I thought you fellow wedding videographers may be interested in two new Glidetracks just released.

A half length Compact version, and the new Glidetrack HD (Heavy Duty).

The site has also had a new mini makeover and there is a new "info-video" explaining a little bit about the Glidetrack.

And yes, before someone points it out, the uncanny likeness between me and George Clooney, has already been pointed out....I wish!

Happy to answer any questions you guys may have via this thread.

I'd like to thank all you guys for your tremendous support, and wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Alastair
__________________
www.glidetrack.com (http://www.glidetrack.com)

No need to thank us for the support, the glidetrack has helped me immensely! As you know I now have the standard, and HD version (for the Letus)....hell I might even get the compact one too!

Love the instructional vid, and hoping many of our overseas friends will be able to understand your great accent :)

Here's a clip I made with the glidetrack, that I wanted to have a 2001: Space Odyssey feel to it - wouldn't have been possible without it.
Implant Dental Surgery - Harley St, London on Vimeo (http://www.vimeo.com/1710363)
And I was travelling on the busy London underground that day, and the glidetrack was perfectly mobile. Did get some strange looks though, LOL.

Allistar, second time to your site and I still can't find the length of the tracks. I don't think I'm unique in wanting to quickly find:

- How long
- How stiff
- How much

Then I want to know how smooth. I do like the professional look of your site.

You can deffinatley get some nice product shots with this rig.

Richard, Nice spot. Did you use it in the staircase shot?

Don: those questions are answered on the information page, and purchase page

Vince: 1st staircase shot was using the glidetrack, but the 2nd and 3rd were handheld...in that particular spot of the surgery there wasn't even room to put a tripod (and i hadn't bought my glidecam), so i opted for the swinging arm action instead :)

... the uncanny likeness between me and George Clooney, has already been pointed out....


Alastair, has that anything to do with

EVERYTHING on this guy is on a larger scale.

I think we should be told.

:-)

Allistar, second time to your site and I still can't find the length of the tracks. I don't think I'm unique in wanting to quickly find:

- How long
- How stiff
- How much

Then I want to know how smooth. I do like the professional look of your site.

The Glidetrack SD and HD each have 1m (39 1/2") of travel The compact has 50cm (20") of travel.

The stiffness depends on length of track. If it's any indication of how solid the Heavy Duty is, it will take my weight if spanned across two chairs. The SD track would'nt handle that.

Prices are on the Purchase page.

Alastair, has that anything to do with



I think we should be told.

:-)

Unfotunately not!

If it's any indication of how solid the Heavy Duty is, it will take my weight if spanned across two chairs.


That's pretty impressive, Alastair. There's not a lot of my video or audio gear that's as solidly built - only some of the lighting I borrow. Kind of takes me back to the days when pro gear was aways built like a brick... er, um, like a battleship. Like the Vinten camera cranes the BBC used in the 60s. They had to lift the cameraman as well as the huge Pye/Marconi cameras.

I do love the look this produces. Ive found for the ceremony a static camera is best (cant get away with the steadicam in the UK) but that generally makes it boring. To add some movement to it would give us something over the competition. Seriously considering getting one after seeing that porche video.

I particularly like the 'on the floor' idea as I have been playing with low down shots in recent shoots. I can also see wedding car sequences like your car vid.

Love it!

Well I did it, bought a Glidetrack SD yesterday so looking forward to using that :)

Hi Alastair. I'm enjoying my Glidetrack immensely: it certainly adds a new dimension to a shoot.
Can you recommend a tripod head smaller than the Velbon to go with it ? I use the little Sony A1 on the Glidetrack and have yet to find the perfect small head to complement it.

This looks like a nice product.

As an FYI to those who have bought or are considering buying, an application of this design which I didn't see represented in the videos here is when one is shooting over-the-shoulder shots (generally with narrative production); if the person whose shoulder you are shooting over shifts his or her weight, it's easy to make small corrections to maintain the proper relationship between the two subjects with this type of setup. Certainly this is a more subtle application but a great solution to a classic problem.

This looks like a nice product.

As an FYI to those who have bought or are considering buying, an application of this design which I didn't see represented in the videos here is when one is shooting over-the-shoulder shots (generally with narrative production); if the person whose shoulder you are shooting over shifts his or her weight, it's easy to make small corrections to maintain the proper relationship between the two subjects with this type of setup. Certainly this is a more subtle application but a great solution to a classic problem.

Great suggestion!

Hi Alastair,

Did you catch the second half of my last post i.e.
'Can you recommend a tripod head smaller than the Velbon to go with the Glidetrack ? I use the little Sony A1 on the Glidetrack and have yet to find the perfect small head to complement it.'

Cheers
Mike

Hi Mike,

Sorry...I missed your question.

