New Glidecam or Steadycam

[glenpinn]

Hi everyone, i did a video shoot at a car show yesterday with my cam mounted on one of my custom hand held camera rigs, and it was one of the worst set up car shows that i have ever seen, especially worse for videographers and photographers as it was so cramped with lots of obstacles in the way, lights in bad places, all just making it very difficult for us guys to get anything decent.

When i finished shooting and got home to start editing the video, i realized i may have achieved a better result from using a Glidecam or a Steadicam for this particular shoot, so it has now got me thinking about investing in one of these devices, and move away from using the rigs that i currently use.

Not ever having owned one of these devices myself (i have used a few that my son once owned) i would like to gather some ideas and opinions for a suitable device from members of this forum who have had recent experience using these devices, so i can go out and do some research and possibly buy one, or even build a custom one of my own.

Just to fill you in with a few things, i am a solo shooter, i shoot family videos, travel videos, motor racing, car shows, a few weddings here and there (mainly family members, friends, or friends of family members) kids parties and baptisms (which are very popular) and whatever else happens to come along, and i prefer to shoot my video in roaming mode where possible (that is while moving around, not stationary) and i always shoot my video with image stabilization turned on (unless mounted on a tripod or if i was to use a glidecam or steadicam) and i always use Auto Focus when shooting in roaming mode as well (for very obvious reasons) and this will also continue when i finally make the move to one of these devices (again for very obvious reasons)

At the moment i use small dedicated 1080/50p video cams, and i like to travel light, especially as a solo shooter, but in the very near future i will be making the move to a suitable dedicated 4k video cam (possibly the DVX200) which is a much bigger cam than my current ones, so this will also be another reason for me to move to using one of these devices, because my current camera rigs cannot be used with a bigger camera like a DVX200.

So, if you are an experienced owner or user of these devices, i would be pleased to hear your thoughts and suggestion for due consideration, prior to seeking advice elsewhere if i do not get sufficient help in this forum.

Edit: forgot to mention i want the device to be as small as possible, but suitable to carry a 1.5kg video camera.

Cheers

[glenpinn]

EDIT: Have an update to my Stabilizer purchase.

I was originally going to buy one of these Flycam Nano MB Stabilizers for $130au, i was informed by the owner of the ebay store that they were out of stock, with no ETA.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/281754183205?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

So i can either take the Nano HD model for the same cost, which is normally au$150, but still only holds a 1.5kg camera.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271561818973?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Or i can take the slightly bigger Flycam HD3000 for au$155 (normally au$173) which takes a camera up to 3.5kg, which would easily take a cam such as the DVX200 4k camera that i want.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281757161820?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I have decided on the HD3000 so i have covered all bases as far as weight carrying ability.

[newpball]

Going to buy one of these cheaper Flycam Nano HD Stabilizers for $130au, at least if i don't like using one of these, i have not lost much compared to a Glidecan HD2000, and easier to sell it.

I would recommend against it!

A quality glide cam or steadycam takes a lot of practice to operate well but eventually works, but a cheap one is a guaranteed to be a waste of money.

Even if you buy a good one, are you willing to spend the time to do the required training? If not, don't buy one!

[glenpinn]

I would recommend against it!
A quality glide cam or steadycam takes a lot of practice to operate well but eventually works, but a cheap one is a guaranteed to be a waste of money.
Even if you buy a good one, are you willing to spend the time to do the required training? If not, don't buy one!

LOL, here we go again, so says the guy who only thinks good quality video can be shot on a tripod with very limited pans and zooming as demonstrated in your own videos in youtube that you regularly post up in this forum.

From those videos, and everything you have posted in this forum, we already know your limitations and lack of knowledge and skills in videography, so the above Advice will be taken by me with a grain of salt and ignored, because once again, you clearly have no idea what these devices really are like to shoot with because you have never used one, you just love your wonderful tripod, and nothing anyone else says or does will ever be any good in your opinion.

From all the stuff i have read about the cheaper versions of the Glidecam HJD2000, plus the 5 people i contacted who already bought one of these Flycams, these would appear to be just as good as the Glidecam, but for sale at a much more reasonable price, and as i already mentioned, i think the Glidecam HD2000 is a complete ripoff at over $500, and i am not the only person who thinks so.

Sometimes, dearer does not always mean better, and i am quite prepared to take one of these Flycams over a Glidecam.

And FYI, as far as Training goes, these things take no more time or effort to set up and use than a good tripod with a good quality Fluid head, and just like using a tripod, once you do master it, it is pretty much a no brainer for anyone to use.

