Glidecam 2000 v's 4000 for XL1/XL H1 at DVinfo.net

Simon Duncan · June 25th, 2006, 04:11 AM

Just wanted to know if anyone is using the Glidecam 2000 with the XL1/XL H1?

Another question what is the difference between the Glidecam 2000 and 4000?

Since looking at Glidecam's website they seem to be identical.

Spike Spiegel · June 25th, 2006, 10:44 AM

you definitely want the glidecam 4000 for the canon Xl's. The 4000 simply is meant for heavier cameras such as those, while the 2000 is for smaller form factors such as the VX/PD/DVX/GL's , etc.

Mikko Wilson · June 25th, 2006, 02:11 PM

I would SERIOUSLY recomend against using any handheld rig for a camera as heavy as the XL1/2/H1. You are putting some massive strain on your wrist and risking injusry.

Once you go over 6lbs, a rig with an arm becomes almost a must. And up at the weight of the XL1, a handheld rig will become useless prety darn quickly.

Look into a rig with an arm designed for bigger cameras.

- Mikko

Terry Thompson · June 25th, 2006, 04:54 PM

Simon,

I'll have to second Mikko. If there is anyone who will tell you that you can do significant work with a handheld 4000 and XL1 either hasn't used one or is Hercules. If you will be doing any shots over 1 minute you will want and need a support system. It makes all the difference in the world.

The Smooth Shooter can hold the weight you are talking about with two springs.

Get the 4000 and start practicing. Next, start saving your money if you're serious about stabilization. It is worth the journey.

Tery
Indicam

Hey Mikko,

How's Alaska? It's in the 100s here in N. California this past week. I could use the cooler climate you're enjoying.

Simon Duncan · June 26th, 2006, 05:00 AM

Thanks guys.

I am based in France.
I will most probably go the 4000 then. I am shooting a short drama of mine in the next couple of mths and need something like the 4000. I have the smooth shooter on my wish list but I'll first get the 4000 and play around to get comfortabe before laying the biggers bucks down for the smooth shooter.

Jason Varner · July 5th, 2006, 11:47 PM

These guys know what they're talking about. I had a 4000 for about 2 days before I realized no way Jose. I had a 4" lcd and battery pack and I couldn't make it down the hall before my arm started shaking. Save your money and your arm shoot with OIS or at the very least see if Glidecam is still making the bodypod, you'll need it trust me. Disclaimer: if you can curl 200lbs or more disregard this post.

Boyd Ostroff · July 6th, 2006, 04:44 AM

I'll add my voice to the others... what are you expecting from the Glidecam? I have a 2000 and when used with my little 2 pound PDX-10 I could only shoot for very short intervals of maybe a minute or two. I've tried it with my Z1 and can't even acheive that. With a camera as large and heavy as the XL series I think you'll just be wasting your money. It will be too awkward to hold for more than a few seconds at a time.

Jonas Nystrom · July 6th, 2006, 03:00 PM

I'm using glidecam 4000 with the smooth shooter west for the XL H1. Really nice (even if I'm not an operator). I can not use the stick without support anyway. Actually are my back shouting for mercy after an hour with the west!

Jason Varner · July 8th, 2006, 12:14 AM

I've been a member for a year or two and I've never seen such unanimity concerning a product. Glidecam take note, if I had enough time/inclination to be a powerlifter, I problably wouldn't have time/inclination to be a videodork. However, their products (2k 4k) are exceptionally well made and look great albeit not well thought out.

Terry Thompson · July 8th, 2006, 01:45 AM

Jason,

To come to Glidecam's defense (though they don't need it), they do the job they were intended to do and you can get some great shots while using one of them. For the bigger cameras you will need a support system. You are also correct in that there are some things that could be improved upon in the sleds and that's why we made our PILOT sled. It holds heavier cameras like the 4000 does but will also balance and fly 1/2 pound cameras. (Pictures to follow)

The 2000, 4000, and PILOT all have the same sized handles so the Smooth Shooter can hold our PILOT sled and our support system can hold either the 2000 or 4000 sled.