A search for tripod head on Ebay brings up quite a few options.

I think the Velbon is about the cheapest you will get with a fluid head.

All the best


Alastair

This device looks pretty cool... I'm with another poster who mentioned finding any specs on your website is not easy. You know how us web surfers are, we just want to find info fast and intuitively! :) Just a friendly suggestion to help us info seekers and purchasers... next to each product listing I'd list it very clearly the length (metric and english versions), the weight load of each one, and the total weight of the unit itself.

How much do these things weigh, each size separately? I'd be hiking with mine... I have Microdolly track and dolly which is pretty lightweight for a track/dolly system, but for extended backpacking trips this might suffice for some basic camera movement. The product looks good and the price is right, I just need some specs. Gracias!

This device looks pretty cool... I'm with another poster who mentioned finding any specs on your website is not easy. You know how us web surfers are, we just want to find info fast and intuitively! :) Just a friendly suggestion to help us info seekers and purchasers... next to each product listing I'd list it very clearly the length (metric and english versions), the weight load of each one, and the total weight of the unit itself.

How much do these things weigh, each size separately? I'd be hiking with mine... I have Microdolly track and dolly which is pretty lightweight for a track/dolly system, but for extended backpacking trips this might suffice for some basic camera movement. The product looks good and the price is right, I just need some specs. Gracias!

You are both right, and I welcome the pointers. Will make a point of adding that today.

Alastair,

Great looking product - and that porsche vid is a killer sales tool. I'm not sure how much weight your loaded up A1 is, but I've got an XLH1 (around 10 pounds) how well could I expect the Glidetrack to handle it.

Thanks.

Hi Ken,

I would say go with the HD version for the H1.

Yes, I just wanted to be sure that the HD could handle the weight. I believe the XH-A1 are quite a bit lighter than the XL's

It's not a very scientific test however, the HD version if spanned across two seats, will take my full weight 79kg (175lbs) if I stand on the carriage.

Ok I want one... I would like to buy the SD. Would it work well with a DVX100 and staticDOF adapter (total weight 10lbs). I would be afraid that the beam might bend a little from the weight all to one side. I know that there is the HD version. but if the SD will work, I rather go with that.

Ok I want one... I would like to buy the SD. Would it work well with a DVX100 and staticDOF adapter (total weight 10lbs). I would be afraid that the beam might bend a little from the weight all to one side. I know that there is the HD version. but if the SD will work, I rather go with that.

Never mind I watched the video on the site... very informative.

how fast can u go on this filming 25p without motion jitter?? anyone know

how fast can u go on this filming 25p without motion jitter?? anyone know

I am not sure that is something that anyone could put a figure to, seeing as it pushed by hand.

That said, maybe someone with a good head for numbers could do the maths?

how fast can u go on this filming 25p without motion jitter?? anyone know

I was under the impression that a good speed for 24/25P was to have a single object move across the screen in 7 seconds. I dont remember where i read that... Maybe the DVXbook

I have to mention that I received my HD Glidetrack this morning. I
have to admit that I was not expecting receiving the order so fast. From UK to Tampa Florida took just two days after placing online the order!

Alastair Thanks for the service!!

Yup, i got mine within a couple of days over christmas too. Been playing with it this week and trying different angles and shots.

Hi Alistair just had a good look at your product and very impressed.

Only downside is that I use a Satchler Video 20 II with a 100mm bowl. I think I would have to buy a new tripod especially for the Glidetrack as the Satchler would be unsuitable.

Never say never! I have full Tool Room facilities at my disposal, so ANYTHING is possible. Give me a call and i am sure I can sort you out. Numbers on the site.

Off the top of my head, why not get a second smaller head to leave permenantly mounted to the carriage? Fit a quick release mount to the track, and you have a really quick to setup system, ready to go at a moments notice?

So, Satchler tripod, Manfrotto quick release, Glidetrack attached to quick release, another cheaper head on the glidetrack and Bobs your uncle. Right?

How sturdy would be the connection? Wouldn't it tilt a little when the camer is at the end of the track?

So, Satchler tripod, Manfrotto quick release, Glidetrack attached to quick release, another cheaper head on the glidetrack and Bobs your uncle. Right?

How sturdy would be the connection? Wouldn't it tilt a little when the camer is at the end of the track?

Every connection you add contributes the potential for un-wanted movement. In practice though, if there is any minor amount of movement, it happens gradually and at an even rate, as the glide occurs. As such, your not likely to notice it i.e. can you see any evidence of it, in any of the clips posted by all the users?

Depends on the weight of your rig, and the tripod head.

I havnt noticed any bend when using a single tripod for support with my FX1 with large battery.

Havnt used it in the field yet but plan to use with 2 tripods whenever possible. Just keeps things more sturdy.

