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Should I buy a GlideCam?

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ZAHNER
Posts: 3480 - Karma: 19,220
Hey Ns, im hoping to get some help here.

I have a Panasonic TM900 camcorder. I just ordered this fisheye for it: http://www.amazon.com/Hercules-Ultra-Fisheye-Professional-Camcorders/dp/B005F4M662/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1323306651&sr=1-3
and was thinking about getting a glidecam HD 1000 to use with it, since im going to have to turn stabilization off while using the lens. My camera only weighs 0.87 lbs, so i was wondering if the glide cam would even work, or is my camera too light?

Or do you think my X-Grip will provide enough stabilization?

Here are a few edits using no attached lens, and my X grip. K+ for feedback, any is appreciated.














Feb 13 2012 7:24PM
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erikK
Posts: 3245 - Karma: 2,329
i personally wouldn't buy a glidecam for such a small camera. try just mounting your camera on a tripod and holding it buy the legs. also consider a diy solution or just a cheaper steadicam.
Feb 13 2012 7:30PM
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ZAHNER
Posts: 3480 - Karma: 19,220
Yeah ive been looking for cheaper stedicams too. and what do you mean by diy solution?
Feb 13 2012 7:33PM
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erikK
Posts: 3245 - Karma: 2,329
do it yourself solution
Feb 13 2012 8:23PM
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SNP_CREW
Posts: 249 - Karma: 495
i know I made the steadycam from the diy and it works really well actually. Im not sure If its too much for your camera though but the stabilization looks good with the x grip or whatever it is
Feb 13 2012 8:39PM
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ZAHNER
Posts: 3480 - Karma: 19,220
Yah, but thats with the Stabilazition on my camera turned on. when i get my fisheye i wont be able to have stabilaziton on cause ill get a lot of vig that moves around in the corners
Feb 13 2012 9:30PM
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ZAHNER
Posts: 3480 - Karma: 19,220
Anyone know of a good stablizer for a light weight camera.
Feb 14 2012 10:48AM
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WI414Media
Posts: 85 - Karma: 29
Check this out, There are designs and measurements for both small and big cameras! I tried it and it works great!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rTRbGXJvrA
Feb 14 2012 5:18PM
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blatt
Posts: 5584 - Karma: 3,097
Can't go wrong with a glidecam 1000. Just weigh your camera and make sure it's over 1 lb
Feb 14 2012 5:25PM
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eheath
Posts: 61648 - Karma: 123,475
Also, glide cams come with tons of weights, you could attach one to the top plate to make up for the weight your camera doesn't have.
Feb 14 2012 5:29PM
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Brock.
Posts: 5698 - Karma: 1,332
Ask yourself, do I want to produce unoriginal and uninteresting footage?

If the answer is "Yes, I want my camera to be awkwardly floating along with the skier at shoulder height to produce a style of filming that has been regurgitated left to die by half of the skiing community" then you should look into buying a glidecam.

Just kidding

but not really


Feb 14 2012 6:49PM
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KarmaInitiative
Posts: 2028 - Karma: 174
Get a solid tripod and try to balance it so you can hold it like a glidecam, when you push and pull it, it should stay perpendicular to the ground. It wont be as good as a glidecam, but its solid stability and you save a lot of moneey
Feb 14 2012 10:15PM
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