn't any heavier :
Im totally getting what people mean now with all this steady stuff - it isn't what you thought it was when its in your hands.
Still - its all fun stuff
http://w1.854.telia.com/~u85419426/dvx100/gliderigg.jpg
Also take a look at the above link - I found in the archive.
It shows the dvx with mic etc on the 2000 but it looks like the guy has used all the weights plus a couple more blocks on top.
His footage is here also - http://w1.854.telia.com/~u85419426/dvx100/
click on glide.wmv or glidecat for the results.
Youv'e probably seen it already - but it definitely shows the dvx working with the gc2000 - but without the wide angle lens ???
so kids - listen to pookie & don't get cheap with weight
My lesson has been learned.
By the way - damn this thing hurts - my wrist feels like a piece of nut brittle already & I hope the 4000 isn't any heavier :
Im totally getting what people mean now with all this steady stuff - it isn't what you thought it was when its in your hands.
Still - its all fun stuff
G
Guest
Guest
Re: Steadytracker / Glidecam or Dv-Rig Pro ?
I noticed that you're using a forearm brace with the Glidecam 2000, does it help?
I noticed that you're using a forearm brace with the Glidecam 2000, does it help?
spotlightpro
Active member
Re: Steadytracker / Glidecam or Dv-Rig Pro ?
I also went for the GC2000 after a visit to NY and B&H
cost me 280$, that's not so bad
it took me a while to get the balance right on it, now I'm in learning how to use it, I'm getting some nice shots on small movements but sometimes I sill see some undesired movement.
the other problem is no quick release, that means setting everything up everytime, if I want to switch to the tripod and back it becomes annoying, to unscrew 5 screws for that everytime.
the shots do "float" though, as you can see with the first video I took with it (I was paying too much attention to the glidecam though, so the exposure wasn't good, and it came out a little dark)
I also went for the GC2000 after a visit to NY and B&H
cost me 280$, that's not so bad
it took me a while to get the balance right on it, now I'm in learning how to use it, I'm getting some nice shots on small movements but sometimes I sill see some undesired movement.
the other problem is no quick release, that means setting everything up everytime, if I want to switch to the tripod and back it becomes annoying, to unscrew 5 screws for that everytime.
the shots do "float" though, as you can see with the first video I took with it (I was paying too much attention to the glidecam though, so the exposure wasn't good, and it came out a little dark)
michaelcorvin
Active member
Re: Steadytracker / Glidecam or Dv-Rig Pro ?
I've owned a glidecam 2000 pro for a two years now and while i'm not that great at using the thing, i am pleased with it. i bought it to use with my little sony consumer cam and i'm just starting to use it with my DVX. below is a link to a short i did when i first bought it. click on "random acts of violence", second from the left. the first closeup and medium shots of running from the side were shot from a car, everything else was shot with the glidecam.
http://www.e3productions.com/videos/michael.html
sorry i don't have any DVX footage yet but after initial tests i can tell you that the main difference is the weight. i thought it was tiring holding up my little sony camcorder but the DVX tires my arm out after a few minutes. yes it can be a pain to balance but jarred just pointed me to a quick release assembly that i'm hoping will let me balance it once and then not have to touch it again. i balance my DVX with the viewfinder open and with the dvxuser 3500mah li-ion battery. you get used to the balancing process after a while, though. i etched marks into the glidecam once i had it balanced for the DVX so that it only takes me a few minutes now to get it balanced again from scratch. i think the floating shots are great and they're getting better the more i use it. i think that odds are you're going to get used to whichever choice you make and growing experience will lead to better floating shots.
