Glidecam HD4000 Stabilizer System
The Glidecam HD4000 is a lightweight, hand-held camcorder stabilizing system. This system is upgraded from the 4000 Pro and offers fine adjustments and an improved gimbal and balance system.
Camera stabilization systems like this one work to provide camera stability during movement for dynamic and subjective camera shots. It utilizes a balancing system that dampens the user's body movement, providing a smooth, floating moving image appearance usually achieved with more expensive equipment.
- Upgrades from 4000 Pro
- This system is upgraded in its gimbal movement and adjustment of convergence and camera balance.
- No Tools
- A no tool telescoping central post allows for precision balance and easy adjustment.
| Construction | Aluminum |
| Load Capacity | 4.0-10.0 lbs (1.8-4.5kg) |
| Vest | Optional Body-Pod |
| Arm | Optional Forearm Support Brace |
| Head Assembly/Top Stage |
Adjustable X,Y Head Dimensions: 8.750 x 5.00 x 1.00" |
| Quick Release | Yes and Camera Plate has 1/4-20 and 3/8" Mounting |
| Docking Bracket | No |
| Dovetail Plate |
Base Platform 13.75 x 4.75"-18.25 x 4.75" |
| Gimbal | Free floating, precision Gimbal |
| Dynamic Spin | 360-degree panning and tilting |
| Post |
Telescoping Central Support Post: 1.00" diameter 20 to 28" |
| Monitor | No (optional monitor could be mounted on Base) |
| Battery | No |
| Battery Mount | No |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs (1.5kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 98 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
96%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Professional quality (79)
- Improves performance (76)
- Easy to use (44)
- Compact (37)
- Highly compatible (37)
Cons
- Heavy (9)
- Poor performance (4)
- Weight (4)
- Lacks functionality (3)
- Pricey / poor value (3)
Best Uses
- Independent films (73)
- Complex projects (54)
- Home movies (23)
- In the studio (22)
- Weddings (6)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Professional artist (51), Business owner (42), Enthusiast (15), Film student (8)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (71)
Most Liked Positive Review
Smooth as silk
The Glidecam HD4000 systems [...] came with clear instructions, images, necessary and addtional hardware. Set up and balance of the system is fairly straight foward and takes approximately 45 minutes to an...Read complete review
The Glidecam HD4000 systems [...] came with clear instructions, images, necessary and addtional hardware. Set up and balance of the system is fairly straight foward and takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour if you carefully follow intructions.Glidecam has excellent support through their website as well as telephone support. I had two small issues that i encountered. A bolt which was incorrectly installed at the base of the system would not let me adjust it telescopically. I removed it and put it through the other side and presto, no problem. The other was the knob you torque down to lock the telescoping section down was not clearing the tube, so with a bit of sandpapper i sanded it down a bit...problem solved.Overall, the system is beautiful and works as advertised. It will take some time for you to get used to manipulatiing one "in flight" but with practice your camera will "fly". The gimble, bearings, worm drive adjusters and quick release plate make this the obvious choice over older models.I did call Glidecam about the issues i listed in this review and they were quick to respond assuring me that the issue would be resolved at the factory.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Too heavy for handheld use
Purchased this to use with a Panasonic DVX100B with shotgun mic, light, and wireless receiver. Total camera package weight was 8 lb (within capacity of this 4-10 pound system). I'm not ...Read complete review
Purchased this to use with a Panasonic DVX100B with shotgun mic, light, and wireless receiver. Total camera package weight was 8 lb (within capacity of this 4-10 pound system). I'm not the strongest arm, but I could not hold this thing up for more than 30 seconds at a time, and it left my arm hurting badly afterward. I ultimately had to return this item, but I purchased a kit with the Glidecam X-10 instead.
I would STRONGLY recommend that if you purchase this item, you also purchase an arm brace or vest to help support the rig.
Other than that, the construction of the device was very solid, and a major improvement over previous devices from Glidecam (particularly the 4000 Pro). The base counter weights can be extended outward to allow more friction on pans, leaving better control than if they were left full center.
