Which is the best glidecam for the HMC150?
- Thread starter 408FiLMER
- Start date
Jordan Berry
Well-known member
The HD version of the glidecam is definitely worth the extra $100! Especially when it's so useful to the balancing of the glidecam and as we all know proper balance is essential to the use of the glidecam. I got the 4000HD because I wanted the option to glide with a Sen wireless unit or light, etc. If you're only gliding with the camera then a 2000 would suffice.
before buying one, I would really recomend you to use one first.
I just rented the glidecam 4000 with the bodypads and arm but I think I can get better shots with just the glidecam alone.
it's still my first day so I know I have to get use to it but these arms are tricky to use.
also, if you don't use it w/ the arm and vest, you wont be able to do any shots no longer then 5 minutes. because your arms will start shaking....
overall, after my first day using the gildecam, I would say I perfer so much more using dollys.
I just rented the glidecam 4000 with the bodypads and arm but I think I can get better shots with just the glidecam alone.
it's still my first day so I know I have to get use to it but these arms are tricky to use.
also, if you don't use it w/ the arm and vest, you wont be able to do any shots no longer then 5 minutes. because your arms will start shaking....
overall, after my first day using the gildecam, I would say I perfer so much more using dollys.
Retrospective
Well-known member
For using the glidecam alone without vest, would the 4000 HD be a better choice than the 2000 HD? Of course this is for the use of HMC150.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Having extensive experience in this arena -- I can tell you that you definitely want to go with the newer "HD" series -- HD-2000 or HD-4000 (better mechanism and easier to balance).
You'll also want some kind of quick release adapter that corresponds with your tripod mount, so you can instantly switch back and forth between Glidecam and tripod.
You absolutely need to understand that, to paraphrase the inventor of the Steadicam, that learning a camera stabilizer is like learning to play the guitar. Allow weeks or months for learning the device -- it's a full scale investment of time and effort.
The vest and arm will also make a world of difference and allow for extended use. The Smooth Shooter is cheaper, the X-10 is better.
The HD2000 will work nicely with the HMC (2 to 6 pounds), and the HD4000 (4 to 10 pounds) is great if you intend to pile on accessories -- but piling on accessories can be an issue/challenge with balancing -- especially if any parts (including cables) move.
Again -- be warned -- a Glidecam (or any stabilizer) is not something you'll have up and running in a matter of hours. It is, indeed, like learning to play the guitar.
You'll also want some kind of quick release adapter that corresponds with your tripod mount, so you can instantly switch back and forth between Glidecam and tripod.
You absolutely need to understand that, to paraphrase the inventor of the Steadicam, that learning a camera stabilizer is like learning to play the guitar. Allow weeks or months for learning the device -- it's a full scale investment of time and effort.
The vest and arm will also make a world of difference and allow for extended use. The Smooth Shooter is cheaper, the X-10 is better.
The HD2000 will work nicely with the HMC (2 to 6 pounds), and the HD4000 (4 to 10 pounds) is great if you intend to pile on accessories -- but piling on accessories can be an issue/challenge with balancing -- especially if any parts (including cables) move.
Again -- be warned -- a Glidecam (or any stabilizer) is not something you'll have up and running in a matter of hours. It is, indeed, like learning to play the guitar.
SPrimeau
Well-known member
No, for the glidecam alone, the 4000 HD would be bigger and eavier. So, it would give you less shooting time without taking a break (or changing hand!)
The 4000 HD is for cameras between 4 to 10 pounds while the 2000 HD is for cameras between 2 to 6 pounds. The HMC is about 4 pounds, so you are good with the 2000.
The Body-Pod is not useful for shooting, only for resting.
Glikecam says: It will not absorb and smooth out camera movements as well as a stabilizer which is being held in just your hands. However, shooting with your stabilizer attached to the rigid support of the Body-pod still yields results that are far better than unstabilized, hand-held shooting or shoulder supported shooting.
The 4000 HD is for cameras between 4 to 10 pounds while the 2000 HD is for cameras between 2 to 6 pounds. The HMC is about 4 pounds, so you are good with the 2000.
