@gejay99 I frequently shoot weddings with my 7D with an 18-135mm lens. This is done with using two weights at the bottom plate on both sides. Play around with that and you should be good.
Ideally, you want to put the contraption horizontal, release, and the time it takes to fall completely vertical should be 2-3 seconds. Adjust the length of the bar to make it perfect. Before doing this make sure your top is somewhat balanced and then you should be good to do fine tuning.
Thanks for the tips. I have that glide cam and that camera, but can't move them that smoothly. I will try and set it up the way that you have it, and I guess then it will just take some practice.
If your having trouble working with a camera stabilizer. Go to the Real deal Steadicam website and buy their training dvd. It'll give you a better understanding of how these rigs work and also on how to balance them. The only problem is... you finally figure out what piece of crap rig you own.
Definitely not the best design i've ever seen in a stabilizer, but for the price, and a little patience, you can make magic. Look at my other videos for proof.
This by far is the worst set up I've seen in camera stabilizer. I rented one and I couldn't use it. You have 4 thumb screws on the stage which makes it near impossible to adjust the cam fwd & aft, or left to right. then there are those shitty weights (real;ly washers). in order to remove or add any you have to unscrew the nut up that crapy long bolt! Worthless crap I tell ya! then there's the fact that you can't adjust the gimble up or down on the sled post. this makes it easy to balance.
I've done exactly what you said and am still having some trouble. Which hole did you use to screw the plate into the bottom of the camera. I think that may have something to do with it.
Hi there, i just bought a glidecam 2000 pro and i'm having a hard time trying to balance it, my camera is a Sony HDR UX5, (light weight camera), i just added 3 weight discs under and between the camera and the head plate, and 1 weight disc on each side at the bottom, it takes 3 seconds to go vertical, but still very unsteady every time i start or stop walking... any tips?? Thanks a lot!
ok nvm, I just realized you are using the exact same camera, and I just followed your setup to the T and its working much much better now, thanks so much for everything
nice work, I just recently purchased the glidecam and Im totally fustrated. I have a pannasonic DVX100B, is my camera simply to heavy? ive been tinkering with it for days and when I love the camera back and forth like you did, the bottom end lags behind. I have used all the weights that came with it, and the camera is stable when I pick it up, but once I move it around its all over the place.
I'll be getting a glidecam 2000 pro for my youtube vids with my Sony HDR-SR12. If its too light, does the glidecam come with waights to add to the top or do you know of any online I should get.
To be completely honest, i don't know if it comes with weights because i bought mine used. But i do know that there are these plates you can purchase that go directly under the camera, that resemble the top of the plate that slides back and forth that add weight to the top end.
I'm sure if you shoot them a question at glidecam and request one they will send it.
add weight or plates under the camera. I had the same issue with my new little canon HV20, but it really is as simple as adding some metal plates under the camera between the sliding plate and the lens mount hole to increase the weight and keep the top nicely balanced.
this is normal and there is pretty much no way to avoid this. The only thing you can do is if you are shooting something like a fictional piece, shoot at times where the weather is permitting. Or have two grips walk upwind from the camera holding a large piece of wall, or anything that can stop the wind from hitting the camera directly, throwing off the balance.
I've got a HV30 and got the same problems. You say that I need to add some weigh at the top, wich I did, but do I need to still add those 2 counterweight at the bottom? Can't you make a video showing how to balance a light camera such as yours (HV20 ) :). Thank you
not at all. But you're setup will be completely different than using a dvx100b as it is much smaller and lighter camera.
The main important thing to do is:
1) attach the camera
2) adjust the top plate so that when you hold it, it doesnt tilt
3) hold the entire unit vertically, so it is in line from left to right, in front of you. Now, this part requires you to let go and let the unit swing. What you want to achieve is a 2-3 second drop to complete vertical. Once you have that, you are balanced
what about the bottom plate orientation? with the plate aligned with the plane of the camera, don't you hit your legs with it? how about orienting the plate perpendicular to the camera plane?
i suggest you dont use anything any larger or heavier than a simple screw to attach it to the base plate.
