Camera stabilizers at DVinfo.net

Carlos Porras · October 28th, 2004, 03:19 PM

I am thinking about getting a FlowPod or Glidecam camera stabilizer but in their respective websites they dont mention the XL2 yet (they only make reference to the XL1s) so I wonder if their current products would work with the newest camera.

Anyone knows if these stabilizers are compatible with the XL2?

Any recommendation as to what brand (mentioned above or any other) would work better?

Jay Gladwell · October 29th, 2004, 05:57 AM

In a word -- yes.

If it works with the XL1s, it will work with the XL2. The XL1s, fully loaded, weighs 6 lbs 4 7/8 oz (2.86 kg). The XL2, fully loaded, weighs 7.8 lbs. (3545g). A tad over 1 more pound.

Jay

Chris Hurd · October 29th, 2004, 07:50 AM

Be prepared for an upper-body workout. As hefty as the XL2 is, using it on any stabilizer is going to put a serious load on your arms. In my opinion your best bet is to go with a rig that includes a vest and an articulated arm, such as the VariZoom FlowCam ProLite.

Carlos Porras · October 29th, 2004, 09:27 AM

Thanks for your comments. I wrote the people at Varizoom and this is what they had to say:

Carlos,

It could handle the weight, but the length of the unit makes it difficult to balance, as it tends to be very front heavy. You could buy one and return it if you can't get it to work, as we have a 30 day return policy. You would definitely need extra weights, though.

TS

David Lach · October 29th, 2004, 10:23 AM

<<<-- Originally posted by Chris Hurd : Be prepared for an upper-body workout. As hefty as the XL2 is, using it on any stabilizer is going to put a serious load on your arms. In my opinion your best bet is to go with a rig that includes a vest and an articulated arm, such as the VariZoom FlowCam ProLite. -->>>

There's many workarounds for the weight issue. One is to buy a body pod or a vest with arm of course. But if you don't have the money, there's guerilla ways too. I remember one time I had to use a Glidecam for a very long shot. I did not have any kind of weight support system with me, so I just used elastic security cables strapped in a strategic way around my neck and back with cussions. I then connected this very weirdo looking rig to my holding arm. I probably removed 90% of the weight from my arm that way and redistributed it to my neck and back. It worked and I did not end up paralyzed ;-)

October 28th, 2004, 03:19 PM	#1
Carlos Porras New Boot Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Mexico Posts: 13	Camera stabilizers I am thinking about getting a FlowPod or Glidecam camera stabilizer but in their respective websites they dont mention the XL2 yet (they only make reference to the XL1s) so I wonder if their current products would work with the newest camera. Anyone knows if these stabilizers are compatible with the XL2? Any recommendation as to what brand (mentioned above or any other) would work better?

October 29th, 2004, 07:50 AM	#3
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	Be prepared for an upper-body workout. As hefty as the XL2 is, using it on any stabilizer is going to put a serious load on your arms. In my opinion your best bet is to go with a rig that includes a vest and an articulated arm, such as the VariZoom FlowCam ProLite. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

October 29th, 2004, 05:57 AM	#2
Jay Gladwell Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,244	In a word -- yes. If it works with the XL1s, it will work with the XL2. The XL1s, fully loaded, weighs 6 lbs 4 7/8 oz (2.86 kg). The XL2, fully loaded, weighs 7.8 lbs. (3545g). A tad over 1 more pound. Jay

October 29th, 2004, 09:27 AM	#4
Carlos Porras New Boot Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Mexico Posts: 13	Thanks for your comments. I wrote the people at Varizoom and this is what they had to say: Carlos, It could handle the weight, but the length of the unit makes it difficult to balance, as it tends to be very front heavy. You could buy one and return it if you can't get it to work, as we have a 30 day return policy. You would definitely need extra weights, though. TS

October 29th, 2004, 10:23 AM	#5
David Lach Major Player Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Montreal, QC, Canada Posts: 570	<<<-- Originally posted by Chris Hurd : Be prepared for an upper-body workout. As hefty as the XL2 is, using it on any stabilizer is going to put a serious load on your arms. In my opinion your best bet is to go with a rig that includes a vest and an articulated arm, such as the VariZoom FlowCam ProLite. -->>> There's many workarounds for the weight issue. One is to buy a body pod or a vest with arm of course. But if you don't have the money, there's guerilla ways too. I remember one time I had to use a Glidecam for a very long shot. I did not have any kind of weight support system with me, so I just used elastic security cables strapped in a strategic way around my neck and back with cussions. I then connected this very weirdo looking rig to my holding arm. I probably removed 90% of the weight from my arm that way and redistributed it to my neck and back. It worked and I did not end up paralyzed ;-)