The easiest glidecam/steadicam these days?

[NorBro]

From my past experience using one of the industry standard (but on the lower budget side) stabilization systems, it was just a pain to use. Too much balancing, heavy vest, gimbal, weights, cumbersome, etc.

I'm assuming the answer is no, but is there anything out there that's quick, easy to setup and works wonderfully for handheld glidecam/steadicam type shots?

Thank you.

 

[ProTekProductions]

You can try using a dolly track system, it's much smoother for some shots and can be reset easily. Or put a jib/crane on a dolly track to get more mobility. The only downside is that you have to lay the tracks and get everything set up which might take more time than using a steadicam system. And you're limited to how long the tracks are.

If you want the steadyness of a tripod and the mobility of a shoulder rig or even handheld, a steadicam system is something you'd want. I don't think that there's much of an alternative if you want steadicam type shots. Using a dolly track/jib could make it a lot more complex depending on the set up.

I've only used the Glidecam HD series, more specifically the HD4000 with light weight DLSRs set ups, my endurance on that thing is okay. Like about half an hour of running around. It would be better with the spring loaded arm/vest system as I wouldn't have all of the weight on my right arm and it would be more steady.

I'd use the steadicam systems or whatever the cheaper alternatives are for any mobile, moving shots where I want it to be steady and not a shaky, handheld mess on a shoulder rig (unless I want it that way).

 

[wgzn]

it al depends on the shot. in some cases you can use a dolly or slider or jib to get some nice floating moves. but when you need smooth motion over long or uneven terrain, a gimbal-based / arm+vest rig is really the only game in town.
and even the BEST of them require practice, physical conditioning not to mention understanding of the physics of what makes them work.

the DSLR "revolution" has given people this false perception that its all about gear. that all you have to do is buy a particular piece of equipment and you'll instantly be producing great footage. that simply is not the case - especially with a gimbal / arm stabilizer