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Which glidecam to buy.

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ActualNinja
Posts: 394 - Karma: 133
I have a t2i with a tokina 11-16mm lense. Should I get the hd1000 or the hd2000? the hd1000 is a lot cheaper...
Sep 28 2011 12:13AM
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plorr
Posts: 3131 - Karma: 529
https://newschoolers.com/ns/forums/readthread/thread_id/644986/
Sep 28 2011 1:03AM
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Downtofilm
Posts: 6896 - Karma: 20,399
Glidecam 2000 pro or HD

The 1000 series sucks
Sep 28 2011 1:15AM
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rlee
Posts: 593 - Karma: 1,144
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?
Sep 28 2011 3:26AM
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eheath
Posts: 61098 - Karma: 118,229
You shouldn't need to go up to a 4000, they're made for like 6-10lbs
Sep 28 2011 3:43AM
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rlee
Posts: 593 - Karma: 1,144
I thought as much. Thanks eheath
Sep 28 2011 4:39AM
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@ScubaSteve
Posts: 378 - Karma: 822
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
Sep 28 2011 11:13AM
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eheath
Posts: 61098 - Karma: 118,229
Well, its not a gimmick when you have a 8-9lbs setup, like my hvx.
Sep 28 2011 2:07PM
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andstuff
Posts: 1118 - Karma: 61
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.
Sep 28 2011 2:50PM
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Deezy
Posts: 4580 - Karma: 1,004
DIY
Sep 28 2011 5:20PM
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TaranItUp
Posts: 1313 - Karma: 802
What DIY glidecam would you say, is any sort comparable to the reliablity and stabilization of an actual glidecam?
Sep 28 2011 6:25PM
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MattL.
Posts: 252 - Karma: 20
make this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA-t8SaJ3VU it works sooo good
Sep 29 2011 8:53AM
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andstuff
Posts: 1118 - Karma: 61
Home made Glidecam without gyroscope acting as the fulcrum = worthless.

Glidecams are something you really can't DIY, despite what some will tell you.
Sep 29 2011 11:24AM
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MattL.
Posts: 252 - Karma: 20
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

Sep 29 2011 12:35PM
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CrotchKiller
Posts: 9037 - Karma: 6,940
get an HD not a Pro
Sep 29 2011 1:15PM
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andstuff
Posts: 1118 - Karma: 61
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.
Sep 29 2011 5:29PM
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the.cheat
Posts: 2859 - Karma: 171
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
Click for larger image
(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.
Sep 29 2011 9:45PM
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andstuff
Posts: 1118 - Karma: 61
That's a lot different than pvc tubes with weights on it...
Sep 29 2011 9:52PM
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the.cheat
Posts: 2859 - Karma: 171
well you said all homemade glidecams are trash basically. not looking to argue, just proud of it.
Sep 29 2011 9:54PM
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CrotchKiller
Posts: 9037 - Karma: 6,940
can you explain what is going on? im genuinely interested in your design
Sep 29 2011 10:38PM
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andstuff
Posts: 1118 - Karma: 61
No, I said they're trash if they don't have the gyroscope.
Sep 29 2011 10:55PM
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the.cheat
Posts: 2859 - Karma: 171
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
Sep 29 2011 11:01PM
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the.cheat
Posts: 2859 - Karma: 171
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
Sep 29 2011 11:03PM
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the.cheat
Posts: 2859 - Karma: 171
*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.
Sep 29 2011 11:06PM
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