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Glidecam or Flycam?

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j-cal
Posts: 693 - Karma: 3,295
Hey,

I was wondering the main quality difference in the Gildecam and Flycam. I know when balanced both will perform the same. But lets face it every one wants to save money where they can. So for the money is the Flycam an alright product? Or should i go with the glide cam? Im shooting with light dslrs and some other light cameras.


Thanks a Bunch,

Jacob Calaghan
Oct 5 2012 7:18PM
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s.erickson
Posts: 504 - Karma: 992
Definitely glidecam if you can afford it, flycams work pretty well but you cant beat the real thing
Oct 5 2012 8:36PM
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1337
Posts: 31038 - Karma: 29,002
glidecam for sure, i bought a flycam once and the quality was so terrible. Do not recommend
Oct 5 2012 11:24PM
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Mkvackay
Posts: 1903 - Karma: 5,460
sam erickson knows all
Oct 6 2012 12:58AM
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1337
Posts: 31038 - Karma: 29,002
well, the real thing is technically a steadicam, glidecam's are a knockoff of them, and fly cams a knockoff of a knockoff
Oct 6 2012 12:59AM
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BA.berger
Posts: 300 - Karma: 300
I've heard about alot of people who had their bottom plate broken by nothing..
I have a glidecam and I can tell you that the build quality is super and its very easy to balance, I think you should invest in a glidecam that will last for several years instead of buying a flycam that may not survive the winter (if youre shooting skiing and snowboarding+++)
Oct 6 2012 4:20PM
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Mkvackay
Posts: 1903 - Karma: 5,460
the newer flycam dslrs are shit, the older flycam nanos were okay

glidecam is still far better regardless
Oct 6 2012 4:43PM
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JaretKiefiuk
Posts: 34 - Karma: 750
Glidecams are defiantly more expensive. But the quality is much more superior than the flycam. If you are on a budget but really want a flycam, Email someone at glidecam and tell them about your situation and they might hook you up with a deal! Worked for me at least
Oct 31 2012 3:40AM
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JaretKiefiuk
Posts: 34 - Karma: 750
if you really want a glidecam**
Oct 31 2012 3:43AM
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Linked
Posts: 325 - Karma: 216
please elaborate, I want to know what you told them and what sort of a deal did you get?
Oct 31 2012 4:05AM
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steezyshit
Posts: 785 - Karma: 1,341
Yes me too
Oct 31 2012 10:03AM
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MatRich
Posts: 4789 - Karma: 1,812
please do not ever buy a flycam. I had the flycam nano or as I like to call it: the Jiggle cam Crapo!

it was fine for a few weeks until I realised that the screws seem to be made of butter and will all become loose causing unstopable jiggling. I tried tightening every single screw multiple times only to discover that their material seems softer than your moms belly fat, causing it to loosen right back to its jiggly state.

horrible piece of crap that was, now I need to save up for a glidecam and I know I wont regret that.
Oct 31 2012 12:39PM
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JaretKiefiuk
Posts: 34 - Karma: 750
I just told them having a glidecam would really help with my filming but i am on a budget. He's sending me glidecam 2000 pro demo model for 175$
Nov 5 2012 11:02PM
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HoughtonHuffton
Posts: 75 - Karma: 403
Glidecam for sure. Can't beat that quality.
Nov 6 2012 10:48AM
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jeb_b_vt
Posts: 1047 - Karma: 1,294
Ive got a Flycam 3000 and it works pretty darn well, the build quality isnt great though. If youre looking into a long term steadicam then definitly go with a glidecam, im gonna get one soon.
Nov 6 2012 1:21PM
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Tbrazier
Posts: 46 - Karma: 25
I have a flycam nano and it is definitely a good choice if you are on a low budget. But the glide cam is noticeably better in build quality and probably a better investment for the long term. It think it all comes down to how soon you need a stabilizer and what your budget looks like. Take a look at these videos:

https://vimeo.com/17350491

https://vimeo.com/17618357
Nov 7 2012 12:26PM
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mikk
Posts: 451 - Karma: 107
Is anyone ever used a Glidecam iGlide for iPhone?
Nov 8 2012 5:52AM
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Juicy-J
Posts: 1900 - Karma: 1,764
gtfo
Nov 8 2012 11:53AM
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mikk
Posts: 451 - Karma: 107
solid answer dude. as solid as your mothers mouth.
Nov 8 2012 2:32PM
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Moosen
Posts: 4285 - Karma: 2,585
Wondlan... might be picking one of those up soon.

But glidecams always work great and seem to be the independent ski filmers go to.
Nov 8 2012 5:05PM
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mikk
Posts: 451 - Karma: 107
Something like that? http://www.wondlan.com/product/260-mini-handheld-stabilizer--cf9f/
Or something bigger.
Nov 8 2012 5:12PM
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Moosen
Posts: 4285 - Karma: 2,585
this is the one I want to get http://www.wondlan.com/product/260-magic-carbon-fiber-stabilizer-wondlan-0d3e/

