Glidecam 2000 or 4000 with dvx100a at DVinfo.net

Dennis Chapin · October 25th, 2004, 02:28 AM

Is anybody using the Glidecam 2000 or 4000? Will either one work with the dvx100a? I have the opportunity to pick up the 4000 but I am wondering if the dvx100a is too lite for that model.

Barry Green · October 25th, 2004, 10:58 AM

I've got a 4000 with the DVX. The 4000 is the right model to get, especially if you intend to add anything to the DVX (like a wide-angle lens, large battery, etc). The 2000 will work, but it's right about at the weight limit, whereas the 4000 gives you lots of room to add stuff.

Dennis Chapin · October 25th, 2004, 11:34 AM

Thanks Barry, Do you know if I will have trouble balancing a stock dvx100a on a Glidecam 4000? I read another post where someone could not get the dvx100 balanced on a Glidecam 4000. I am wondering if the stock dvx1000 with the 4 hour battery is too lite for the 4000.

I am going to order your book soon.

Tommy Merry · October 25th, 2004, 12:42 PM

Hi Dennis, I have a the 200 pro. I bought for my film and to use with my DVX100p. I used a steadicam JR many years ago and so thought it would be comparable in smooth motion and feel. I was wrong. After buying it it took it out for my first test which was to emulate a scene from my movie, when the camera would follow the protagonist down stairs. Like the book suggested I did the old vaudeville walk/ Groucho Marks in his stalking mode =) (bending knees and walking with my upper body still as possible, or for another visual picture Steven Seagal running) Anhyhoo, its was quite apparent when I got the test footage home and watched it, you could see the frame bob, with every step I took.

SO I found a used Steadicam JR on EBAY (for around $200, perfect condition) and took a chance. At the time I first started filming, I don't believe they were making the new ones yet.

Upside:
Like my old days (with a small camera of course) the shots were smooth as silk - no need to change the way I walk and you can also do some need pedestal/pan effects with it simultaneously because of its design,

Downside: aka. Enter Muscleman
The Steadicam JR was never made for a camera as heavy as the DVX series, and therefor was heavy as SIN! Most of the takes I did for the film were no longer than 3 minutes each, BUT even though my arm was ready to fall off after each one, the shots are beautiful and fully stand up with anything one might see on broadcast television movie.
If you were a wedding photographer looking to round out his arsenal, I would say forget it unless you're Dolph Lundgren as the weight would be to much for any extended shots. But in the end it works our perfect for me.

Also there is a Steadicam JR light available (san screen) but I would recommend against it. As I mentioned earlier, you can do some great pedestal panning moves, and in doing so you need to cross over the center axis behind your camera at which point on the "light" screenless version, you would not be able to see your framing once the camera swiveled to the opposite site.
http://www.steadicam.com/prohh_jr.htm

Just my opinion =)
-Tommy

John Hudson · October 26th, 2004, 03:58 PM

I have the GC2000 PRO and let me say:

The results are flawless in terms of camera stabilation but is is murder on the forearm. You get used to it, and as I have mentioned beofre, I wouldnt shoot an episode of ER this way. But, in planning and executing the shots and using it as a visual tool and NOT an absolute I am very satisfied. It is at about the limit (I have a Mattebox on my DVX) but it does the job and looks smooth as silk.

If yuu can get a vest then by all means do!

John DeLuca · October 26th, 2004, 05:15 PM

****The results are flawless in terms of camera stabilation but is is murder on the forearm*****

They have a forearm brace, see link below.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=details_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=193818&is=REG

John Hudson · October 27th, 2004, 07:57 PM

Thanks for the link John. I dont use the GC enough to warrant this but Im sure its a good idea. (Sides, I can handle it!) : )

October 25th, 2004, 02:28 AM	#1
Dennis Chapin New Boot Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: roseville, ca Posts: 10	Glidecam 2000 or 4000 with dvx100a Is anybody using the Glidecam 2000 or 4000? Will either one work with the dvx100a? I have the opportunity to pick up the 4000 but I am wondering if the dvx100a is too lite for that model.

