Dislike gimbals, thinking of glidecam

[Andri Peetso]

I really dislike gimbals and people taking them for a "steadicam replacement". I own an epic dragon and would want a simple handheld stabilizer addition to my kit so I'm thinking of getting a glidecam. I've googled around and it's either the HD-4000 or GLDGSS - it seems like the GLDGSS is a newer and better model.

I shoot mostly low-budgeted stuff and a lot of personal projects, so hiring a steadicam isn't always an option. I'm just looking for people's opinions on this. What other pieces of equipment might I need with my glidecam? How steep is the learning curve? Could I find a master class for this in the EU?

Thanks

 

[Jaimy Soares]

Hey Andri,

YEah I understand your feelings toward gimbals. A handheld stabilizer is usable but the same thing as with a gimbal you will fatigue pretty quick.
Best thing is before you buy try it out and check how long you can use it. Maybe it's long enough for the shots you need.

 

[Joe Taylor]

I have a Glidcam X-10 that's seen little usage. Need to appraise it's value but I will be letting it go. PM if you are invested or phone 702.289.9618

 

[Daniel Stilling]

The Glidecam/Steadicam has a tough learning curve. Don't expect to get incredible shots after your first many months of practicing. Watch your headroom and keep that sled hand touch very light...

 

[Erich Roland]

The Glidecam/Steadicam has a tough learning curve. Don't expect to get incredible shots after your first many months of practicing. Watch your headroom and keep that sled hand touch very light...

Daniel speaks the truth. Gimbles are significantly easier to create usable shots pretty quickly, learning curve is light by comparison.

 

[Gene Sung]

Plus and minus to both. Ronin is zero learning curve. However, I've had some bad experiences. One shoot, the Ronin would just loose it after 10 minutes or so and required constant restarts. On another shoot with Ronin-M, it kept going to a Dutch angle. Power cycling would fix it for like 5 minutes or so, but then it kept creeping back to dutch.

So I sold it and got a Devin Graham Glidecam, which takes a bit more practice to get good results. I'm thinking of getting a Ronin again and bringing both Ronin and Devin onto jobs so I have backup. Ronin is smoother but F#%k, when it's not working correctly on a job (which has happened to many people) it's incredibly stressful and not something I'd like to experience again.

 

[Daniel Reed]

Daniel speaks the truth. Gimbles are significantly easier to create usable shots pretty quickly, learning curve is light by comparison.

The problem with electric gimbals is micro judder which becomes especially noticeable when shot at speed (24p).