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So... glidecams?

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-AM-
Posts: 162 - Karma: 116
Hey guys, this thread has probably been made 1000 times, but the search bar sucks and the models have somewhat changed. Like every newschooler, I have a t3i, and am looking for a glidecam to go with it. I was wondering if you guys had any advice on which one to get? I am trying to keep my costs relatively low, while keeping in mind the idea that someday I will probably add to my set up, so the camera will become heavier than its stock weight.

Thanks!
Mar 13 2014 9:20PM
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NMMedia
Posts: 982 - Karma: 1,700
If you're looking to add anything to the t3i you're going to want to get an HD2000.
Mar 13 2014 9:38PM
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erikK
Posts: 3245 - Karma: 2,329
Since you're planning on acquiring extra weight in the future, get a 2000 series.
Mar 13 2014 9:40PM
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Forcillo
Posts: 3801 - Karma: 3,580
XR2000 is cheaper than the HD version, but it is more tedious to balance, seeing as it lacks the fine-tuning knobs. I'd go with the HD just because getting the right balance is so key.
Mar 13 2014 10:29PM
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steezyshit
Posts: 785 - Karma: 1,342
I have the XR and its a pain in the ass to adjust
Mar 13 2014 10:33PM
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boomie
Posts: 1638 - Karma: 3,165
I have the Opteka SV-HD for my t2i and it works great. It is also very affordable and can support up to 7lbs
Mar 13 2014 11:15PM
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eheath
Posts: 61648 - Karma: 123,483
I have a fucked up old 4000 pro and i do just fine...


That being said OP the HD series is awesome and if you can afford it, I would get it. But, the 2000xr would work just fine as well.
Mar 13 2014 11:56PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24730 - Karma: 29,989
A glidecam HD1000 is totally fine for a T3I and a heavier lens/a microphone or something. Totally fine.

And Honestly, if you're on the cheap, a Flycam Nano works alright in a pinch. I've used mine with a 5Dii and a 24-105L and had very useable shots (though, fast followcams while skiing would probably suck) you wouldn't have that sorta weight with a T3i, however. If you also buy a quick release plate (which you'd want to anyway to be honest), balancing the thing is way way easier to do.
Mar 14 2014 7:57AM
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-AM-
Posts: 162 - Karma: 116
Thanks everyone for the suggestions! Unfortunately I think the HD 1000 is a little bit outside of my price range, so I think Ill check out the XR2000 and Opteka option.
Mar 14 2014 11:33AM
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-AM-
Posts: 162 - Karma: 116
What exactly is the quick release plate for?
Mar 14 2014 11:38AM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24730 - Karma: 29,989
Well, first of all, removing the camera from the glidecam without needing a screwdriver... thats the biggest help...

But second of all, it allows you to control the fore-aft balance of the camera a lot easier. I picked up one of these for mine, it works pretty well, and there are tripods you can buy that work with the plate, so you can slide your camera between the two with ease.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=318567&gclid=CKq6vbmxkr0CFY17fgod4QIAew&Q=&is=REG&A=details

Mar 14 2014 11:55AM
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lIllI
Posts: 1255 - Karma: 1,986
In all fairness, shooting action sports with a wide angle sets the bar pretty low for glidecams.

Try shooting on foot with a 50mm lens; suddenly anything smaller than a 4000 without fine-adjustment screws feels useless.
Mar 14 2014 1:55PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24730 - Karma: 29,989
a 50 on a crop body or a 50 on a full frame.

50 on a crop body is pretty ridiculous for followcams either way... It's manageable if you're using a 5D.
Mar 14 2014 2:16PM
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lIllI
Posts: 1255 - Karma: 1,986
Full Frame.

I think the reason people "get away" with using shoddy Glidecam rigs is because they're shooting UWA, which effectively masks many flaws in movement you'd experience. Even if I can't coincidentally balance those sketchy Glidecam Pros, I can still get usable shots skiing. Off hill, on the other hand, I've found to be a nightmare for anything smaller/less sophisticated than an HD4000, regardless of camera size.

All that aside, not having fine-adjustment screws is just a pain in the ass. The more pissed off I am at a bad design, the more likely I am to leave it behind.
Mar 14 2014 2:54PM
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gravel
Posts: 5520 - Karma: 42,297
I don't agree. I had a T3i, Rode VideoMic Pro (The new, smaller version, keep in mind), and a Tokina 11-16, but the HD1000 was a little too small for it. The wind toys with it a little too much. I would recommend the HD2000.

But OP honestly don't get a glidecam (yet), get a tripod first. You'll be a much better filmer for it - everyone shoots all-glidecam-everything nowadays and it looks so monotonous and not unique. Break the mold and do what everyone else isn't.
Mar 14 2014 3:20PM
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raymondcabral
Posts: 747 - Karma: 1,094
A flycan 3000 is also pretty similar to an hd2000, but 1/3 the price. It's not that hard to balance, even though the hd2000 will be easier. Build quality is fine, and it supports my t3i, mic, and various lenses just fine. Might even be overkill for a t3i
Mar 14 2014 4:07PM
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eheath
Posts: 61648 - Karma: 123,483
I shoot alot of 24-50mm on a glidecam..

but yes, an unbalanced glidecam works fine for skiing if you have experience.
Mar 14 2014 5:27PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24730 - Karma: 29,989
Definitely fucking this...
Mar 14 2014 6:57PM
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123+ski
Posts: 2832 - Karma: 581
I have and hd-1000, and I typically use my gh2, the rokinon 7.5mm fisheye, rode videomic on a micro ballhead, and a fairly small (arca-swiss type) quick release. 4 plates on each side, but the column isn't fully extended, aka it has room for a little more. Also, the ballhead is fairly heavy. Figured this might help. The hd-2000 is good, but I love my hd-1000 and don't feel at all limited by it
Mar 14 2014 9:39PM
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lIllI
Posts: 1255 - Karma: 1,986
Worth reiterating.
Mar 15 2014 11:28AM
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-AM-
Posts: 162 - Karma: 116
I have a couple of tripods already at my disposal, so I think I have that pretty much covered. Its also worth noting that while I would be using this for skiing, I also plan to film actual movies. Shooting a running/action scene tends to difficult without some sort of stabilization, so I am looking into glidecams.
Mar 15 2014 6:26PM
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