Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

I did a lot of research before I finally pulled the trigger for this thing. I have a nikon d7000 with a tokina 11-16mm. This is pretty much the max weight for the hd1000. Fortunately it works just fine and I lve the small compactness of it. It took me a very long time to balance this sucker but I knew going into it that it would not be a piece of cake. Once it's stabilized it works like a dream! My footage is smooth and gliding through the air. Yes it is heavy but the more you use it, the more stamina you build in your arm. Its not like I'm shooting footage for more than 2 or 3 minutes anyways. I bought a manfrotto quick release so that I wouldn't have to unscrew the plate every time I wanna take it off, but for the hd1000 it was too heavy. If you plan on using accessories and add ons, definitely buy the hd 2000 or 40000All in all this thing is awesome. It will set your shots apart from others with the smoothness and steady camera movements. Make sure you're ready to spend some time on this before you buy it. If you take the time to learn how to use it, it'll pay off in the end!

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

i really think this thing helped my films. 10/10
Not to mention B&H shipping is just amazing recived in less than 24 hours.
Always a B&H buyer. Glidecams help a lot for action sports

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

Very easy to setup!

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

The Glidecam HD1000 overall a great tool. It can provide almost dolly like shots, elegant and smooth movement, and interesting transition shots. The HD1000 is for cameras 1 to 3.5 pounds. Keep that in mind! This is perfectly fine for cameras such as the Canon T2i or T3i with a kit lens. However once you start adding lcd monitors, microphones, etc. on top of it you might run into some issues. If you are using a DSLR larger than a T2i or GH2 then you might want to consider buying a Glidecam HD2000 which can even support a Canon 5D MKII.

There is a learning curve with this product. Mainly, with setup. When you first take it out of the box everything screws together nicely. However balancing the unit, which is critical to how it operates, can be quite difficult. The fine tuning knobs is a nice upgrade from previous models (PRO series) and makes it much easier to get perfect balance. However, even with this knob it can be quite frustrating to get the unit to balance for the first time. If you are having any difficulties, you can contact Glidecam and they respond rather quickly.
Once thing I did not like about the design was the way the counter weights were attached to the unit. Instead of having a quick release, the weights on each side are held in by two screws and nuts on each side. It can be frustrating to have unscrew and screw the weights back in each time you have to add or take one off. Except for this I did not find many complaints with the unit. The build quality is great, and the product is manufactured here in the USA.
Overall I do recommend this product. Its a great stabilizer for a great price. Before you purchase it however, make sure you watch a couple of demonstration or sample videos to make sure this is something that you could use. This product isn't for everyone. Its not really a portable stabilizer you could bring on a family vacation. If you can afford the setup time and arm fatigue then sure it could work, however its not too realistic. For film making aspects, this is not a quick shoot stabilizing tool such as a shoulder rig. Shots need to be planned out before hand and practiced. However, if done right the visuals obtained can increase production value. I would very much recommend this product to any film maker with a fairly light weight camera/lens kit who is looking to add interesting and breath taking shots to their productions.

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

There is definitely a learning curve, but this product is incredible once you figure out how to use it, but you have to be willing to give it time. Don't buy this and expect perfect shots, it really does take practice. The tool is only as good as the operator. I gave it 5 stars because I love it, and I actually think it's been really fun learning to use it. But do not buy this the day before you shoot a wedding and expect it to turn out good. It took me a couple hours to figure out how to balance it quickly, and a bunch more to figure out how to use it in the field. The results are amazing though.

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

I had a cheap knockoff version of this stabilizer so I was familiar to the type of shots that are possible... until I decided to upgrade to the read deal. This stabilizer is in a whole other class above the fake ones out there. Unbelievably smooth shots. The fine adjustment knobs make it so simple when changing lenses and rebalancing. Worth every penny!

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

I got this two weeks ago, and i cant get the correct balance, since days and days of testing the glidecam 1000. I bought this one because was the recommended to the 550D, the instructions are not so accurate, so i check every video on internet about this, and nothing, am thinking that maybe something is wrong with my unit, ill gone keep trying, so my suggestion is: Please make some practical, an objective instructions for each of the glidecams and not a general instructions, since the glidecam 2000 its different, and those came with my glidecam 1000.

(550D Sigma 30 mm 1.4 Glidecam 1000)

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

I'm still practicing with this thing together with one of my DSLR's + a wide angle lens. Works quite well, once you get it to lever, which CAN be tricky.

