JACK CABBAGE: glidecam 2000

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Sony EX1: Used with the Glidecam 2000 - Footage

This particular piece of video was included in my lengthy post filled with footage of the Glidecam models, the Steadicam Merlin, and their combination with various cameras.

However, this clip warrants special note because of the interest users have been showing in the Sony EX1 and its rolling shutter.

Glidecam 2000 Test Footage from Andrew Gupta on Vimeo.

Here, we see the Sony EX1 employed with the Glidecam 2000, and according to the notes on the clip, no stabilization vest or arm, etc.

This struck me as a situation where EX1 users and those considering one would want to know how the shutter performs.

Undoubtedly, many who have or may buy cameras in the $3000-7000 range will contemplate using it with a stabilizer in the Glidecam 2000-4000 / Steadicam Merlin range. As well, given the front-heavy design of the EX1, it is good that some people are out there testing its ability to be counterbalanced effectively.

Just for the hell of it, here is a brief DVinfo FORUM DISCUSSION on the Glidecam and the EX1.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Stabilizer Battle: Looking at the Glidecam, the Merlin and others - Footage

If you are starting up your own budget production house, and you've chosen your camera(s) and possibly your adapters, your tripods, and so on and so on...

You are going to at least want to give some thought to your apparatus for dynamic motion shots...

With that said, prospective buyers or renters tend to focus on a few brands in their search. Among the options are the various Glidecam models and the Steadicam Merlin. And further accessories are possible, for example, adding the Smoothshooter stabilizing vest to the Glidecam. Easy to spend a lot of money here...

And as usual, the proof is in the footage, so I've gathered up a few clips of these various alternatives being put to use.

GLIDECAM 2000

The following is a clip of the Glidecam 2000 Pro being used with a Panasonic DVX100.

Glidecam 2000 + Sony HC7...

Glidecam 2000 pro test from ccproducciones on Vimeo.

And here is a clip by a person with 4 days experience with the Glidecam 2000. He speaks well of the product but insists that it takes a significant amount of time and practice to become competent with it - saying that the Glidecam is no quick fix for your shooting techniques.

Glidecam 2000 Test Footage from Andrew Gupta on Vimeo.

GLIDECAM 4000