Glidecam HD1000 - Sistema Estabilizador

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.

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

I use the glidecam 1000 hd with a canon hv40 as a secondary camera.
This product was very inexpensive and steps up your video quality.
It has taken minimal time to get used to.

I Deffinately suggest this product to any professional videographer

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

This stabilizer really works at making your camera "fly" smoothly. I haven't used other stabilizers but my understanding is that many others don't give you much control over the direction and angle of the camera. This one allows you to tilt and turn the camera, which I find to be good for narrative filmmaking type shots.

However, you should be aware that it is not easy or quick to balance the camera on the rig. It took me several hours the first time to find the right settings for my camera. You also have to practice how to walk and manipulate the rig. It works well once you get used to it and practice, just don't expect to buy this, pull it out of the box, and have great footage right away.

One other thing is that wind does push the camera around. That might be due to my inexperience using it but I've heard this complaint from other people too. It's not a deal breaker for me but if you are planning on using this in windy outdoor places, it might be a big problem.

The rig does seem well made and professional looking but I found it too easy to accidentally unscrew the center post from the bottom weights. But for the price, I am happy with the level of quality.

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

I had a hard time getting it balanced...but practice makes perfect..

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

I debated for months on which hand-held steadicam system to get for my 60D and I'm really glad I went with the HD-1000.

The extra adjustment knobs on the top of Glidecam are lifesavers. The construction is great.

The "quick release" plate really isn't as bad as some other people have said on the world wide web.

That said, I've been thinking about adding a locking washer and a bit of rubber on the plate to hold the screw in place. I recently was swapping out to a tripod at a wedding and dropped the screw. Not cool.

Still getting the hang of things, but so far things are looking pretty smooth.

I've flown my 60D with both a Rode NTG-2 and VideomicPro and things have been decent so if you're worried about the weight, give the 1000 a shot; it just might work for you.

I only wish the warranty was better. I have a feeling with the constant removing of the QR plate and occasional adjustments for balance things might get warn out fast.

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

It took me a couple of days to balance it properly. I've checked out different videos on line to help with balancing it. You have to rebalance it a couple of times. It will get out of balance after a while. Once I walked around with it, It's not as steady as I thought it would be. Hopefully with more practice, it will get easier.

I should have saved the money and bought glass instead.

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

Have been using my Glidecam HD 1000 for almost a month and it's a great compact design! I have it at 3 lbs (maximum weight for this unit) since I have my T2i body + Tokina 11-16 lens (including lens hood) + Manfrotto 394 Low profile quick release adapter with 410PL plate. Initial installation was fast and easy - but what took more effort was finding the right spot to situate my quick release onto the "stage". I would definately recommend a quick release and I use it to go from glidecam to glidetrack sd shooter (since I have the manfrotto 498RC4 midi ball head). Once you find the right spot on the stage for the quick release the rest of the balancing comes from very minor tweaks to 3 parts of the unit. 1) The stage (left/right/front/back) 2) The Central Post (move post up to make bottom heavy and vise-versa) 3) Base Platform counter weight plates (expand them to create pan inertia).
This unit requires a lot of patience and very minor adjustments. And when balanced it's fantastic - no more shaky hand-held video.

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

It`s my first steadycam, and i saw many others very cheap, cheap construction too, but his is very well constructed and good. If it`s your first time you`ll take a wile to balance, but you have a lot of controls to make it easier.
The results are just amazing, i don`t recommend using it with more than 35mm, i use myself a 17mm and it`s great, professional results.

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

fun to film with, hard to balance at first, and footage looks amazing

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

I use this little stabilizer for my 5D and ultra wide lens. Fits in my carry-on bag and is a breeze to balance quickly.

Comments about Glidecam HD1000 Stabilizer System:

It takes some time to get the balance correct. Expect to spend 1 to 2 hours tweaking. But once the balance is correct it works great. Read and follow the instructions exactly. The other thing that all rigs like this requires is practice. It takes time to learn how to move gracefully with this while filming. All stabilizers require practice to be able to pull off smooth takes and this one is no exception.