[newpball]

I would recommend against it!
A quality glide cam or steadycam takes a lot of practice to operate well but eventually works, but a cheap one is a guaranteed to be a waste of money.
Even if you buy a good one, are you willing to spend the time to do the required training? If not, don't buy one!

LOL, here we go again, so says the guy who only thinks good quality video can be shot on a tripod with very limited pans and zooming as demonstrated in your own videos in youtube that you regularly post up in this forum.

From those videos, and everything you have posted in this forum, we already know your limitations and lack of knowledge and skills in videography, so the above Advice will be taken by me with a grain of salt and ignored, because once again, you clearly have no idea what these devices really are like to shoot with because you have never used one, you just love your wonderful tripod, and nothing anyone else says or does will ever be any good in your opinion.

From all the stuff i have read about the cheaper versions of the Glidecam HJD2000, plus the 5 people i contacted who already bought one of these Flycams, these would appear to be just as good as the Glidecam, but for sale at a much more reasonable price, and as i already mentioned, i think the Glidecam HD2000 is a complete ripoff at over $500, and i am not the only person who thinks so.

Sometimes, dearer does not always mean better, and i am quite prepared to take one of these Flycams over a Glidecam.

And FYI, as far as Training goes, these things take no more time or effort to set up and use than a good tripod with a good quality Fluid head, and just like using a tripod, once you do master it, it is pretty much a no brainer for anyone to use.

Well, I anxiously await for some undoubtedly mesmerizing footage from you operating your newly acquired tool.

Good luck!

[glenpinn]

Well, I anxiously await for some undoubtedly mesmerizing footage from you operating your newly acquired tool.

Don't bother holding your breath too long, i certainly won't be putting any video in this forum and leave myself open for people like you to criticize my video in the same way that you criticize people who happen to prefer shooting their great quality video differently than you do, or who use devices that you don't approve of or think require a lot of training to use.

One thing for sure, at least i know that shooting video using other devices other than a tripod can result in very interesting and very entertaining video, as demonstrated by the videos i posted in one of the other threads yesterday.

[aedipuss]

imo all weighted stabilizers are garbage. the same video can be shot by an experienced operator without them. an actual steadicam device is a different beast altogether.

[glenpinn]

imo all weighted stabilizers are garbage. the same video can be shot by an experienced operator without them. an actual steadicam device is a different beast altogether.

Thank you for your kind consideration and input, however the purpose of this thread was more to do with travel friendly light weight stabilizers for the intention of shooting what i do as a solo shooter, as i mentioned my requirements already in my opening post.

I would like to point out that the device you just posted is indeed a counter weighted stabilizer, just as the Glidecam and Flycams are, and they all do exactly the same thing as each other.

If the one you posted was not counter weighted, how on earth do you think the contraption actually works in balancing the camera to gain a perfectly stable image that is expected from these devices, i mean, that is exactly why they are designed the way they are, without weights of some sort, they are completely useless.

The only difference with the one you show is that it has been kitted out with all the body armor for shooting video in a more professional environments where the camera operator is using a heavier camera, and is using external screens, recording devices and batteries, and it is especially an advantage when shooting for long periods of time with all that extra weight as well.

Also, just as side note regarding the lack of counter weights on that particular device, please take a look at the bottom of the pole and see what is attached to it ??????

Now, having said all that, and just so you know, i can buy the same (or similar) gear to fit a Glidecam or Flycam to help make the device more functional and easier to use in more demanding circumstances, just like the one shown in your image, but for my current cameras, and for what i shoot, i definately do not require my chosen Glidecam or Flycam to be rigged up like that.

I should point out that i can shoot very stable video using my current custom made hand held camera rig, and custom monopod, but a stabilizer like the Glidecam or a Flycam will just make life a bit easier for me, and lets not kid ourselves here, these really are great devices when they are setup and used properly, even without all that other gear shown in your image, and all they really are is a mobile version of a good fluid head sitting on a tripod, so when all is said and done, they all allow the operator to pan around and tilt the camera to get their video as stable as they can, but in my case, i just need the device to be as light and portable as i can get it.

Cheers

[glenpinn]

Btw, just for those who are interested, these are a few new photos of my Son shooting his 20 minute sci-fi short yesterday for his 3rd year Uni major (film and television) Shooting with the famous Red Epic mounted on one of his many hand held rigs.

This is one of the many ways you can shoot movies/videos etc without using a Steadicam, Glidecam or tripod, but these types of rigs are horrible to setup and use, and are not the most comfortable things to use, even with the over head camera support (not sure what they are called) and he tells me he can only use it for short periods of time, and i don't blame him, especially when he is in confined spaces.

[newpball]

Out of curiosity Glenpinn, what does you son think of your $100 glidecam from India?