It doesnt really matter where you place it, because in the end you have to balance it anyways. So just grab a screw, pop your camera near the center of the baseplate ( use your judgement to find the closest center of gravity of the camera and place the plate there. Then its just a question of balancing the top plate, because the rest of the glidecam is balanced and ready to go.
Hey Papa. I've got the GC 4000 and DVX100A. I've tried using it with 3 weights on each side balanced properly and the bottom is too heavy still, it lags behind.
If I drop it down to 4 weights, then it's even harder to balance and find that sweet spot where the bottom doesn't lag.
for the dvx100b, i would probably use one or two weights on teach side. i always prefer to use less ewights on the botton, and extend the shaft so that there is more inertia. try extending it to half its length, and use one weight, if not enough, use two
The Glidecam 2000 Pro demo on their website make this stuff look so easy to use, but it's a little misleading to me. Even with a 2 pound camera, you're wrist and shoulders with feel pain in a short period of time.
Holding my 4000 Pro with my Canon XHA1 is like trying to balance a baby on a plate with one arm. LOL
Like I said in my other post, the "Glidecam Smooth Shooter" is needed to properly use the 2000 or 4000 Pro.
well - you told us to set that pipe in the middle as high as possible. My camera weighs about 600grams and I'm frustraded with the 2000. I don't know exactly how I should balance it. Your one is great.
the 2000 model is not that heavy. Maybe 4 pounds or so.
in terms of glidecam endurance, it really depends on a few factors. Does one have a arm and vest? An arm brace, or just the arm?
I was able to take my glidecam and dvx100b to prague with me last year, shot over 6 hours of footage for the entire 7 days we were there. Traveled over 10 kilometers a day ( apx 6-7 miles ) and by the 6th day, i needed to see a doctor because my right forearm and elbow were in such pain... haha.
Guess I'm gonna purchase the the Glidecam 2000 rather than the 4000.
The 2000 model support Up to 6.0 lbs, so that should be sufficient for the weight of the XHA1.
Both your DVX100B and my XHA1 weigh about the about the same, so the 2000 model look good. I'm gonna pick one up in the the morning. I'll post my demo video test soon. LOL
Take easy out there, you need your arms to flim. LOL
Also, I would like to add that I'll be using a material back/shoulder brace to help support my back and shoulders while using the Glidecam.
Though I throw that small tip out there to help others avoid and relieve and back or shoulder pain or possible injury while using the Glidecam for long periods.
hmmm... how the hell can you all afford these cameras. I'm saving since a while for the panasonic dvx100b but still can't afford it to me. Well, I'm just 15 but have a big dream. I have a vest for my glidecam but it works very bad.
Hey man, I picked up the 4000 Pro. Let me tell you, this things will break your wrist or leave to in pain if you try to use the thing for a simple shot. The weight of the 4000 Pro with the XHA1 is heavy.
The 4000 Pro is a great product. I HIGHLY recommend that people consider purchasing the "Glidecam Smooth Shooter" to go with the 4000 Pro. I'm not using mine until I get the "Glidecam Smooth Shooter".
man i have a flycam (generic glidecam i guess?) i'm having the hardest time balancing it, sometimes it becomes level but can't pass the test.. when i level it, it slowly turns right? can anyone help?
balancing it is quite a pain, especially when you're switching equipment like a microphone and stuff. So a quick release would be a good addition for this. But, once you set it up, it's awesome :) (4000 pro here, btw)
Thank you! I'll go ahead and try it out!
gejay99 6 months ago
Hi Can you please balance a set up with a 5D and a 16-36mm lens? I would highly appreciate this!
Thank you
gejay99 6 months ago
@gejay99 I frequently shoot weddings with my 7D with an 18-135mm lens. This is done with using two weights at the bottom plate on both sides. Play around with that and you should be good.