The black stylized counterweights on this model also look a LOT more professional than the simple washers on the older units.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 98 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- Home Movies
- Independent Films
- In The Studio
Comments about Glidecam HD4000 Stabilizer System:
This is a great product for pretty much anything! I shoot shorts, weddings, music videos, commercials. This provides a nice clean movement. Still getting use to it, but definitely need practice with it to get the best movement.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Comments about Glidecam HD4000 Stabilizer System:
I received my HD4000 several days ago.
the product looks nice, even the weight plates feel "smooth" and "well made"
But there's one thing important that goes wrong: the black bolts and thumbs nuts for counter plates. It is obvious the big plastic thumb nut are designed to allow you using hand to screw it. but I found that three of the four thumb nuts are so hard to screw (in fact I hurt my thumb a little bit since I tried too hard using my hand) that I have to use one wrench to hold the bolt, another wrench to screw the thumb nuts.. and because that thumb nuts are made by plastic, they worn after using wrench on them...
This issue is bolt/thunmb nuts only, but I am so Disappointed, couldn't you guys check the matching of bolt/thumb nuts pairs before sending out to customer? I could not imaging the way I use HD4000: need to take 2 wrenches with me otherwise I could not add/remove the weight plates!
I probably won't return the product because of the bolt/thumb nuts, but I really want to know if I can receive another 4 pairs of bolts and thumb nuts which I can operate smoothly only with my hand.
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Lightweight
- Professional Quality
- Quality
Cons
- There are none
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- Home Movies
- Independent Films
- In The Studio
- Outdoors
- Weddings
Comments about Glidecam HD4000 Stabilizer System:
I have used this on my Canon 5D mk ii and XF305 and love this from the fist day. Professional quality and smart design. After watching the first video i was just amazed. The fly through effect is just like pro cinema production (consider that this is hand held). This is a must have product for your HD camera / HDSLR!!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
Cons
- Extreme Learning Curve
Best Uses
Comments about Glidecam HD4000 Stabilizer System:
Extreme learning curve! The build quality is amazing also.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- Independent Films
- In The Studio
Comments about Glidecam HD4000 Stabilizer System:
I have a Canon T2i with a Beachtek, Sennheiser shotgun, and wireless receiver, and had tried to go cheap with a Hague stabilizer. Big mistake. The HD4000 blows away cheaper alternatives. I am still getting used to it, I can't imagine using it with my EX1 without the vest. This is a great tool for DSLR filmmakers. I hope to one day get the vest. I still have a little sway to my shots. I can't tell if I am using enough weight.
Very solid rig, although I have already lost one of the knobs that keep the quick release plate in place.
The only thing I don't like about using a Glidecam is it limits your shots. It's hard to focus while shooting and you forget about tight shots.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Independent Films
Comments about Glidecam HD4000 Stabilizer System:
I purchased this product because it seemed easy to use with DSLRs and it really is amazing! Not so hard to balance (took about 3 hours), it's light and very well built. I use DSLRs because they are small and offer a good image quality when bigger cameras are not the best choice. The Glidecam HD-4000 provides me clean and stable shots creating a very nice flying camera effect. It is a great stabilizer easy to use even in narrower places because the base can turn 90° to be parallel or perpendicular to the camera. It may be a bit heavy after a few minutes of non stop use, but it is not THAT hard to use. Of course, you need a lot of practice to keep it balanced while you run, but it's only a matter of time and adaptation.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- Independent Films
Comments about Glidecam HD4000 Stabilizer System:
Great upgrade from the older glidecam. Makes adjustments for balance much easier.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Independent Films
Comments about Glidecam HD4000 Stabilizer System:
Good solid design and professional results (footage looks a lot better). However when coupled with a relatively heavy camera (~3-4kg -- like my Sony EX1R) the entire system can get quite heavy, and you might need a support for it (or start exercising those arms!)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Lightweight
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Independent Films
Comments about Glidecam HD4000 Stabilizer System:
perfect stabilisation for sport action
Pros
- Compact for travelling
- Easy to assemble
- Excellent Build Quality
Cons
- Needs wrist support
Best Uses
Comments about Glidecam HD4000 Stabilizer System:
[...]The product arrived with all its components, was quick and easy to assemble and the manual had me up and running almost immediately.The Glidecam HD4000 works well with my Canon 5D mk2 and I can see the potential for great smooth shots. However, I need a lot of practice - the Glidecam is not a miracle fix for smooth shooting, there is quite a lot of operator experience and technique that goes into getting the perfect steady shot.One point to note - if you are buying a Glidecam, go ahead and buy the wrist support along with it. Even with a light setup like the 5D mk2 - operating gets VERY tiring and places a lot of strain on your wrist. I can only operate the rig for about 1 minute and then my arm and hand start shaking - I can bet the wrist support would help with this problem.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Independent Films
- In The Studio
Comments about Glidecam HD4000 Stabilizer System:
i use it for sport action and interviews that's a perfect deal
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- Independent Films
Comments about Glidecam HD4000 Stabilizer System:
I have been waiting to get one of these for my Canon 7D and finally glad I did. Yes, there is a learning curve, but paitence pays off as the test shots I have put together look incredible. It is heavy and can shoot for about 2-3 minutes before I need to set it down. I do plan on eventually getting a vest for it. Overall, I am extremely happy with my purchase [...]