The Body-Pod is not useful for shooting, only for resting.
Glikecam says: It will not absorb and smooth out camera movements as well as a stabilizer which is being held in just your hands. However, shooting with your stabilizer attached to the rigid support of the Body-pod still yields results that are far better than unstabilized, hand-held shooting or shoulder supported shooting.
thanks for the advise, I'll give it more time and practice.
btw, speaking about the 2000 & 4000 model. I think the 4000 might be a little too big if you are using the HMC.
I use the DVX on the 4000 with arm & vest and it feels like it's too light to use with it.
I had to un-screw the tension springs to the lightest but it still feels like there is too much tension and it's hard to balace...(or maybe I'm just doing it wrong)
so I feel like the arm and vest is just for heavy camera's. so if you are just using the HMC, the 4000 by it self might be a better choice.....because I get better shots with out the arm and vest. (again, maybe I just need more practice)
so if you are going to use just your hands, the 2000 might be a better choice since it's lighter. (never used the 2000 so I can't speak for it:crybaby
Thanks for all the advice here! I'm waiting for delivery on an HMC150 and was looking into a glidecam as well. I was looking at the 4000pro but now, it seem sthe HD models are better. I might go for the HD2000 as i'll be using the 150 and possibly a light lite (lite panels micro?) and the rode ntg-1.
Actually my one question would be regarding a possible quickplate to use to make switching between the glidecam and tripod easier. I was looking into the bogen/manfrotto 503HDV and it has a quick release plate, but what is the base that i would use to connect this plate to the glidecam?
Is there a preferred quickplate and base plate system that anyone recommends for the glidecams?
Actually my one question would be regarding a possible quickplate to use to make switching between the glidecam and tripod easier. I was looking into the bogen/manfrotto 503HDV and it has a quick release plate, but what is the base that i would use to connect this plate to the glidecam?
Is there a preferred quickplate and base plate system that anyone recommends for the glidecams?
ProAmateur
Active member
I would like to know about this too.
scapsinger
Well-known member
Here's a quick release system to match the 503HDV:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=workaround.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=241139&is=REG
And here's one that will also work, with a longer plate to accomodate adding heavier accessories to the front/rear of your rig while shooting:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=workaround.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=554151&is=REG
On the weight issue...flying a DVX100B - which is heavier - loaded with a wireless receiver, cam light, shotgun and full size battery, the total weight comes in around 7-8 pounds. One difference between the 2000 and 4000 is the longer shaft, which can help in quickly altering the center of gravity on the stabilizer. Also, the X-10 (and Smooth Shooter as well, I believe) come with extra plates that you can stack onto the stage of the 4000/2000 to increase sled weight. In general, the heavier your sled is, the greater the total inertia and the more easily you can fly it with the vest.
In short, if you are planning to do more handheld stabilizing, the 2000 will probably be just fine (even if you slightly exceed the "capacity" of the stabilizer). If you're going with the vest (and you should really consider it) then go with the 4000 to increase your overall sled weight. This is probably even more important with a lighter camera like the HMC.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=workaround.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=241139&is=REG
And here's one that will also work, with a longer plate to accomodate adding heavier accessories to the front/rear of your rig while shooting:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=workaround.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=554151&is=REG
On the weight issue...flying a DVX100B - which is heavier - loaded with a wireless receiver, cam light, shotgun and full size battery, the total weight comes in around 7-8 pounds. One difference between the 2000 and 4000 is the longer shaft, which can help in quickly altering the center of gravity on the stabilizer. Also, the X-10 (and Smooth Shooter as well, I believe) come with extra plates that you can stack onto the stage of the 4000/2000 to increase sled weight. In general, the heavier your sled is, the greater the total inertia and the more easily you can fly it with the vest.
In short, if you are planning to do more handheld stabilizing, the 2000 will probably be just fine (even if you slightly exceed the "capacity" of the stabilizer). If you're going with the vest (and you should really consider it) then go with the 4000 to increase your overall sled weight. This is probably even more important with a lighter camera like the HMC.