Ideally, you want to put the contraption horizontal, release, and the time it takes to fall completely vertical should be 2-3 seconds. Adjust the length of the bar to make it perfect. Before doing this make sure your top is somewhat balanced and then you should be good to do fine tuning.
jdubsky 6 months ago
Thanks for the tips. I have that glide cam and that camera, but can't move them that smoothly. I will try and set it up the way that you have it, and I guess then it will just take some practice.
Matthew13tube 2 years ago
lagg? :P
Cr381v3 2 years ago
No, Low Frame rate
tangofizz77 2 years ago
If your having trouble working with a camera stabilizer. Go to the Real deal Steadicam website and buy their training dvd. It'll give you a better understanding of how these rigs work and also on how to balance them. The only problem is... you finally figure out what piece of crap rig you own.
aviatormxpilot 2 years ago
Definitely not the best design i've ever seen in a stabilizer, but for the price, and a little patience, you can make magic. Look at my other videos for proof.
jdubsky 2 years ago
I don't this rig... I own an Aviator MX from VariZoom... Hence my youtube screen name "aviatormxpilot
aviatormxpilot 2 years ago
take a look at Glidecam Smooth Shooter Test - Letus Extreme --------------------->
This is only after a month or two of practicing.
jdubsky 2 years ago
Comment removed
aviatormxpilot 2 years ago
Very Nice! and only aft a month of practice! how many hours total did you practice prior to taking your first shots?
aviatormxpilot 2 years ago
This by far is the worst set up I've seen in camera stabilizer. I rented one and I couldn't use it. You have 4 thumb screws on the stage which makes it near impossible to adjust the cam fwd & aft, or left to right. then there are those shitty weights (real;ly washers). in order to remove or add any you have to unscrew the nut up that crapy long bolt! Worthless crap I tell ya! then there's the fact that you can't adjust the gimble up or down on the sled post. this makes it easy to balance.
aviatormxpilot 2 years ago
Sorry you're having such a hard time!
jdubsky 2 years ago
How come you get this crappy video quality with that camera? What the hell!?
DaveDrumstick 2 years ago
Something must have gone wonky with the youtube conversion.
jdubsky 2 years ago
you probz exported with low framerate by mistake.
mgproductions2007 2 years ago
figured it out,
you have to play it back at HQ for it to play smoothly for some reason. Strange.
No, exporting was done the same way as my other videos.
jdubsky 2 years ago
thats a weird glitch
mgproductions2007 2 years ago
fix ya fukn frame rate
mundi18 3 years ago 7
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Fix your fucking spelling skills.
theconcealed 3 years ago
I've done exactly what you said and am still having some trouble. Which hole did you use to screw the plate into the bottom of the camera. I think that may have something to do with it.
TimCollinsATL 3 years ago
Hi there, i just bought a glidecam 2000 pro and i'm having a hard time trying to balance it, my camera is a Sony HDR UX5, (light weight camera), i just added 3 weight discs under and between the camera and the head plate, and 1 weight disc on each side at the bottom, it takes 3 seconds to go vertical, but still very unsteady every time i start or stop walking... any tips?? Thanks a lot!
Aerodigitales 3 years ago
ok nvm, I just realized you are using the exact same camera, and I just followed your setup to the T and its working much much better now, thanks so much for everything
MindChamber001 3 years ago
nice work, I just recently purchased the glidecam and Im totally fustrated. I have a pannasonic DVX100B, is my camera simply to heavy? ive been tinkering with it for days and when I love the camera back and forth like you did, the bottom end lags behind. I have used all the weights that came with it, and the camera is stable when I pick it up, but once I move it around its all over the place.
MindChamber001 3 years ago
I'll be getting a glidecam 2000 pro for my youtube vids with my Sony HDR-SR12. If its too light, does the glidecam come with waights to add to the top or do you know of any online I should get.