In general - I'm quite pleased with this piece of gear, although the manual makes you go nuts.

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

I use the HD1000 with the Panasonic GH2. The GH2 is very light compared to most DSLRs and requires very little counter weight. The HD1000 is easy to assemble and easy to balance. Instructions are very good. Correct use of the HD1000 requires much practice, just like any stabilizer system. The major "pro" for me is that the HD1000 does not rock or swing (pendulum style) like the previous stabilizer product I tried. Quality of build is excellent.

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

I had read some things that had said this would work well with a 7d. In my opinion the HD2000 might work better. It balances fine but it tends to swing with fast direction changes. Overall well built and suits my needs right now.

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

I checked many reviews before buying the Glidecam instead of the Merlin. Most don't really emphasize the problem of weight of the camera+rig for a single hand to carry. That's the undoing of the Glidecam. This one has a good stabilizing effect for very light cameras (1 lb), but for anything more the hand shakes like in Parkinson - fighting alone to hold the weight. In a little bit of wind it gets unbalanced despite the weight though.
I tried on mine a Sony HC-7 (600 g) - the only one that worked acceptably on Glidecam 1000HD. A Canon 5D Mark 2 with a 28 mm lens could not be handled more than 30s.
The balancing is easier than most users claim. Learning and shooting your first stabilized shot through 2 flights of stairs will also be easier than you think.
For me the deal-breaker was the compounded weight of Glidecam +camera+lens (only one hand gets too much strain carrying it - the other one just guides the pans/tilts).
Another problem no one mentions anywhere: forget it if you want or must attach anything (cable for ex) between the camera and "outside"the cradle. No wired remotes, no mike cables - they will throw out the balance instantly and cannot be compensated for.
And yes, it also corrects vertical bumps.
However, I had to return mine and look for a different solution - a gyro stabilized platform probably.

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

I just bought the HD1000 for shooting weddings and its perfect! I have a canon 7d and its great for that camera. It gives you good balance and is not heavy at all. It's a very pro item. Buy it!

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

Took a while to balance using the Canon HFG10,But works as advertised. With the book instructions and numerous youtube video's anyone could get this balanced. THIS WILL take practice to get right. Constructionof the device is solid, everything needed is included. I suggestgetting a quick release plate for mounting, but other than thatits a great product. [...]

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

I was considering a lot of different stabilzer models, but after testing this one out i found that it was perfect for my canon vixia HF20. I plan on getting the 7D and the glide cam will work for that camera model as well (bonus!).

It does take some time to stabilize but after you get it the first time, only minor adjustments are needed after putting it away.
i am worried about going at high speeds, the camera does tend to pan left because of the wind that catches the open view finder, but it isn't a huge issue.

Spent about 2 hours for the first time, and then about 3 min every time after.
Great product, very smooth.

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

I use this with a small cameras like canon xf100 or vdslrs. Because ot it's weight, you can hold it for about 3 min :)

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

I like this better than the merlin which can be a bit finicky at time - once you have the balance right on this, you don't need to keep tweaking it

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

It's difficult to mount and handle.But when done correctly it is enjoyable to use.It weights with my 60D and a 24-80mm sigma lens about 2,5 kilos.

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

Mostly using with Canon 7D and Sigma 30mm.
Way better than the auction site flyers don't waste your money on them buy a quality product first time around.
This thing is seriously hard to balance at first but it gets easier. Footage looks amazing, but again takes time to master.
If I could do it over I would spent the extra and get the HD2000 for more weight but the 1000 still rocks.

If you want a flyer and have been thinking about the auction site stuff, just get this one.

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

The stabilizer works well, but only after spending the hours making it work. The manual isn't the best, and thats the only reason why I'm giving it a 4 star. The stabilizer works as intended ofcourse. I've tried using a setup that weighs a bit more than 3 pounds and it does wobble a lot when in motion. Also, prepare to spend time re-adjusting it everyday you use it.

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

The Glidecam is not as well made or finely adjustable as the Steadicam Merlin, which I used to have, but it is far easier to use and setup. I wish the build quality was a little better but it has still been usable.

This size is much easier to transport than the HD2000 and is also lighter. I can balance the GH2 with various lenses as well as the 5D with the 17-40 and a variable ND filter on it. The 5D combo is getting close to the max weight.