-michael
I've owned a glidecam 2000 pro for a two years now and while i'm not that great at using the thing, i am pleased with it. i bought it to use with my little sony consumer cam and i'm just starting to use it with my DVX. below is a link to a short i did when i first bought it. click on "random acts of violence", second from the left. the first closeup and medium shots of running from the side were shot from a car, everything else was shot with the glidecam.
http://www.e3productions.com/videos/michael.html
sorry i don't have any DVX footage yet but after initial tests i can tell you that the main difference is the weight. i thought it was tiring holding up my little sony camcorder but the DVX tires my arm out after a few minutes. yes it can be a pain to balance but jarred just pointed me to a quick release assembly that i'm hoping will let me balance it once and then not have to touch it again. i balance my DVX with the viewfinder open and with the dvxuser 3500mah li-ion battery. you get used to the balancing process after a while, though. i etched marks into the glidecam once i had it balanced for the DVX so that it only takes me a few minutes now to get it balanced again from scratch. i think the floating shots are great and they're getting better the more i use it. i think that odds are you're going to get used to whichever choice you make and growing experience will lead to better floating shots.
-michael
michaelcorvin
Active member
Re: Steadytracker / Glidecam or Dv-Rig Pro ?
not sure if you're still deciding but i was just at the EVS showroom yesterday, mentioned that i had a dvx100a and a glidecam 2000 pro and he said "good. the glidecam is pretty much the only one that works with the dvx". his name was tommy. this was my first time at EVS so I can't vouch for any of them but he seemed knowledgeable.
not sure if you're still deciding but i was just at the EVS showroom yesterday, mentioned that i had a dvx100a and a glidecam 2000 pro and he said "good. the glidecam is pretty much the only one that works with the dvx". his name was tommy. this was my first time at EVS so I can't vouch for any of them but he seemed knowledgeable.
J.R. Hudson
Spirit Animal
Re: Steadytracker / Glidecam or Dv-Rig Pro ?
[quote author=EShy link=board=Links;num=1097292093;start=15#28 date=11/11/04 at 08:43:20]...is no quick release, that means setting everything up everytime, if I want to switch to the tripod and back it becomes annoying, to unscrew 5 screws for that everytime.
[/quote]
Are you using a Quick Release Camera Plate? Most tripods come with one of these and have you considered using an extra one as a permanent fixture to the GC2000.
I'm thinking just leave it underneath the 'swiss cheese' plate on the GC2000.
[quote author=EShy link=board=Links;num=1097292093;start=15#28 date=11/11/04 at 08:43:20]...is no quick release, that means setting everything up everytime, if I want to switch to the tripod and back it becomes annoying, to unscrew 5 screws for that everytime.
[/quote]
Are you using a Quick Release Camera Plate? Most tripods come with one of these and have you considered using an extra one as a permanent fixture to the GC2000.
I'm thinking just leave it underneath the 'swiss cheese' plate on the GC2000.
Re: Steadytracker / Glidecam or Dv-Rig Pro ?
Yes, It will be nice to have some feedback from tha Aigle, it look very well built and it will be available in Canada before the end of this year.(email from them) The only thing, the Euro is very high, so the price will not be cheap.
Yes, It will be nice to have some feedback from tha Aigle, it look very well built and it will be available in Canada before the end of this year.(email from them) The only thing, the Euro is very high, so the price will not be cheap.
Norm Sanders
Script Wrangler
Re: Steadytracker / Glidecam or Dv-Rig Pro ?
I notice this thread started in October, so I'm a little late in my feedback as well, but here it is for what it's worth.
Like a lot of you, I research the crap out of everything, because I HATE buyer's remorse. To me, the SteadyTracker Extreme appeared to be the best bang for the buck. I believe that ultimately, you need to become proficient at any of the steadytrackers you use, and that's certainly the case with the SteadyTrack Extreme as well.
I find the gimble to have pros & cons. The gimble SHOULD help to smooth out rock & roll that your wrist may not, BUT sometimes I like to tilt my camera to unique angles as I move ... with a gimble it will be a little more difficult to achieve this vs. having the straight stick/arm you're working with on the Extreme.
Also, I'll use the Extreme for high shots over the head, holding it at the base, then slowly lowering down ... kind of a cheap crane shot ... again, more difficult to do this with a gimble system when you only have one place that you can hold onto the unit.
Lastly, if any of you DO buy the SteadyTracker Extreme, I've seen no reason yet why you would need to buy the low mode kit. Anytime I've wanted shots just inches from the ground, I just hold the unit upside down, holding it by the stand/base, which is surprisingly steady (WAY more so than hand held, even when not holding in the "sweet-spot" for balance). Then, in post, I simply flip the picture right side up.