October 25th, 2004, 12:42 PM	#4
Tommy Merry Tourist Join Date: May 2003 Location: Moss Beach CA Posts: 4	Hi Dennis, I have a the 200 pro. I bought for my film and to use with my DVX100p. I used a steadicam JR many years ago and so thought it would be comparable in smooth motion and feel. I was wrong. After buying it it took it out for my first test which was to emulate a scene from my movie, when the camera would follow the protagonist down stairs. Like the book suggested I did the old vaudeville walk/ Groucho Marks in his stalking mode =) (bending knees and walking with my upper body still as possible, or for another visual picture Steven Seagal running) Anhyhoo, its was quite apparent when I got the test footage home and watched it, you could see the frame bob, with every step I took. SO I found a used Steadicam JR on EBAY (for around $200, perfect condition) and took a chance. At the time I first started filming, I don't believe they were making the new ones yet. Upside: Like my old days (with a small camera of course) the shots were smooth as silk - no need to change the way I walk and you can also do some need pedestal/pan effects with it simultaneously because of its design, Downside: aka. Enter Muscleman The Steadicam JR was never made for a camera as heavy as the DVX series, and therefor was heavy as SIN! Most of the takes I did for the film were no longer than 3 minutes each, BUT even though my arm was ready to fall off after each one, the shots are beautiful and fully stand up with anything one might see on broadcast television movie. If you were a wedding photographer looking to round out his arsenal, I would say forget it unless you're Dolph Lundgren as the weight would be to much for any extended shots. But in the end it works our perfect for me. Also there is a Steadicam JR light available (san screen) but I would recommend against it. As I mentioned earlier, you can do some great pedestal panning moves, and in doing so you need to cross over the center axis behind your camera at which point on the "light" screenless version, you would not be able to see your framing once the camera swiveled to the opposite site. http://www.steadicam.com/prohh_jr.htm Just my opinion =) -Tommy __________________ Tommy Merry Instrumental Guitar Rock http://www.tommymerry.com

October 25th, 2004, 10:58 AM	#2
Barry Green Barry Wan Kenobi Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 3,863	I've got a 4000 with the DVX. The 4000 is the right model to get, especially if you intend to add anything to the DVX (like a wide-angle lens, large battery, etc). The 2000 will work, but it's right about at the weight limit, whereas the 4000 gives you lots of room to add stuff.

October 25th, 2004, 11:34 AM	#3
Dennis Chapin New Boot Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: roseville, ca Posts: 10	Thanks Barry, Do you know if I will have trouble balancing a stock dvx100a on a Glidecam 4000? I read another post where someone could not get the dvx100 balanced on a Glidecam 4000. I am wondering if the stock dvx1000 with the 4 hour battery is too lite for the 4000. I am going to order your book soon.

October 26th, 2004, 03:58 PM	#5
John Hudson Major Player Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: 32° 44' N 117° 10' W Posts: 820	I have the GC2000 PRO and let me say: The results are flawless in terms of camera stabilation but is is murder on the forearm. You get used to it, and as I have mentioned beofre, I wouldnt shoot an episode of ER this way. But, in planning and executing the shots and using it as a visual tool and NOT an absolute I am very satisfied. It is at about the limit (I have a Mattebox on my DVX) but it does the job and looks smooth as silk. If yuu can get a vest then by all means do!

October 26th, 2004, 05:15 PM	#6
John DeLuca Major Player Join Date: May 2003 Location: Akron, Ohio Posts: 496	**The results are flawless in terms of camera stabilation but is is murder on the forearm*** They have a forearm brace, see link below. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=details_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=193818&is=REG

October 27th, 2004, 07:57 PM	#7
John Hudson Major Player Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: 32° 44' N 117° 10' W Posts: 820	Thanks for the link John. I dont use the GC enough to warrant this but Im sure its a good idea. (Sides, I can handle it!) : )