--
Jeff
JeffreyQuadra 3 years ago
To be completely honest, i don't know if it comes with weights because i bought mine used. But i do know that there are these plates you can purchase that go directly under the camera, that resemble the top of the plate that slides back and forth that add weight to the top end.
I'm sure if you shoot them a question at glidecam and request one they will send it.
jdubsky 3 years ago
Can it hold a sony HDD handycam?
Alvinwhatup2 3 years ago
I use a light Sony Handycam DCR-SR82 and it doesn't work. I think the camera is too light for the glidecam... Is it possible? What should I do?
Thanks!
lucocl 3 years ago
add weight or plates under the camera. I had the same issue with my new little canon HV20, but it really is as simple as adding some metal plates under the camera between the sliding plate and the lens mount hole to increase the weight and keep the top nicely balanced.
jdubsky 3 years ago
When there is are wind gusts, my whole setup tilts. Is this normal or bad setup?
Bleiglass 3 years ago
this is normal and there is pretty much no way to avoid this. The only thing you can do is if you are shooting something like a fictional piece, shoot at times where the weather is permitting. Or have two grips walk upwind from the camera holding a large piece of wall, or anything that can stop the wind from hitting the camera directly, throwing off the balance.
jdubsky 3 years ago
Hi,
I've got a HV30 and got the same problems. You say that I need to add some weigh at the top, wich I did, but do I need to still add those 2 counterweight at the bottom? Can't you make a video showing how to balance a light camera such as yours (HV20 ) :). Thank you
lboymusic 3 years ago
how much is one of these man?
SanitySource 4 years ago
how much is one of these man?
SanitySource 4 years ago
I have a canon hv20 and have one of these, but for the life of me haven't been able to get it to stay as smooth of this, is my camera too small?
Mike0z09 4 years ago
not at all. But you're setup will be completely different than using a dvx100b as it is much smaller and lighter camera.
The main important thing to do is:
1) attach the camera
2) adjust the top plate so that when you hold it, it doesnt tilt
3) hold the entire unit vertically, so it is in line from left to right, in front of you. Now, this part requires you to let go and let the unit swing. What you want to achieve is a 2-3 second drop to complete vertical. Once you have that, you are balanced
jdubsky 4 years ago
Thank you for your help, i will get to this
Mike0z09 4 years ago
what about the bottom plate orientation? with the plate aligned with the plane of the camera, don't you hit your legs with it? how about orienting the plate perpendicular to the camera plane?
thenhbushman 4 years ago
hey , thanks for the tips you posted up but you only explainded the weight set up and position of post,,, how is the camera set up to the base
eclipsehunter2002 4 years ago
i suggest you dont use anything any larger or heavier than a simple screw to attach it to the base plate.
It doesnt really matter where you place it, because in the end you have to balance it anyways. So just grab a screw, pop your camera near the center of the baseplate ( use your judgement to find the closest center of gravity of the camera and place the plate there. Then its just a question of balancing the top plate, because the rest of the glidecam is balanced and ready to go.
jdubsky 4 years ago
Hey Papa. I've got the GC 4000 and DVX100A. I've tried using it with 3 weights on each side balanced properly and the bottom is too heavy still, it lags behind.
If I drop it down to 4 weights, then it's even harder to balance and find that sweet spot where the bottom doesn't lag.
SplatFilms 4 years ago
for the dvx100b, i would probably use one or two weights on teach side. i always prefer to use less ewights on the botton, and extend the shaft so that there is more inertia. try extending it to half its length, and use one weight, if not enough, use two
jdubsky 4 years ago
The Glidecam 2000 Pro demo on their website make this stuff look so easy to use, but it's a little misleading to me. Even with a 2 pound camera, you're wrist and shoulders with feel pain in a short period of time.
Holding my 4000 Pro with my Canon XHA1 is like trying to balance a baby on a plate with one arm. LOL
Like I said in my other post, the "Glidecam Smooth Shooter" is needed to properly use the 2000 or 4000 Pro.
RINGO4LIFE 4 years ago
Yes - now I got it....