Again, I think anyone can screw up a shot with even the best equipment, so I found the best bang for the buck to be with the SteadyTracker (no, I'm not endorsing ProMax, etc.). Just practice, practice, practice with ANYTHING you get until it's to your level of expectation.
I notice this thread started in October, so I'm a little late in my feedback as well, but here it is for what it's worth.
Like a lot of you, I research the crap out of everything, because I HATE buyer's remorse. To me, the SteadyTracker Extreme appeared to be the best bang for the buck. I believe that ultimately, you need to become proficient at any of the steadytrackers you use, and that's certainly the case with the SteadyTrack Extreme as well.
I find the gimble to have pros & cons. The gimble SHOULD help to smooth out rock & roll that your wrist may not, BUT sometimes I like to tilt my camera to unique angles as I move ... with a gimble it will be a little more difficult to achieve this vs. having the straight stick/arm you're working with on the Extreme.
Also, I'll use the Extreme for high shots over the head, holding it at the base, then slowly lowering down ... kind of a cheap crane shot ... again, more difficult to do this with a gimble system when you only have one place that you can hold onto the unit.
Lastly, if any of you DO buy the SteadyTracker Extreme, I've seen no reason yet why you would need to buy the low mode kit. Anytime I've wanted shots just inches from the ground, I just hold the unit upside down, holding it by the stand/base, which is surprisingly steady (WAY more so than hand held, even when not holding in the "sweet-spot" for balance). Then, in post, I simply flip the picture right side up.
Again, I think anyone can screw up a shot with even the best equipment, so I found the best bang for the buck to be with the SteadyTracker (no, I'm not endorsing ProMax, etc.). Just practice, practice, practice with ANYTHING you get until it's to your level of expectation.
Re: Steadytracker / Glidecam or Dv-Rig Pro ?
Late post, but I just thought I would share my experience. I borrowed a Glidecam 2000 from a friend. I've spent about 3 hours total trying to balance the thing and I have yet to achieve floating.
It would be nice if they gave you a chart where you could look up the weight of the camera with accessories, and then they told you how much counterweight to use and the appropriate length of the telescoping arm.
As it is, guess and check is taking forever, and every minor tweak I make throws something else off.
PS - you really want to make sure everything screw is secure before you perform the "sled arc" test
Late post, but I just thought I would share my experience. I borrowed a Glidecam 2000 from a friend. I've spent about 3 hours total trying to balance the thing and I have yet to achieve floating.
It would be nice if they gave you a chart where you could look up the weight of the camera with accessories, and then they told you how much counterweight to use and the appropriate length of the telescoping arm.
As it is, guess and check is taking forever, and every minor tweak I make throws something else off.
PS - you really want to make sure everything screw is secure before you perform the "sled arc" test
Alexa
Veteran
Re: Steadytracker / Glidecam or Dv-Rig Pro ?
What about a Steadicam, Jr.?
I tried that at a tradeshow and was almost sold. The camera used for the demos was a canon gl2? so, smaller and lighter though. To clarify..that camera worked amazingly with it. However, add the extra weight of the dvx, lenses, etc..it might be different. I think we' d need some kind of counterweight.
What about a Steadicam, Jr.?
I tried that at a tradeshow and was almost sold. The camera used for the demos was a canon gl2? so, smaller and lighter though. To clarify..that camera worked amazingly with it. However, add the extra weight of the dvx, lenses, etc..it might be different. I think we' d need some kind of counterweight.
Animal Chin
Animal Chin
Skate vids shouldnt be smooth by default. Show the pure energy with a shaky cam. Mount the cam on the board if you can ride. If you ride something else for footage then pose away.
I appreciacte the glide cam foots but it doesnt seem realistic...
Chin... That is some ditch riding madness....
-Wick
Animal Chin
Skate vids shouldnt be smooth by default. Show the pure energy with a shaky cam. Mount the cam on the board if you can ride. If you ride something else for footage then pose away.
I appreciacte the glide cam foots but it doesnt seem realistic...
Chin... That is some ditch riding madness....
-Wick