[glenpinn]

Out of curiosity Glenpinn, what does you son think of your $100 glidecam from India?

FWIW, it is au$130 free post, so hows that, and guess what, just to answer your stupid troll baiting question, my son has bought many of these stabilizers in the past 3 years while learning his craft at Uni, but never an overpriced $500 glidecam model, and do you you wanna know why ???

Because the glidecam is a total ripoff, and the cheaper knock off ones ($300 or less) are in fact almost identical, and just as well made, using almost identical parts, even down to the gimble mechanism in the handle.

As i said before (something you do not seem to understand) just because a glidecam is $500 does not mean it is superior to others, or any better at doing its job, just go google the subject and you will find many videos and articles telling you the very same thing, so go figure ???

I have his blessing btw, and reckons it can't be any worse than other models out there.

He also builds his own rigs from scratch buying parts and building them to suit his own shooting style, so is home made worse than shop bought rigs ???? I don't think so, not if they are made properly.

I hope you are not going to put your foot in the mud like a poster up the page did regarding the use of Stabilizers such as Glidecam or Flycams, and then post an image to one of the Glidecam knock-offs to support his flawed comments, which he has not returned to respond to yet.

[newpball]

Out of curiosity Glenpinn, what does you son think of your $100 glidecam from India?

FWIW, it is au$130 free post, so hows that, and guess what, just to answer your stupid troll baiting question, my son has bought many of these stabilizers in the past 3 years while learning his craft at Uni, but never an overpriced $500 glidecam model, and do you you wanna know why ???

Because the glidecam is a total ripoff, and the cheaper knock off ones ($300 or less) are in fact almost identical, and just as well made, using almost identical parts, even down to the gimble mechanism in the handle.

As i said before (something you do not seem to understand) just because a glidecam is $500 does not mean it is superior to others, or any better at doing its job, just go google the subject and you will find many videos and articles telling you the very same thing, so go figure ???

I have his blessing btw, and reckons it can't be any worse than other models out there.

He also builds his own rigs from scratch buying parts and building them to suit his own shooting style, so is home made worse than shop bought rigs ???? I don't think so, not if they are made properly.

So basically he thinks this is a pretty good glide cam?

[glenpinn]

So basically he thinks this is a pretty good glide cam?

I never said that did i, go read what i said properly, or do you just choose to ignore what is said and just make everything up as you go.

I actually said that "I have his blessing btw, and reckons it can't be any worse than other models out there" and i agree with him, but heck, you go film your birds on the footpath and the cars driving on the roads at night using your tripod without panning and zooming, and let us lot shoot video the way we do without having you bag everyone because you dont like it.

One day my son will be filming doco's, movies, tv shows, and using a lot more than just tripods, so go figure.

[julitomg]

Hi glenpinn...lets forget about the troll for a while...I´m also interested in such a device and have entertained the idea of buying one for some time (but there are many different designs out there), so I hope that once you get it, practice (and shoot) a bit with it, you can return here with a review of what you´ve found as it´s weaknesses and strenghts.

[glenpinn]

Hi, yep putting all the crap behind me now, moving ahead as usual.

This is a very serious business when it comes to deciding on gear, and one reason why i decided on the Flycam Nano HD was puerly because i know that some companies seem to price their goods purely based on their brand name, and not quality.

Glidecam rigs are good, but they do have their bad points, just like all of them, but in the end, most are made using the same materials, all sourced from the same suppliers, and put together in china.

I learnt one thing that you start out with the cheaper brands and work up if those do not work the way you liked, and i can sell the Flycam easier than i could a Glidecam HD2000 if i had to.

Now, i did find another brand called Laing, who have a model called the P-04, which i wished i found before ordering the Flycam, mainly because of the bubble levels, and the camera head adjustment screws are a bit easier to use, and will hold more weight as well.

The guy in the video says it can hold 10kg, which is a big blunder, it actually holds up to about 2kg as a limit, and the Flycam is 1.5kg.

I am going to try and get out of the Flycam deal and if so, i will see if i can get hold of a Laing P-04, but the one in ebay in my opinion is too expensive, i will be up for au$400 by the time i pay postage to australia, and i personally don't believe these devices are worth anywhere near that, maybe $200 would be what i call reasonable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XaqZjJsYiM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzM3jcbyO-I

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/321186783209?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

If i can get video like this one here using Flycam or Laing, i figure the investment will be worth the rewards, and those in here (we know who i am referring to) who claims that a Tripod is the "King" of all devices used by videographers, well all i can say is they will never ever be able to shoot beautiful hand held roaming video like this, or to shoot travel and adventure videos like the ones that i shoot myself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ox43EYuEWY0

[julitomg]

The guy in the video says it can hold 10kg, which is a big blunder, it actually holds up to about 2kg as a limit, and the Flycam is 1.5kg.

