Steadicam, Glidecam and other camera stabilizers reviewed

Steadicam, Glidecam and other camera stabilizers are camera platforms designed to isolate your body's movements and provide smooth, "floating" video as you raise and lower the camera while moving about.  Glidecam Industries (800-949-2089) or (508-866-2199) manufactures a range of products designed to fit different weight requirements. Wedding & Event Videography 's review focussed on the Glidecam 3000 because it supports cameras weighing up to 10 pounds, and because of its unique forearm brace and optional Body-Pod. If you're familiar with the Steadicam JR, you'll notice that Glidecam has a more vertical design, rather than the largely horizontal approach of the Steadicam JR. This provides some advantages over the steadicam.

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Here's the Review:

By Mitch Ives

     Camera stabilizers, like the Glidecam, Steadicam JR (see the article by Jim Farrell in this issue), and others are camera platforms designed to isolate your body's movements and provide smooth, "floating" video as you raise and lower the camera while moving about.
     Glidecam Industries (800-949-2089) or (508-866-2199) manufactures a range of products designed to fit different weight requirements. We chose the "3000 Pro" ($599 list) for this review because it supports cameras weighing up to 10 pounds, and because of its unique forearm brace and optional Body-Pod. If you're familiar with the Steadicam JR, you'll notice that Glidecam has a more vertical design, rather than the largely horizontal approach of the Steadicam JR. This provides some advantages that are covered later.

System Assembly

     Setting up the Glidecam 3000 is a straightforward process, covered in considerable detail in the manual. By taking it one step at a time, and avoiding the urge to cut corners, we were able to successfully balance our Sony VX-3 in under an hour.
     Assembly consists of mounting the base plate to the column and then adding screws for the weight stacks. Next, the camera is attached to the 4.75" x 7" camera plate that mounts to the top of the glidecam with four brass screws, which also provide the fore and aft balance
     We found that the trick to balancing the Glidecam is to isolate and balance one movement at a time. It's also important to start with the camera already set up the way you attend to use it. That means having the tape stock and battery already in place.

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