which steadicam

navitas

navitas

Well-known member
I've got a question:

I'm interested in buying a steadicam (full rig) because my handheld Glidecam 4000 Pro makes my arm die in 2 hours :)

I was thinking about glidecam v-8 /v-16 or HollywoodLite GT/ProLite...

Can you help me or redirect me to some old topic (i can't find anything)
 
Re: which steadicam

Up to 4000$

I'm seriously starting to think about HollywoodLite ProLite (on B&H it's for 3800$ + free LowMode)
 
Re: which steadicam

For your budget, the ProLite would be a good choice.

Personally, I'd go for the (relatively) more expensive Steadicam Mini. A much better stabilizer hands down.

But, as I said, for the money, the ProLite will do just fine.
 
Re: which steadicam

B&H sells Steadicam mini for 3999,95$ so it fits exactly :)

Could you tell me, in few words, what are the main differences between those two, cause for example I've never seen an arm like in Steadicam mini.
 
Re: which steadicam

If you look closely at both the Glidecam and HollywoodLite arms, you'll see how large they are in comparison to the Mini's arm.

You are going to be able to move much more freely without the mass of the arm being as "in your face", as well as it's located lower on the vest, which helps with your back.

Effectively, your shots will be easier to shoot with the Mini.
 
Re: which steadicam

That's smart...

Thanks for help. I think I will go with the steadicam mini then!


Get ready to see some smooth footage... in a few months... :)
 
Re: which steadicam

Buying him a ticket to fly over atlantic? ;D

But maybe... Next time you're in Poland pooki give me a call :)
 
Re: which steadicam

navitas, just make sure you practice a lot! My steadicam mini gets a lot of attention on the streets even though it's not the elite like pookie's.
 
Re: which steadicam

Heres a review on the MagiqCam vs the Glidecam
For you guys out there that are on the "other side of the wall" trying to decide on an affordable vest mounted system, and these two brands are on your list, let me give some advice, because I have purchased both and used both extensively.

I had first owned a competitor that I purchased off Ebay that included: a custom hardcase, vehicle mount, and the low mode adapter. Even though it was used, it was in very good shape. I purchased it for the SAME price that I purchased my Magiqcam BRAND NEW, which came with it's own hardcase and low mode. The only thing it didn't have was a vehicle mount.

I had looked and Magiqcam for a while and saw their product, but I was hesitant because they were a small unknown company, at the time, and their prices seemed to good to be true. I didnt' have the money to waste on being burned if it was a flop. That is why I bought the a more well known system.
But hard times came down on me, so I put the other rig back on Ebay and sold it, and luckily made all my money back.

Come forward a year and a half, I now had funding again to get a vest mounted rig. I didn't want to just go back to the other rig just yet knowing their were other products on the market.

Since this post is getting quite lengthy, let me just state what the magiqcam has and how the other rig stacks up to it.

Especially since a lot of us that use this site are trying to stretch the very small funding we have for our tools, let me say that the cost of the Magiqcam is a BIG point to seriously consider. It is cheaper in price, definitely not in quality, compared to the compettitor.

The VEST: Both vests stack up quite well. Both have a very durable and robust chest plate, but I noticed right away the lower back pad on the Magiqcam vest. This helps a lot, considering that ANY vest mount rig will cause fatigue on the back. This pad reduces (note: NOT eliminates) this fatigue.

The ARM: This is where the Magiqcam blows the other rig right out of the water. The biggest difference is that the Series IIa has TWO spring arms. With this, you get a much wider range of manipulation that the other rig can not provide. And with my research, believe me, at the price point the Series IIa is at, with two spring arms, is almost a steal.
I also like that the arm "starts" very close to the body where it is mated to the vest. The other rig has a swing arm that, in my opinion, puts the arm too far off of the body, making the rig wide. When you have shots that are in tight quarters, this becomes a serious issue.
I also like the fact that the Series IIa has fabric covering their springs for both: better preservation of the springs, and protection from injury to the operator. The competitor’s springs are completely exposed.
Both models have the ability to adjust the spring on-the-fly..

The SLED: The biggest strength that the competitor has over the Magiqcam in this comparison is that it has a flat base, giving the operator the ability to set the sled on the floor or on a flat surface of any kind. The Magicam has to be mounted to it's docking bracket if the operator needs some down time. But you can get a C-Stand on Ebay for $50-$60 to solve this.
The Series IIa sled has a thicker padded handle giving the operator a little bit more comfort and better control over the sled.
The handle on the Series IIa, to me, seems to come out further from the sled than the other rig helping to keep the sled isolated, keeping optimal balance to the rig
The Series IIa provides a monitor AND battery bracket that the rig doesn't provide.
And since I recently purchased my Magiqam, they have updated it to have an adjustable handle, which helps to keep the sled from being too long, yet still help the operator balance the base from the camera's weight on top.
The other rig’s post is elongated, causing the rig to get bigger and less mobile.
Both have a good low mode option.

ACCESSORIES: For only $100, the Maiqcam comes with a custom case to carry all pieces of the rig. Each component breaks down to a very portable size to put into the case. Each part has a cloth sack to put in to protect the finish of the rig.
I definitely recommend investing in the case. It will save you a lot of money in the long run.

And lastly, might I add that John and his wife, owners and manufacturers of Magiqcam, have EXCELLENT customer service. They are a small company, but the demand for these rigs is increasing everyday. I definitely know why! But they give everyone their patience and time. They don't treat you like a number in line for these rigs. They are very welcoming and very considerate to your needs.
The only downside, is the wait. They had told me it is a 4 week wait. They kept to their word; no later, no sooner. That was a very minor downside to me.

On a ending note: remember whatever you decide to buy, these rigs STILL TAKE PRACTICE! They don't work to the full potential they provide until it's operator has acquired the skill, talent, and the physical shape to operate these rigs. They are just like a musical instrument, practice makes perfect!!
 
Re: which steadicam

pookie, have you used the Flyer? how does it compare to the mini?
 
Re: which steadicam

[quote author=danny link=board=Links;num=1106522720;start=0#13 date=01/24/05 at 04:45:42]Hi navitas, Do you know my friend Adam Rozansky ?

Danny.[/quote]

No to my recollection...

But I'm not a "name-guy", rather a "face-guy" so maybe I've seen him somewhere. Btw. Is he an independent filmmaker/or something alike?

To Bermudaforce and Pookie:
I'll try to do my best... :)


To davethedog:
Never heard of MagiqCam -> got to do some research...
 
Re: which steadicam

Wow! That MagiqCam looks like a nice bargain.

1650$ for full steadicam? Only without monitor (but I've got one all ready so that's no problem :) ) Is it really that good?!

Torn apart... as usual ;D
 
Re: which steadicam

This was emailed to me a couple of weeks ago from Glidecam.

Glidecam Industries, Inc., is pleased to announce an exciting new addition to the Glidecam camera stabilization line. The highly anticipated release of the Glidecam Smooth Shooter Stabilization system is coming - Spring 2005.

The worlds most sophisticated and affordable body mounted Camera Stabilization System for Cameras up to 10 pounds when used with either the Glidecam 2000 or 4000 Pro.

Pricing and additional system details will be forthcoming.
 
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