GL2 with VZ-LSP : opinions while walking?

[Graham Bernard]

Ken, if it looks like a duck, if it sounds like a duck . . . . as you say,"It really looks like someone's hobby project. " . . sometimes things just don't "look" right . . sometimes they DO look right .. . this was my only point. You too have this innate understanding of what looks right . . This was at the centre of my opinion. Glide Cam Pro could be near it, but it still lacks that design "bite" . .. ..

Grazie

[Joe Calalang]

-- Originally posted by Ken Tanaka : Good choice, Joe.

One note: Don't underestimate the amount of time you will have to practice with this, or any other inertial stabilizer. It's definitely not immediate success out-of-the-box. But if you're dedicated you will be rewarded with some million dollar results.

Have fun!

Well, Ken, do you have a review for the DV Rig Pro? Coz I splurged and bought that one along with the Varizoom Stealth Zoom controller. I figured that the Glidecam would utterly destroy my deltoid muscles so the benefits would only be shortlived. So, with that in mind, I bought the DV Rig Pro.

Maybe the next purchase will be the Magiqcam (after I've robbed a bank)! =8^D

[Ken Tanaka]

So I guess the budget gave way to other considerations. <g>

My DV Rig Pro review is not quite ready. But I think you'll be very pleased with this brace. It's an excellent accessory comparable to that of a good tripod and head.

Have fun with that DV Rig Pro!

[Joe Calalang]

My wallet hates you! J/k!

I figured that if I'm gonna spend $300 on a Glidecam I could probably build myself, why not get something a lot better? So I considered your experience in this field and decided to go with your advice.

[Joe Calalang]

I finally got to use it last Saturday for 12 hours. I did't get tired until about 7 hours into the day. I was mostly tired from standing around. 7 tapes and 3 battery replacements later, I was finished with the wedding. I could have kept going if not for running out of tapes.

My mini-review - the stem that supports the camera has some shock absorbing qualities which will take most of the jolt out of your steps. This is not as smooth as a Glidecam 2000 but could you imagine holding that for 12 hours? Even if you took breaks every now and then, you arm would fatigue. The DVRigPro, for my limited experience in videography, is the perfect blend of a tripod, shoulder mount and Glidecam. This is not the camera to use for running up and down the sideline but it's perfect for weddings and "walk around" events.

Getting the DVRigPro setup with my GL2 took no more than 15 minutes the first time. When I used if for the wedding, I had it on me in less than 2 minutes and I was ready for shooting!

Thanks Ken for suggesting this setup!

[Ken Tanaka]

<<<-- Originally posted by Joe Calalang : ...This is not the camera to use for running up and down the sideline but it's perfect for weddings and "walk around" events. ... -->>>

Good to hear back from you, Joe! And good to hear that your first impression of the DV Rig Pro was positive. Your sentence, above, sums up the DV Rig's application perfectly.

Now that you've gotten the general feel of the brace, if you've not already done so, try making some fine-tuning adjustments. Specifically, shift the camera's horizontal placement along that t-bar to see how it changes the balance. Also note that you can loosen those chrome nut heads on the handlebar handles to reposition the handles along that t-bar and also change their angles. Small changes to these handles can make big differences in comfort. I also prefer to leave that front hinge knob just loose enough so that I can tilt slightly without changing the camera's horizontal position.

Thanks for reporting back!