OT Glidecam 2000 vs DVMultirig...

dand9959 wrote on 1/7/2008, 9:43 AM
Can anybody provide any comparison between the Glidecam 2000 and the DVMultirig
- ease of use
- quality of results (assuming adequate practice)
- practical speed of movement (walking, jogging, running)

DVMultirig

I typically do a lot of sideline sports shooting and would like to get the camera off the sticks now and then.

Comments

JohnnyRoy wrote on 1/7/2008, 12:32 PM
They are really serving two different purposes. The Glidecam is best suited for "specialty" shots of movement for short periods of time. The DVMulticam seems to be more for all day use without needing a tripod. The movement won't be as smooth as a Glidecam but you can do it for much longer time. IMHO, if you want to run along the sidelines at full tilt, the Glidecam would be best. If you just want to shoot more mobile, the DVMulticam would be best.

> quality of results (assuming adequate practice)

Don't underestimate the practice it will take to use a Glidecam 2000. I have a Steadicam Merlin and it took an entire afternoon just to get it balanced correctly never mind walking with it. Then if you don't use it a lot (and I don't) it takes a while to get use to again. Definitely not something that you just pick up and use without hours and hours of practice.

The other thing, as I said, is that you can only fly a Glidecam for short periods of time before your arm becomes fatigued. You are also not going to hold it very high in the air (more like waist-level) so if you're shooting sports you need a clean view from that low. I don't have a DVMulticam but it looks like it's better suited for shooting long sporting events. I know Grazie has a DV Rig Pro (which is similar) and he loves it.

You might also consider the Tiffen SteadyStick for $99 (which I just picked up over Christmas). It's simple yet effective. I also have a LevelCam ($49) and a SpiderBrace ($69). Each one has it's uses for different situations. The LevelCam is something I'd actually take on vacation because it's so small.

You might forgo the tripod altogether and just get a monopod. I have a Manfrotto 561B and it has three feet at the bottom that keep it very steady yet you can pick it up easily and move locations or hold it over your head to get a high angle crane shots on the sporting event. (This is something those shoulder mounts won't do for you)

Sorry to give you more things to consider but it wouldn't be any fun if we didn't have choices. ;-) If I had to pick between the Glidecam 2000 and DVMultirig I would pick the DVMultirig hands down because I would get more use out of it.

~jr
Grazie wrote on 1/7/2008, 12:59 PM
I don't have/own any form of glide or steadycam device. But, as Johnny points out, I do have the DV-RigPro. I have shot many all day events with the DVRP, and, was still ready to go out t' pub in the evening.

What the Rig does give me is ALL my stuff - LANC, Monitor, Light, mics, batteries balanced and in front of interviewees, and being able to concentrate on the job in hand - and that is keeping the frame, the focus and an ability to turn and duck about when needed. And this should not be underestimated. An ability to whip around and give an immediacy to your work. The DVrigPro has an edgy real and steady feel to my work. Not wobbly!

These 2 devices perfectly fit the bill for A particular job they do. I would never take a glider into a packed event - my DVRigPro? Yes, and have! Would I want a glider? Oh yes please! But maybe I would rather hire one. But that would not be enough - I'd have to spend time learning the weights and drift. I learnt to use my DVRigPro within 3 days. I think I would need at least a week AND use it often to get what I want with a glider.

Oh well I can dream on . . . .

Grazie