I watched that video again it made click in my brain :P
It works 'fine'now (ways better).
Thank you so much (Papa? Did you say Papa?)
Cheers - I have to go now (central europe time)
MacsMedia 4 years ago
Hi,
well - you told us to set that pipe in the middle as high as possible. My camera weighs about 600grams and I'm frustraded with the 2000. I don't know exactly how I should balance it. Your one is great.
Can you help me?
Cheers
MacsMedia 4 years ago
this applies ONLY to the dvx100b with the large battery.
jdubsky 4 years ago
the 2000 model is not that heavy. Maybe 4 pounds or so.
in terms of glidecam endurance, it really depends on a few factors. Does one have a arm and vest? An arm brace, or just the arm?
I was able to take my glidecam and dvx100b to prague with me last year, shot over 6 hours of footage for the entire 7 days we were there. Traveled over 10 kilometers a day ( apx 6-7 miles ) and by the 6th day, i needed to see a doctor because my right forearm and elbow were in such pain... haha.
jdubsky 4 years ago
Thanks for responding.
Guess I'm gonna purchase the the Glidecam 2000 rather than the 4000.
The 2000 model support Up to 6.0 lbs, so that should be sufficient for the weight of the XHA1.
Both your DVX100B and my XHA1 weigh about the about the same, so the 2000 model look good. I'm gonna pick one up in the the morning. I'll post my demo video test soon. LOL
Take easy out there, you need your arms to flim. LOL
RINGO4LIFE 4 years ago
Also, I would like to add that I'll be using a material back/shoulder brace to help support my back and shoulders while using the Glidecam.
Though I throw that small tip out there to help others avoid and relieve and back or shoulder pain or possible injury while using the Glidecam for long periods.
RINGO4LIFE 4 years ago
Sorry for the typos.
I meant to say "Thought" and "relieve any".
RINGO4LIFE 4 years ago
lol, no prob.
i too own the A1 now. And honestly, that is the glidecam 2000 pros MAXIMUM. It is barely balanceable, but still dooable. just be very precise.
jdubsky 4 years ago
hmmm... how the hell can you all afford these cameras. I'm saving since a while for the panasonic dvx100b but still can't afford it to me. Well, I'm just 15 but have a big dream. I have a vest for my glidecam but it works very bad.
MacsMedia 4 years ago
well, i was not 15 when i got mine. i was 19, you still hav ea few more years ahead of ya :)
21 now, and have the A1. :) Just focus on the prize!
jdubsky 4 years ago
Hey man, I picked up the 4000 Pro. Let me tell you, this things will break your wrist or leave to in pain if you try to use the thing for a simple shot. The weight of the 4000 Pro with the XHA1 is heavy.
The 4000 Pro is a great product. I HIGHLY recommend that people consider purchasing the "Glidecam Smooth Shooter" to go with the 4000 Pro. I'm not using mine until I get the "Glidecam Smooth Shooter".
I still have a little pain in my wrist. LOL
RINGO4LIFE 4 years ago
Thanks for posting the video. I'm looking at the Glidecam 4000 Pro to support my Canon XHA1. Can't wait to use this to produce some clean footage.
Is the 2000 model heavy?
How long before your arm get tired when filming?
RINGO4LIFE 4 years ago
Thank youuuu,... i got one and the video that came with it is lammeeeee.
crutchmovies 4 years ago
thanks. I still can't get mine to work...
whatscrackintv 4 years ago
man i have a flycam (generic glidecam i guess?) i'm having the hardest time balancing it, sometimes it becomes level but can't pass the test.. when i level it, it slowly turns right? can anyone help?
USOinHawaii 5 years ago
balancing it is quite a pain, especially when you're switching equipment like a microphone and stuff. So a quick release would be a good addition for this. But, once you set it up, it's awesome :) (4000 pro here, btw)
plokkum 5 years ago
thanks so much PAPA. I'm buyin one dude!
vampiresoup 5 years ago