Which glidecam to buy.

Sorry to thread jack - but what about a 7D with most likely the same lens(11-16)? I would presume the 2000 pro or HD to be fine. Any need to go up to the 4000?
 
4-10...i use the 4000hd with 7d & 11-16, works fine, used a t2i on there too.

the whole glidecam weight thing is a marketing gimmick

2000 is all u need though
 
It's not a gimmick, it's quite simple actually. A Glidecam is simply a fulcrum system, where both ends have to be equal weight. You buy the product with the most suitable payload so that you can comfortably accomodate your camera's weight range.

If you're using a bare-bones t2i/t3i/60d or a GH2, the 1000 is ideal. If you're doing strictly 7D/5D work, the 2000 is ideal. If you're using video cameras, the 4000 is ideal.

Having said that, you can use DSLRs with the 4000 no problem; the weight of a DSLR just happens to fall under the lower end of the payload spectrum, meaning you will have plenty of room to add weight or use heavier camera systems, but not much room to go any lighter. The same applies to using a 7D + 11-16 on a 1000. You may be able to balance it, but you will be maxing out its payload, which inhibits the possibilities for rigging variations.

Some people who shoot strictly DSLRs buy the 4000 because they plan to upgrade to video cameras later on, thus future-proofing their purchase. Once I upgrade to an actual video camera, I'm also going to upgrade to a HD4000.

I will also add that I feel the HD series is a phenomenal improvement over the Pro series. The Pro series is a pain in the ass to balance and overall feels kind of cheap. The HD series has horizontal micro-adjustment knobs and gives you the ability to pop your camera on/off without having to rebalance each time.
 
What DIY glidecam would you say, is any sort comparable to the reliablity and stabilization of an actual glidecam?
 
Home made Glidecam without gyroscope acting as the fulcrum = worthless.

Glidecams are something you really can't DIY, despite what some will tell you.
 
did u see the test he did? it worked... i made one and its amazing i mean its no glidecam but it more than worthit for like 10 bucks

 
I have used many variations of homemade glidecams and I've come to the conclusion that all it does it make your camera heavier, which helps marginally.

If someone is going to purchase an actual Glidecam system, it doesn't make any sense to recommend a homemade one like that because you're comparing apples to oranges.
 
fuck i can't wait to prove you wrong when i finish mine. granted i've spent hours solely in engineering it, and i have better engineering skills/resources then a lot of people on here (not trying to sound cocky)

heres a screencap of the head

353805.jpeg


(click for big)

it's clear polypropylene and steel in the plans, but i switched to black abs. granted, itl end up costing a hundo or so, but if i can diy it, i will, regardless of cost. as long as its not way over the actual product cost. thats just how i work. also i have access to a cnc and 3d printer for whatever i want.
 
well that should be rotated so the big flat part is facing up, but it's a small xy table 6"x6"x~3" with 3 inches of travel that allows you very precise control over the balance, one full rotation of one of the wing nuts on the long threaded rod moves it 1/20th of an inch, so you can get really precise with it. it works on the same concept as a mill.

also i may scale it up to make an actual mill using maybe aluminum or something instead of abs so i can have a mill. i'm working on modelling the rest of the glidecam, i'll have it done by the end of the weekend probably, i can send you all the files as a zip (i'll probably make a thread and eventually actual build instructions)and if you download inventor viewer (free) you can check out all the files.

all you need to build it is a saw you can be accurate with (i'll be using a band saw) some acetone to bond the abs (it makes a great bond, basically melts all the plastic together so it becomes one piece where the two parts meet)and a drill press (i suppose you could use a drill if you trust yourself, but having straight holes is pretty vital to this)

I will also have a parts list/mcmaster-carr order with everything needed. it's the best diy glidecam i've ever seen, as well as my best feat of engineering thus far (i'm only 16) and i'm damn proud of it
 
ah, my bad. true, it literally just does add weight. although its a bit better then just having a camera in your hand. if you hold it nice and loose, it can act A LITTLE like a real glidecam, with the weights (awfully of balance) helping to keep it steadier. but its honestly not really worth it imo
 
*out of not of. my bad. but even most diy systems with a gyro have no fine tuning system at all, rendering them far from perfect.
 
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