Attached are a couple of pictures of a balanced 1/2 pound (very small) camera...

With this small video camera I am able to shoot a lot longer because there is so little weight involved. Anything much bigger would need counterweights on the bottom plate and much more effort to hold it. If we're talking professional video then I would of course use the support vest and arm because of the sled and camera combined weight

I wish I could show the video from this small camera as it looks fairly good but it's an .AVI file.

By the way-for those who don't know-the Bodypod is for static (not moving)shots . The Forearm Brace will help in the moving shots for any who can't affort a support system......Yet. It will give you some extra shooting time but not like a support arm will.

Sorry for rambling. It's 12:41 am.

Tery
Indicam

Boyd Ostroff · July 8th, 2006, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Varner

I've been a member for a year or two and I've never seen such unanimity concerning a product. Glidecam take note

I think you are being a little harsh on Glidecam. The point is that you need to understand your own limits and the limits of handheld stabilizers in general. Given that understanding the 2000 and 4000 can be useful for certain applications. Use the search feature here to find plenty of helpful posts on this topic (in particular, search for posts by Charles Papert :-)

Walter J Walsh · July 8th, 2006, 10:16 AM

I just wanted to jump in and add my two cents. I have shot hand held with an XL2 using the flowpod and it was very difficult to get long continues smooth shots. I think part of the problem with the canon, besides the camera's weight, is the odd center of gravity. It makes balancing it nearly impossible.

Simon I don't know what type of shots you are trying for; but, could you attain the same look if you used a dolly system? They can be built for a low cost and you could set the rest of the money aside for a future purchase of a better steady cam.

June 25th, 2006, 04:11 AM	#1
Simon Duncan Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Angers, France Posts: 181	Glidecam 2000 v's 4000 for XL1/XL H1 Just wanted to know if anyone is using the Glidecam 2000 with the XL1/XL H1? Another question what is the difference between the Glidecam 2000 and 4000? Since looking at Glidecam's website they seem to be identical.

June 25th, 2006, 02:11 PM	#3
Mikko Wilson Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Juneau, Alaska, USA Posts: 624	I would SERIOUSLY recomend against using any handheld rig for a camera as heavy as the XL1/2/H1. You are putting some massive strain on your wrist and risking injusry. Once you go over 6lbs, a rig with an arm becomes almost a must. And up at the weight of the XL1, a handheld rig will become useless prety darn quickly. Look into a rig with an arm designed for bigger cameras. - Mikko __________________ Mikko Wilson - Steadicam Owner / Operator - Juneau, Alaska, USA +1 (907) 321-8387 - mikkowilson@hotmail.com - www.mikkowilson.com

June 25th, 2006, 04:54 PM	#4
Terry Thompson Major Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Auburn, CA Posts: 578	Simon, I'll have to second Mikko. If there is anyone who will tell you that you can do significant work with a handheld 4000 and XL1 either hasn't used one or is Hercules. If you will be doing any shots over 1 minute you will want and need a support system. It makes all the difference in the world. The Smooth Shooter can hold the weight you are talking about with two springs. Get the 4000 and start practicing. Next, start saving your money if you're serious about stabilization. It is worth the journey. Tery Indicam Hey Mikko, How's Alaska? It's in the 100s here in N. California this past week. I could use the cooler climate you're enjoying. __________________ He's only mostly sDEADy. sort of from "The Princess Bride" www.indicam.com

July 6th, 2006, 03:00 PM	#8
Jonas Nystrom Major Player Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Göteborg, Sweden Posts: 306	I'm using glidecam 4000 with the smooth shooter west for the XL H1. Really nice (even if I'm not an operator). I can not use the stick without support anyway. Actually are my back shouting for mercy after an hour with the west! __________________ Jonas Nyström, DoP :: HOT SHOT® SWEDEN :: www.hotshot.nu :: RED #1567, RED 18-50mm T3 :: XL A1, Letus Extreme :: XL H1, 20X & 6X lens (for sale) :: www.vimeo.com/nystrom

July 8th, 2006, 12:14 AM	#9
Jason Varner Major Player Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 119	Amazing I've been a member for a year or two and I've never seen such unanimity concerning a product. Glidecam take note, if I had enough time/inclination to be a powerlifter, I problably wouldn't have time/inclination to be a videodork. However, their products (2k 4k) are exceptionally well made and look great albeit not well thought out.