Click for larger image

Click for larger image
Nov 8 2012 5:16PM
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jeb_b_vt
Posts: 1047 - Karma: 1,294
looks better than a flycam at least, how do you order one?
Nov 9 2012 1:05PM
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FatWhore
Posts: 2213 - Karma: 1,098
Should just get a glidecam at that point, its only like $100 cheaper
Nov 9 2012 4:46PM
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Moosen
Posts: 4285 - Karma: 2,585
only 100. and also lighter, and can be used as a monopod. and What's wrong with trying something different.
Nov 10 2012 6:28PM
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FatWhore
Posts: 2213 - Karma: 1,098
If im going to drop serious cash, I'll stick with proven brands....
Nov 11 2012 12:24AM
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eheath
Posts: 61091 - Karma: 118,095
haha 120cm? that shit is huge! why would you ever need a 4ft tall glide cam? i dont think the stedicams used with vests/arms are that long
Nov 11 2012 2:58AM
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Moosen
Posts: 4285 - Karma: 2,585
It can be used as a monopod.
Nov 11 2012 3:03AM
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eheath
Posts: 61091 - Karma: 118,095
-___________________________________________________________________________-
Nov 11 2012 3:13AM
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Moosen
Posts: 4285 - Karma: 2,585
to each their own. I would love to try out a new product.
Nov 11 2012 3:27AM
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eheath
Posts: 61091 - Karma: 118,095
Just all personal preference really, I just don't understand what you would ever use a mono pod for when filming. If you want a stable shot from one spot, use a tripod, if you want a smooth hand held shot, either hold it well or use a glide cam, the mono pod for video seems pointless to me.
Nov 11 2012 3:29AM
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jeb_b_vt
Posts: 1047 - Karma: 1,294
Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't it be a lot easier to film in the trees with? Just stick it in some deep snow to some what stabilize it? It'd be a ton easier to carry
Nov 11 2012 8:52AM
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eheath
Posts: 61091 - Karma: 118,095
Times I've filmed trees: 0
Times I plan to film trees: 0

If I did film trees, I would use a tripod or go hand held. Also, just sticking a mono pod into the snow is NOT stable.
Nov 11 2012 2:28PM
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jeb_b_vt
Posts: 1047 - Karma: 1,294
haha yea probably not, just wondering tho
Nov 11 2012 8:45PM
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FatWhore
Posts: 2213 - Karma: 1,098
I lol'd
Nov 11 2012 10:16PM
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jamiejensen33
Posts: 1 - Karma: 10
really liked the video....Entirely fun to watch....

Check dis out guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McPy9NvxSgA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=um2yXf8Ddj0
May 17 2014 8:45AM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24703 - Karma: 29,680
Flycams are cheap as hell, and won't give you the best results, but they can give you pretty good results if you set them up right. I shot a wedding using a flycam nano and a 60D. Came out just fine.

Glidecams are better in just about every way, but obviously cost more. it's worth it though.
May 17 2014 8:54AM
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Forcillo
Posts: 3801 - Karma: 3,580
I understand that this thread is almost 2 years old, but this is a good question to answer/provide alternatives for. Obviously, the glidecam is the best option, but also very expensive. If you want something extremely similar, check out the glidegear DNA 50/50. From what I've read, it is the same build quality, and is the most comparable knockoff to the real thing, and it's $100 cheaper than the hd-2000. The best value out there though, in my opinion, is the Opteka sv-HD. I got mine for $130, and the whole thing is made of metal, with the shaft being carbon fiber. The gimbal is smooth, and it's not too bad to balance. The weights on the bottom are a little narrow, though, and that's my only complaint. Definitely check that out if anyone's looking for an alternative. Way better than a flycam.
May 18 2014 11:55AM
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lIllI
Posts: 1255 - Karma: 1,986
The time difference in setting it up alone will be worth the Glidecam.

I'd say a Glidecam is barely passable; why would anyone even consider a Flycam?
May 18 2014 12:21PM
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.qzyxya
Posts: 1479 - Karma: -26
Agree with the older flycams being way better than the new 'dslr' version. Might as well just spend the extra money for a glidecam so it doesn't break in 6 months.
May 19 2014 10:31AM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24703 - Karma: 29,680
lIllIThe time difference in setting it up alone will be worth the Glidecam.

I'd say a Glidecam is barely passable; why would anyone even consider a Flycam?


I could set up my shitty flycam nano in under 5 minutes. I shot a whole wedding on one. They aren't as bad as everyone says they are, they just need to be handled by one who does research and has even an ounce of 20th century patience.
May 20 2014 3:38AM
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lIllI
Posts: 1255 - Karma: 1,986
DingoSeaneven an ounce of 20th century patience.


...or not. I could buy a nicer product and not have to deal with any of that crap. Time = money.
May 20 2014 11:22AM
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erikK
Posts: 3245 - Karma: 2,325
lIllITime = money.


except this isn't true for most kids in m&a
May 20 2014 1:48PM
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lIllI
Posts: 1255 - Karma: 1,986
erikKexcept this isn't true for most kids in m&a


Either most kids here are lying when they say they make money shooting video, or they aren't particularly smart business people. Which is it?
May 20 2014 3:12PM
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erikK
Posts: 3245 - Karma: 2,325
lIllIEither most kids here are lying when they say they make money shooting video, or they aren't particularly smart business people. Which is it?


Most kids here make skiing edits of their friends and make threads asking which lens or accessory to buy. Do you really think the amount of professionals here outnumbers the people shooting for fun?
May 20 2014 3:39PM
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lIllI
Posts: 1255 - Karma: 1,986
erikKMost kids here make skiing edits of their friends and make threads asking which lens or accessory to buy. Do you really think the amount of professionals here outnumbers the people shooting for fun?


No. I think the vast majority of people who give gear advice either lack experience or common sense (or both). But that isn't the point - it doesn't matter if the person in question makes money. If you don't at least acknowledge the merit in buying nice to save time, you are denying that opportunity cost applies to literally every single person regardless of their career.

There are many reasons to buy on a budget. Patience is not one of them. It doesn't address the problem of opportunity cost; it simply ignores it.
May 20 2014 4:00PM
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