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Glidecam HD4000 Stabilizer System:
I use the HD4000 for real estate tours, mostly for vacation condos. The changes in the balancing adjustments in the HD version are a great improvement over the trial and error method of previous models and competing products. The construction is solid, the assembly is straightforward, the instructions are clear. YouTube videos and other online resources help cut the "learning time" down to a few hours before I was able to be confident in the result. The Manfrotto 577 quick adapter is a requirement.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
Cons
- Weight Sled is large
Best Uses
- Independent Films
Comments about Glidecam HD4000 Stabilizer System:
Super easy to change the balance when switching lenses, and only takes about an hour to initially get the balance set for your camera. Just make sure to get a quick plate adapter to fit your tripod mount.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- Independent Films
- In The Studio
Comments about Glidecam HD4000 Stabilizer System:
I did a lot of research on this product. So far I'm really happy with it. I use it with a Canon 5d. I mounted a Smallhd DP4 in place of any front counter weights with a CB2.7 Mini Ballhead. The mounting bracket made by Glidecam is garbage. I used this product with no vest or forearm brace and it's difficult but after a few days you get used to it. Your wrist will be all shaky for a few days. I couldn't afford the vest so I bought the Arm Brace. It makes things easier. I'm saving for the vest. I might go with the Merlin Vest and modify it. I've dorked out pretty hard on balancing the thing. Finding your ideal balance which may vary is key depending on the shot. This item requires a lot of practice.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Looks professional
Cons
- Pricey and heavy
Best Uses
- Independent Films
Comments about Glidecam HD4000 Stabilizer System:
Great tool. However if you think you can use this baby all by itself think twice. The stabilizer with camera and stabilizing weights are just far away from the strenght of my arm. Is not possible, you can't do it. You must purchase the whole set!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Glidecam HD4000 Stabilizer System:
I got this steadicam anticipating that I'll have a heavy get-up soon. In the meantime I have been trying to balance my canon t2i with the 18-55 and a rode mic. I've spent about 4 hours to find out that no one else on the internet can balance this without putting more weight on the top. I wil have to add weights until I get a heavier camera. I also have the manfetto quick release which still isn't enough weight.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- Independent Films
Comments about Glidecam HD4000 Stabilizer System:
Very smooth in operation. Easy to balance. Needs a quick release plate to detach camera quickly.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
Cons
- Pricey / Poor Value
Best Uses
- Independent Films
Comments about Glidecam HD4000 Stabilizer System:
Great item handles my load great going to need a vest or some type of arm or body support when using heavy load post a major strain on wrist
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- Independent Films
Comments about Glidecam HD4000 Stabilizer System:
This is the BEST stabilizer for dslr work. I use it with a 7d and its perfect. Using with a battery grip is best to make it heavier (which makes it more stable.) but with all the weights included, you can also mount the extra weights on the top plate to add weight. Way better than the pilot and a great price. Get this and NOT the 2000. You wont regret it. the HD4000 is much better than the lower models.
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System Extensions
- Price: $1,389.99
Stands & Mounts
- Price: $98.95
Bags & Cases
- Price: $169.95
What's in the Box
- Camera Mounting Plate
- Mid Plate
- Bottom Plate
- Central Post
- Three Axis Gimbal with Yoke And Offset Handle
- Telescoping Post
- Base Platform
- 12 Steel Counter Balance Weight Disks
- Hardware Bag
- 90 Day Warranty
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