Shoot Review—Glidecam 2000 Pro

Camera stabilization device smoothes the roughest terrain for steady shots.

The Glidecam 2000 Pro allows unrestricted vertical booming, 360-degree panning, and smooth, dolly-like moves.

Ever wonder how video and film creators get smooth and steady shots even when the camera operator is running or moving over rough terrain? Made famous in movies such as Rocky and more recently The Lord of the Rings trilogy, camera stabilization systems have revolutionized the film and television business. But until recently, because of cost, these systems were out of reach of the majority of media creators.

About 11 years ago, a group of New England inventors got together to create a more cost-effective alternative, and Glidecam Industries was born. Their stabilization products are now used by TV shows, including Dr. Phil and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy as well as many independent films. But Glidecam stabilization products come in a range of models and prices to suit those outside of TV broadcast. For this review I tested the Glidecam 2000 Pro ($369 MSRP). The price does not include some accessories that I found to be almost essential.

Camera stabilization is nothing new; the $20,000-plus Tiffen Steadicam has been in use on feature films and television since the 1970s. In fact, way back in 1938 French filmmaker Remy experimented with handheld camera stabilization by using a cup and a fountain pen. The technology has come a long way since then. And while in-camera electronic or optical image stabilization has become more common on modern cameras, it is not the same—nor as effective—as a purpose-built outboard device.

Made from T6 aircraft aluminum, the Glidecam 2000 Pro weighs only 2.2lbs. without the counterweight discs that help balance the unit. To keep the camera steady, there''s a precision free-floating, three-axis gimbal that helps maintain the frame of the shot no matter the position of the camera or the activity of the operator, including running up and down stairs. The Glidecam 2000 Pro supports any camcorder or film camera weighing up to 6lbs. (For larger cameras, there''s the 4000 Pro at $499 MSRP.) Written in easy-to-understand language with lots of clear pictures, the manual is one of the best I''ve seen in a long time. You should be up and running in minutes. How many video products can you say that about?

Once it is set up and balanced, the 2000 Pro allows unrestricted vertical booming, 360-degree panning, and smooth, dolly-like moves. At 14in. tall, it can also serve as a monopod camera support. You can easily attach a small LCD video monitor.

Attached to a free-floating, precision gimbal, the Glidecam 2000 Pro''s offset cushioned handle grip allows your hand to move up and down, side to side, and every which way while the camera stays stationary. The camera rides on top of a long pole attached to the gimbal, which is attached to the hand grip, thereby isolating any unwanted motions. The camera platform moves back and forth and side to side allowing you to adjust quickly the camera''s horizontal balance with your hand and body weight. The up-and-down movement of the gimbal alleviates the bouncing, pogo-type action so often associated with cameras that have no stabilization device or with other fixed-handle systems. Think of it as a sophisticated shock absorber.

At the bottom of the 2000 Pro''s pole is a small platform upon which you place a series of included weights until you achieve a good balance. It''s like when you use weights in scuba diving to achieve natural buoyancy. Vary the number of counterweight disks and you adjust the camera''s balance. When balanced properly, the camera literally floats, ready for you to move into action.

For my tests I used two cameras, the Sony VX1000 and VX2000 three-chip DV camcorders, one with a flip-out screen (the VX2000). I simply attached the camera as you would to a tripod, then worked with the weights to achieve a good balance. It is important to remember to have a battery and a tape pre-installed and the lens cover off, as any little extra weight can throw off your balance. I shot a variety of tests with the Glidecam 2000 Pro. A little league football game had me running down the sidelines and almost tripping and losing the unit entirely. I shot a mountain bike race from the back of a motorcycle. For a music video of a rock band''s gig, I moved around in a circular path and through dancing throngs of wild partygoers. In all cases the final footage was smooth and fluid no matter what my motion or camera angle.

Working with the Glidecam 2000 Pro, I would inevitably hit the point where my arm started to cramp. Glidecam provides some help with a Forearm Brace ($169), which I feel is a must for all but the shortest shoots. It basically wraps around your arm and provides extra support for holding the unit''s hand grip. If you wanted to get more elaborate you could use the Glidecam Body-Pod ($189), which makes the 2000 Pro much more like the Steadicam.

Another accessory that you should consider is the Glidecam L4-Pro monitor ($429). In fact I think it''s another necessity especially if your camera does not have a fold-out LCD screen (as with the Sony VX1000). The L4-Pro is an optional 4in. color LCD monitor that allows you to take your face out of the viewfinder and look slightly downward. This lets you keep your eyes on your feet and on the images you''re capturing. For safety''s sake, this is an option you should definitely consider. I''d also like to see Glidecam offer a high-quality hard-shell case for its products.

When using the Glidecam, the cameras'' widest lens settings often were just not wide enough. I needed a wide-angle lens attachment to achieve my desired results.

Though the need for accessories rapidly drives up the cost of the Glidecam 2000 Pro, it remains tens of thousands cheaper than the classic Steadicam. Moreover, the shots you can capture with it are out of this world. You will achieve shots that you simply could not get without it—whether it''s for shooting action footage of sports, shooting from a vehicle, or attempting a difficult shot with the operator running or moving. At this price, it is well worth having in your camera bag.

Company: Glidecam Industries

Plymouth, Mass.; (800) 600-2011

www.glidecam.com

Product: Glidecam 2000 Pro

Assets: Lowest cost for an external camera stabilization device; produces rock-solid images even when camera is moving.

Caveats: Requires a strong operator and several costly accessories to be truly effective.

Demographic: Professional video shooters documenting fast action, sports, etc.

Price: $369

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