Glidecam Stabiliser

[engr]

Something I have been messing with over CNY. Aiyoh, my back is aching a little...

[HTCahHTC]

i tried in school and it was... reali reali difficult to balance the camera...

[engr]

Takes a little time esp if u r doing it the first time.

[DXNMedia]

Most stabilizing rig operators I know of who use larger rigs have back problems...that's why i restrict myself to only using stabilizers for cameras below 4kg, which is just about right for the Merlin system.

Definitely not worth the injury these days when we can do software stabilizing nowadays.
Take care of your back bro!
Remember the rig on-off golden rule.

[alternus]

Engr, how much you paid for the glidecam 4K? Bought it online or local?
Does it feel diff when compared to the old version? I'm thinking of upgrading liao....

[engr]

Expandore is the local disty.

Had a nice practise today in the park. The x10 does the job well but it does have some undesirable bounce in the arms plus a diff to adjust on the move design due to the need of tools. Arms are a little bulky too. Sled design is much better for on the move adjustments as compared to the old design.

Other than that, it meets the needs of most people who just want to get the job done. However without training and practise, it is quite unuseable.

Detailed report will be out in Mar 08. Test video should be out next weekend.

[BMPhoto]

[quote=engr;4763216]

...Other than that, it meets the needs of most people who just want to get the job done. However without training and practise, it is quite unuseable....

[quote]

Can the Stabilizing Experts please advise where we can learn proper techniques for Glidecam (or Camera Stablizer techniques in general)? Where can we get the right training? Is there good class to attend, book to read (not preferred actually), Online Tutorials or even DVD to purchase? I have searched the Internet, googled it several times, but have only found bits and pieces. Found 1 DVD (Smooth Moves II), but it is rather costly (USD99 for a 30min video, and no comment in the forums whether it is really good and worth the money). I want to at least ensure that when I practice with my Glidecam, I practice with the right technique. If I'm using wrong technique, it will just not get better with this baby.

Pls pls advise. Thanks.

Rgds

[engr]

Unfortunately training is not available locally at the moment. You need to go to US or Europe for that and it will cost SGD5000 plus for 2 days inc airfare and accomodation for training in New York.

The only way is via DVDs at the moment. Price of the training DVDs are usually quite steep. Indicam has a cheap one that is not too bad at USD40 but it is not as professional in a way but you will understand impt techniques from there. I have seen that and personally think it helped me quite a bit.

http://indicam.com/index.php?option=...d=13&Itemid=66

[Faiz]

hahaha bro same2 here if i carry a rig esp wif my sk or provid i wldn't dare to even bend down or getting down and dirty... hehehe usually take a week 4 me to recuperate....

[engr]

Yeah u know wat it means. the sunday practise was pretty ok. I tink I got my body conditioned again after a while. Planning to practise the next few weekends. Don Juan is really tough to handle.

[engr]

Short Demo Video

Purpose is to show how steadicams are operated, how the shots look like, and what kind of shots can be achieved. There are more maneuvers that can be done but we didnt have the time to find a suitable place.

Credits to expandore.com for the rig loan and Stanley for the practise partner.

[BMPhoto]

Originally Posted by engr Short Demo Video Purpose is to show how steadicams are operated, how the shots look like, and what kind of shots can be achieved. There are more maneuvers that can be done but we didnt have the time to find a suitable place. Credits to expandore.com for the rig loan and Stanley for the practise partner.

Hi Sean

Nice work in this evaluation video. Can I ask:

What are the key differences between the new HD Sleg and the older Pro version? I couldn't find any significant difference except probably the counter-weight mechanic at the bottom of the Sleg and the quick release mechanic (mentioned by the website). I have looked at their website, but couldn't locate any comparison table.

There is a mention that the new Sleg will help to ease the balancing of the camera, how is this achieved with reference to the older Pro version?

Is there any new shooting angle that can be achieve with the HD sleg?

Perhaps some other Glidecam HD Sleg user can help advise too.

Thanks.

Rgds

[engr]

Hi BMphoto. The key difference is the sliding weights and the fine adjustment of the stage. These r big features to help achieve repeatability and speed in balancing. The old sled had non stepped tightening of the stage. Over prolonged use, the alum will dent and the stage might slip during operations, causing imbalance.

The new stage comes with thumbscrews which prevent the stage from moving in anyway onced locked down. Big improvement but the implementation isnt as good as how Steadicam does it. However it is still works and very worth the upgrade.

As for shooting angle, it is dependant on the operator. U balance it in the angle u wan but do not expect big variations. This is due to physics. U also extend the post for more stable off axis balance.

The only dissappointment is they didnt make the gimbal adjustable. That would have enable a quick and dirty low mode.

U can consider the Indicam Pilot which has that func at 2/3 of the cost. Each has its trade offs. If u have the $, go for the Steadicam Flyer LE or Pilot. Best in the class in my opinion. (if u r looking for a full rig)

Above comments r based on a full rig, not handheld.

[BMPhoto]

Originally Posted by engr Hi BMphoto. The key difference is the sliding weights and the fine adjustment of the stage. These r big features to help achieve repeatability and speed in balancing. The old sled had non stepped tightening of the stage. Over prolonged use, the alum will dent and the stage might slip during operations, causing imbalance. The new stage comes with thumbscrews which prevent the stage from moving in anyway onced locked down. Big improvement but the implementation isnt as good as how Steadicam does it. However it is still works and very worth the upgrade. As for shooting angle, it is dependant on the operator. U balance it in the angle u wan but do not expect big variations. This is due to physics. U also extend the post for more stable off axis balance. The only dissappointment is they didnt make the gimbal adjustable. That would have enable a quick and dirty low mode. U can consider the Indicam Pilot which has that func at 2/3 of the cost. Each has its trade offs. If u have the $, go for the Steadicam Flyer LE or Pilot. Best in the class in my opinion. (if u r looking for a full rig) Above comments r based on a full rig, not handheld.

Hi Sean

Thanks for the review, this is really useful. I can reference to it to decide whether to upgrade as I'm currently owning Glidecam 4000 Pro Sleg. Thanks and appreciate your help.

Rgds