Thinking about getting Glidecam 4000...Anybody have any sample footage to show?

[blondie.]

its not always about the number of weights. id be paying attention to the camera stage/plate or whatever glidecam calls it...

This.

The weights don't just drag the aparatus down into balance - they only deaden the movements. You need to use those little adjustments, going front and back and side to side, to balance it.

Try this: With your camera on the GlideCam, hold just the GlideCam by the gyroscope handle. Align the GlideCam so it is perfectly vertical, and let go.

Note whether it falls either way sideways (I usually start with the sideways direction). If it does, shift the camera on the GlideCam using the little bolts/tracks opposite of the way it fell. Repeat this until it's balanced on this plane.

Now do the same thing, but in the forward/backward plane. Let go of the aparatus, note which way it falls, and shift the camera on it.

You may even need to move the camera around on the plate it is screwed into (sometimes the middle hole isn't always the best).

Once you do this stuff, you should be pretty much all set so that when you hold just the gyroscope handle, the camera sways a little bit but stays for the most part perfectly upright.

Remember, when you're moving the camera won't stay upright. You need to also gently guide it by holding the Glidecam right below the gyroscope handle to point and turn the camera - this helps with keeping it upright as well.

GL
Milos.

 

[brandondull]

thanks for the tips. this is so frustrating I have it like 80 percent balanced with 12 weights & the camera in the middle hole on the plate. It still sways but I can tell that the glidecam motion is forming from side to side. I dont understand why this is so hard. you think they would make a built in level like a tripod has or something. I am feeling like this is not worth my money at all. & its heavy!!!!!!!!

 

[wgzn]

I dont understand why this is so hard.

stabilizers are ALWAYS this hard. especially the first time for a first time user...

you think they would make a built in level like a tripod has or something.

hahaha... there is a built in level. when your camera stops moving ITS LEVEL ; )

I am feeling like this is not worth my money at all. & its heavy!!!!!!!!

stabilizers arent easy. it takes WORK to set them up and way MORE WORK to learn how to use them.

think of this like a table saw. do you think that joe schmoe can just toddle down to the hardware store, buy a table saw, bring it home turn it on and out pops a nice piece of furniture? - NO?
a stabilizer is no different. its a tool. a tool you need to LEARN to use. there is no "easy button" here

as a side note, did you check to see if your camera is approved for the glidecam you bought?
i know that the hvx200 is actually beyond the optimal weight capacity for a steadicam merlin. and some people never get them to work right. maybe thats the case with your glidecam...

 

[FilmBoy77]

wow this sounds like a nightmare for you dude. i hope you figure it out. on the other hand i'm actually glad it takes some practice, this way i am assured the average person just pointing and shooting on a camera is not able to take advantage of it, lol.

i think i'll make my purchase this weekend now so i can start practicing, lol.

 

[brandondull]

Haha it's a nightmare guys... The glidecam 4000 pro can hold cameras between 4-10 pounds. The hvx200a weights in at 5.5 pounds. This is making me think about getting the 5D or 7D cuz there lighter! J/k - I'll figure it out.

 

[FilmBoy77]

does anybody know if there are any additional accesories that need to be bought with the glidecam 4000? or is this B&H version all i need? i'm about to purchase it asap.

 

[blondie.]

I'm pretty sure you get everything you need - I did with mine. All the weights, the screws, the plates, the gyro - all included. Remember, it is just one piece of equipment, albeit one that you need to put together.

In terms of additional accessories, things that aren't required but may come in handy? I haven't needed any yet.

 

[FilmBoy77]

oh okay cool, i didnt know if maybe i was supposed to buy the Body-Pod accessory that's the third option down on the link for $169. sounds like this is pretty much ready to go once you buy it though. i havent seen anybody complaining about agonizing weight so i can probably do without the extra body support.