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First edit using glidecam! Feedback greatly appreciated!

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JAHrig
Posts: 738 - Karma: 2,649
So I bought a glidecam last spring but then ended up having to get a major shoulder surgery and was never able to use it until about a month ago. I know its not perfect but i like how it turned out. let me know what you think and if you have any pointers or anything like that! Thanks


Dec 18 2011 2:39PM
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Mkvackay
Posts: 1903 - Karma: 5,465
definitely need to balance your camera and work on the stability. good start though!
Dec 18 2011 4:06PM
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JAHrig
Posts: 738 - Karma: 2,649
Yeah for sure, i keep running into he problem where in the lodge I get it to
Dec 18 2011 4:14PM
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JAHrig
Posts: 738 - Karma: 2,649
The point where It seems perfectly balanced but then when I start riding it seems to get all out of whack. Dunno why. And sorry bout the dub post I'm on my phone
Dec 18 2011 4:16PM
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gus555
Posts: 4170 - Karma: 34
that song pissed me off so much
Dec 18 2011 6:04PM
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west-coast
Posts: 985 - Karma: 204
.
Dec 18 2011 6:14PM
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JAHrig
Posts: 738 - Karma: 2,649
Cool, any constructive advice
Dec 18 2011 7:57PM
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west-coast
Posts: 985 - Karma: 204
balance it better, dont ski as close to your subject, vary your shots by skiing in different directions behind your subject.
Dec 18 2011 8:02PM
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JStrathern
Posts: 8747 - Karma: 1,536
To be compeltely honest it really didn't look like it was even on a Glidecam, definitely try working on balancing it some more, it does take quite a bit of time.
Dec 18 2011 9:04PM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
what focal length were you shooting at?
Dec 18 2011 9:10PM
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eheath
Posts: 61601 - Karma: 123,020
Definitely looks like its not balanced at all. Did you follow the instructions it came with? Did you do the pendulum test? when you pick it up from a flat surface, does it stay flat? Are you using both hands and only gliding with one hand and putting the full weight on the gimbal hand?
Dec 18 2011 9:10PM
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JAHrig
Posts: 738 - Karma: 2,649
Yeah I follow all of the directions as far as I know, and in the
Dec 18 2011 10:01PM
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JAHrig
Posts: 738 - Karma: 2,649
Lodge it stays perfectly flat. It just seems like once I get up on the hill it will lean one way or another. Also the focal length was at 18 the whole time with the glidecam. I'm def doing something wrong, I just don't know
Dec 18 2011 10:03PM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
hmm. its defiantly wide enough.
Dec 18 2011 10:04PM
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eheath
Posts: 61601 - Karma: 123,020
you have enough weight on the bottom? the pole is the correct length out? You know you have to "glide" the glide cam right?
Dec 18 2011 10:14PM
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JAHrig
Posts: 738 - Karma: 2,649
The pendulum time is in between 1 and two seconds. Beyond that how do I tell if it has enough weight and is extended far enough?
Dec 18 2011 10:31PM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
you want it between 2 and 3. also, when you pick it up from off a table, does it stay centered? or does it kind of swing around?
Dec 18 2011 10:34PM
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eheath
Posts: 61601 - Karma: 123,020
if it between 1 and 2 seconds then the pole is far enough out and there is enough weights. you probably just need to practice using it.
Dec 18 2011 10:34PM
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Bmo.
Posts: 4907 - Karma: 2,667
maybe bring in the pole just a tad to slow it down a bit? took me a while but i finally got mine dialed. cant wait to get home and start filming
Dec 18 2011 10:50PM
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eheath
Posts: 61601 - Karma: 123,020
i meant to write GUIDE not glide. meaning guiding the glidecam with your other hand that isn't holding the pole. ive seen some kids try to just operate it with one hand...
Dec 18 2011 10:56PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
Assuming you've balanced it correctly, Glidecams are 90% technique. A lot of people do a half assed job at balancing in the first place, hence the steep learning curve.

Did you set the horizontal and vertical balance? Drop time should be between 2 and 3 seconds. If the camera boats fore and aft upon moving, it means your horizontal adjustment is off. If it rotates, it means it isn't vertically balanced.

Remember, the camera needs to be set up EXACTLY how it will be when filming before you balance. Turn on the camera, set aperture and focus, then balance. If you balance it without the exact settings you're shooting with, it won't work.
Dec 19 2011 4:52AM
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JAHrig
Posts: 738 - Karma: 2,649
Word, I will give it some practice. Thanks everyone!
Dec 19 2011 11:41PM
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TaySwift
Posts: 3436 - Karma: 1,622
nice video bob!
last weekend was my first attempt using my buddies glidecam, honestly, you can tell the difference between shots he took and i took, he has had all summer to play with it and make smooth smooth ass shots. Like they said, it's the technique, it got me mad how bad my shots turned out. i guess i just have to use it more, and when i finally get the money for one i will be set!
great edit man! fuck dem haters
Dec 20 2011 1:02AM
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JAHrig
Posts: 738 - Karma: 2,649
Haha thanks curtis! I'm sure you will pick it up quick
Dec 20 2011 3:26AM
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