What weight limit are you after?

[glenpinn]

The guy in the video says it can hold 10kg, which is a big blunder, it actually holds up to about 2kg as a limit, and the Flycam is 1.5kg.

What weight limit are you after?

Hi, well in the future when i move to 4k, my camera of choice is the brand new Panasonic DVX200 which has the 4/3 sensor and shoots 4k @ 50p @ 150Mbps, with the usual brilliant Image Stabilization and Auto Focus systems, all are very strict requirements for my style of shooting.

That camera is around 2kg fully loaded with battery, so the Laing P-04 may just be borderline for that camera, although the pole would need to be dropped to its maximum length, and the weights will have to be moved outwards on the weight bar to balance a camera like that properly.

my current SDT750 cams are under 1kg, with the external mic and biggest battery, plus a light or 2 will take it to 1kg, so the Flycam or Laing P-04 will have no problems on those stabilizers.

For now, i figure i just stick with the Flycam and see how it goes, can always sell it and move to the Laing later on.

[glenpinn]

Back again, something i had totally overlooked so far with these Balanced Steadycams is Image Stabilization, because when i shoot video using my tripod, i switch the stabilization off, so i would imagine that you would also do the same using a Glidecam/Flycam/Laing P04 etc, so i would be interested in finding out if other users of these devices also switch off stabilization, or if they keep it turned on.

May have to go back to the Youtube links that i have and ask the users personally.

Cheers

[racer-x]

Don't use GlideCam, but in my experience, for tripods I turn off image stabilizers. For everything else (monopod, ShoulderMount) I enable image stabilizers.

[glenpinn]

Don't use GlideCam, but in my experience, for tripods I turn off image stabilizers. For everything else (monopod, ShoulderMount) I enable image stabilizers.

Hey, yes thats the way i do it.

So you have never used any kind of balanced Stabilizer device, or you just refer to the Glidecam/Laing/Flycam types, as there are a lot of other types that are not pole mounted.

Ironically everyone, including me, refers to these balanced pole devices as Glidecams, but Glidecam is actually a Brand of Stabilizer, so i figure we just use the term balanced Stabilizer.

[glenpinn]

Hi everyone, i have updated my 2nd post regarding the Flycam Nano MB steadicam that i had ordered.

They ran out of stock in the warehouse and never updated their ebay listing, so i have been offered the Nano HD for the same price, usually that one is au$150 but carries only 1.5kg cam, or i can pay au$155 and they will send the slightly bigger HD3000 which will hold up to 3.5kg, so i have decided on that one, given it is $15 off the regular price for the stuff up.

Decided on the HD3000 as it will then suit a cam like the DVX200 if i get one later on.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281757161820?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Cheers

[glenpinn]

Had to post this new photo of my son shooting in the studio with the magical "RED" and shock horror, he is actually using a tripod

[glenpinn]

Review of the Flycam 3000 MB, just about identical to the HD-3000 that i ordered.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CulL8KY2on0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PO8TfONvJY

In the next video, we see someone who still doesn't understand that when you balance these Stabilizers, and you want to maintain its correct balance each time you pick it up for a shoot using the same camera attached, you must keep the handle in the exact same position that you had it in when balancing it, and have the same battery attached that was on the camera when you balanced it, and flip the screen out.

If you do not maintain these things, your Stabilizer will become un-balanced again.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KcVzYGyekI

Ideally not everyone will use the same camera each shoot, or they might use a different battery, or attach a filter, so any time these things happen, you must re-balance the Stabilizer, again with the handle set in your final shooting position.

The best thing to do is to have a play around with your Stabilizer with the camera that you will most likely use on it, get it roughly stabilized, then spend some time moving around with the Stabilizer to find the ideal handle position that feels best for you while shooting your videos, and when you have found a precise position, you simply wrap some tape around the pole just above the bearing ring that is attached to the handle, then stick some tape on the face of the bearing ring, and use a marker or a pen and place 2 small marks on both bits of tape so every time you attach your camera and go to shoot, your handle will be in the exact same position each time.

With my Monopod (it is not balanced) i have the main support handle on the right side, located between 4 and 5 o'clock to my body (12 o'clock being directly ahead of me) and the smaller balancing handle is on the left side at around 8 o'clock, so i would assume these Stabilizers might be very similar to that.

Anyway, time will tell if my logic is somewhere near correct for my own personal use.

Cheers

Edit: can someone tell me how to embed youtube videos into my posts ?