Interesting. Thanks for the links. I'm guessing those plates will attach to the glidecam no problems then.
Also, interesting about the weight issue. I'm starting out, so I won't be buying the X-10 or smoothshooter yet (too much $). But I figured I'd get one of the hand helds, and then if all goes well, next year, i'd purchase one of the vests and it would work with the handheld glidecam. So it seems I'll have to deal with the extra weight of the 4000 because of the future plans of upgrading to the vest.
Thanks for the info!
Also, interesting about the weight issue. I'm starting out, so I won't be buying the X-10 or smoothshooter yet (too much $). But I figured I'd get one of the hand helds, and then if all goes well, next year, i'd purchase one of the vests and it would work with the handheld glidecam. So it seems I'll have to deal with the extra weight of the 4000 because of the future plans of upgrading to the vest.
Thanks for the info!
SPrimeau
Well-known member
The DVX100b is not heavier than the HMC. I have a DVX100 and a HMC and they are really similar. I tested both on a small balance and they weight the same.
I have a 357 plate on my glidecam 2000 (and monopod), It will not fit on a 501 (that I have) or 503HDV head. But the 357 plate is longer and larger, so it better fit on the glidecam 2000 plate.
I have a 357 plate on my glidecam 2000 (and monopod), It will not fit on a 501 (that I have) or 503HDV head. But the 357 plate is longer and larger, so it better fit on the glidecam 2000 plate.
studio1972
Well-known member
I have a 2000 Pro, which is a slightly cheaper version of the 2000 HD. It looks like the way you adjust the weights is a bit better on the HD model, but this wasn't around when I got mine.
It works fine with the 150. I have it setup so the I always use the camera with a smaller type battery and no accessories and I use a quick release so that the camera is pretty much balanced from the moment I attach it. I usually still have to fine tune it, but this only takes a few seconds.
I highly recommend getting the relatively cheap arm brace, which gives your wrist a bit of support. Still can't do it for more than a few mins though as the biceps give in!!!
It works fine with the 150. I have it setup so the I always use the camera with a smaller type battery and no accessories and I use a quick release so that the camera is pretty much balanced from the moment I attach it. I usually still have to fine tune it, but this only takes a few seconds.
I highly recommend getting the relatively cheap arm brace, which gives your wrist a bit of support. Still can't do it for more than a few mins though as the biceps give in!!!
8string
Well-known member
I have the 4000 Pro and have problems with the Manfrotto quickrelease, as the tightening screw seems to bump into the mounting plate. It's not optimal. But it can work. I agree that it is a difficult little beast to get setup right, so don't expect to run out and do a shoot with it immediately. But I like it. And yes, I agree it doesn't replace a Dolly.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Justyn
Veteran
I bought the HD4000 and I really love it... The quick release is a definite need as well as even just the arm brace if you don't have the vest yet. The arm brace definitely extends the Shoot time...
Before I bought the HD4000 I contacted a friend and he told me that the heavier the system, the heavier the camera, the more inertia and the smoother it will fly. He said that often times the cameras are too light for the rig and he ends up adding weight, he assuered me the same for the HD4000 too.. and I think he's right. It takes a while to balance but it's pretty smooth... You are also only looking at like a one pound difference too between the two rigs.. Either way, your arm will be sore for sure. Time to do some curls..
I also have my first glidecam video up on the footage page of the 150... It's my first one so be gentle...
Before I bought the HD4000 I contacted a friend and he told me that the heavier the system, the heavier the camera, the more inertia and the smoother it will fly. He said that often times the cameras are too light for the rig and he ends up adding weight, he assuered me the same for the HD4000 too.. and I think he's right. It takes a while to balance but it's pretty smooth... You are also only looking at like a one pound difference too between the two rigs.. Either way, your arm will be sore for sure. Time to do some curls..
I also have my first glidecam video up on the footage page of the 150... It's my first one so be gentle...