June 25th, 2006, 10:44 AM	#2
Spike Spiegel Major Player Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 429	you definitely want the glidecam 4000 for the canon Xl's. The 4000 simply is meant for heavier cameras such as those, while the 2000 is for smaller form factors such as the VX/PD/DVX/GL's , etc.

June 26th, 2006, 05:00 AM	#5
Simon Duncan Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Angers, France Posts: 181	Thanks guys. I am based in France. I will most probably go the 4000 then. I am shooting a short drama of mine in the next couple of mths and need something like the 4000. I have the smooth shooter on my wish list but I'll first get the 4000 and play around to get comfortabe before laying the biggers bucks down for the smooth shooter.

July 5th, 2006, 11:47 PM	#6
Jason Varner Major Player Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 119	These guys know what they're talking about. I had a 4000 for about 2 days before I realized no way Jose. I had a 4" lcd and battery pack and I couldn't make it down the hall before my arm started shaking. Save your money and your arm shoot with OIS or at the very least see if Glidecam is still making the bodypod, you'll need it trust me. Disclaimer: if you can curl 200lbs or more disregard this post.

July 6th, 2006, 04:44 AM	#7
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,802	I'll add my voice to the others... what are you expecting from the Glidecam? I have a 2000 and when used with my little 2 pound PDX-10 I could only shoot for very short intervals of maybe a minute or two. I've tried it with my Z1 and can't even acheive that. With a camera as large and heavy as the XL series I think you'll just be wasting your money. It will be too awkward to hold for more than a few seconds at a time.

July 8th, 2006, 01:45 AM	#10
Terry Thompson Major Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Auburn, CA Posts: 578	Jason, To come to Glidecam's defense (though they don't need it), they do the job they were intended to do and you can get some great shots while using one of them. For the bigger cameras you will need a support system. You are also correct in that there are some things that could be improved upon in the sleds and that's why we made our PILOT sled. It holds heavier cameras like the 4000 does but will also balance and fly 1/2 pound cameras. (Pictures to follow) The 2000, 4000, and PILOT all have the same sized handles so the Smooth Shooter can hold our PILOT sled and our support system can hold either the 2000 or 4000 sled. Attached are a couple of pictures of a balanced 1/2 pound (very small) camera... With this small video camera I am able to shoot a lot longer because there is so little weight involved. Anything much bigger would need counterweights on the bottom plate and much more effort to hold it. If we're talking professional video then I would of course use the support vest and arm because of the sled and camera combined weight I wish I could show the video from this small camera as it looks fairly good but it's an .AVI file. By the way-for those who don't know-the Bodypod is for static (not moving)shots . The Forearm Brace will help in the moving shots for any who can't affort a support system......Yet. It will give you some extra shooting time but not like a support arm will. Sorry for rambling. It's 12:41 am. Tery Indicam Attached Thumbnails __________________ He's only mostly sDEADy. sort of from "The Princess Bride" www.indicam.com

July 8th, 2006, 10:16 AM	#12
Walter J Walsh Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Frankfort, IL Posts: 28	I just wanted to jump in and add my two cents. I have shot hand held with an XL2 using the flowpod and it was very difficult to get long continues smooth shots. I think part of the problem with the canon, besides the camera's weight, is the odd center of gravity. It makes balancing it nearly impossible. Simon I don't know what type of shots you are trying for; but, could you attain the same look if you used a dolly system? They can be built for a low cost and you could set the rest of the money aside for a future purchase of a better steady cam.