I just got my Glidetrack HD today and am already very impressed and happy with it. First of all shipping from UK to my house (US) only took 1 day..very nice! I needed the quick setup of the glidetrack and to be able to use it with only 1 tripod. I'll be using the xh-a1 and xl-h1 on this with a bogen head so I got the HD version. Very well made, sturdy, and the glide is very smooth. There's definitely no issues with the weight or bend in the track.
I can't wait to start using this and will be throwing up footage once I get to it. Thanks Alastair !!


Matt

Matt - I've had mine about a month and love it. Alastair's been great with follow up questions too.

Art

Good to hear. Thats going to be my 2009 investment too. Just have to score a few more gigs and I'm getting mine.

Mine should be here any day now....yippy!

I'll be building my own mini dolly soon, I would buy a Glidetrack however the postage to South Africa is going to cost me so much that it's not worth it.

Thanks for the nice comments guys!

Nicholas, check your DV Info Mail!

Hey Matt,
How did this unit hold up to Cinevates Pegasus that we used in Toronto? Is it just as smooth or is the Pegasus a better unit but out of reach at it's price range?

JB

My Glidetrack arrived in Brazil very quickly after ordering it. Havent used it yet on a shoot yet but I am impressed with the build quality. Looking forward to seeing it in action.

Hey Matt,
How did this unit hold up to Cinevates Pegasus that we used in Toronto? Is it just as smooth or is the Pegasus a better unit but out of reach at it's price range?

JB


Jason,
They are definitely different due to how each one is built differently but even after using that one, I'm very happy with the glidetrack. Price is obviously one factor and even the HD model is about 1/2 the price. The main factor for me was actually the fact that I could put a glidetrack on 1 tripod while the pegasus requires two. I always have a second shooter but still get most of 'the shots' myself and needed to be able to set this up as quickly as possible to do a shot.

Now, the pegasus uses ball bearings so it naturally glides with a bit more ease and requires less force to move it, but with a little use and understanding of how to get the smoothest shots on the glidetrack, I feel that there will be no way to tell which one I was actually using. For example, on the pegasus, you could have the camera on a head and be pushing the top of the camera and it would slide just fine. The glidetrack might stick a little if you were to do this so I simply push from the lowest point, on the actual plate, and it's just as smooth. I used the regular glidetrack while up there too and with some weight, it had the potential to stick slightly...I don't get that at all with the HD model.

Matt

are there jitter problems when shooting 25p using this glidetrack, how slow do u haveto go not to cause jitter?


sorry to jump in

are there jitter problems when shooting 25p using this glidetrack, how slow do u haveto go not to cause jitter?
Actually not, because most of the time the subject is af few meters away and doesn't move that hard across the frame. Don't forget to turn of the image stabilisation.

I'm excited to see the footage :)

__________________
Aspiring Cinematographer.
- StillMotion - Stunning Imagery for the Discerning Bride - (http://www.stillmotion.ca) StillMotionBlog.com (http://www.stillmotionblog.com)

I didn't think anyone working for stillmotion was 'still' aspiring - you guy's create a moving benchmark that everyone else aspires to.

does glidetrack make one that works vertically as well as horizontally? also which glidetrack is recommended for a FX1 type of weighted camera with a couple of accessories?

Many thanks

edit: on the vertical thing Ive just seen this on another thread

"Try fitting the rail to your current head at the end of the rail.
Fit a second head and then you can do up/down shots with a controlled arc."

So if I am understanding right, I can have my manfrotto 501HDV head on a tripod. Put a quick release plate on the bottom of the glide track with another head already attached. If I then slide the quick release to one end of the rail and mount it on the 501 head, I can then angle it down length ways and fit my camera to the 2nd head on the glidetrack to create a crane type shot. The only issue is wont the camera be at 90 degrees to the ground (ie - sideways)?!

nevermind, i'm impatient and bought a glidetrack SD 50cm compact. Will see what I can do with it when it arrives!

Looks like the Glidetrack website is down. Hope it's nothing serious.

I'm looking to order a Glidetrack to mainly use with our Canon 5D Mark II (we use our Sony EX3 with a Steadicam Flyer)

Someone on this forum said to not buy the Glidetrack as it doesn't have roller bearings and as a result it makes it difficult to operate smoothly. Anyone care to comment on that? Is there something else available that has roller bearings? Noise isn't much of a concern as we'll mainly use if for b-roll.

Thanks! :)

EDIT: One other question.... I've got a Sachtler tripod (FSB 8) that using a quick release plate. If I bought an extra quick release plate couldn't I just mount it to the bottom of the Glidetrack so it could be quickly mounted to our tripod head? Or is it better to remove the tripod head and get a half ball mount? I'm trying to make it quick/easy to switch the 5DM2 from tripod to Glidetrack.