Glidecam or Flowpod? « Videomaker Community Forums

elderban
Member

I'm trying to decide between the Glidecam 4000 and the Varizoom Flowpod.

Has anyone worked with either, and which do you prefer?

I am kind of leaning towards the Flowpod right now because I can get a Navigator arm down the road if I need to.

Posted 5 years ago #
compusolver
Member

Not even considering a Steadicam?

I've had a Varizoom for months now, but other than one evening, I haven't given it a fair shot. First thing I noticed is that it won't handle the weight of my VX2100 (camera wobbles side-to-side as you walk), so I ordered the extra weights they recommend.

But my biggest complaint probably goes to all of them - it takes too dang long to mount and balance the camera. I could never use this thing at a wedding. Until they come up with quick mounting plates, like tripods have, these things aren't practical for event shoots and weddings.

Someone once posted in these forums that you can get a quick mount/release plate for the Varizoom, but I've never found one.

There's a fellow often featured on WEVA who specializes in Glidecam. He does some nice work.

Posted 5 years ago #
elderban
Member

I've considered Steadicam, but about the only thing in my price range is the Merlin and that wont handle the weight of a Canon XH-A1.

Posted 5 years ago #
tpainter
Member

Not sure if this is much help, but I just got one for Christmas -- I haven't used it a whole lot, but it does take a while to get the camera balanced. (I have a panasonic dvx100 and it took me a little less than an hour the first time). I mounted a quick mounting plate to the top, so the camera can come off and on quickly. Regardless, it does take a lot of practice to use the stabilizer effectively, but that is true of just about any stabilizer.

Posted 5 years ago #
compusolver
Member

what are you using for your quick mounting plate ?

If I could find one that worked with 503 head plates, I'd be more willing to give this another go.

Posted 5 years ago #
tpainter
Member

compusolver Wrote:
what are you using for your quick mounting plate ?

If I could find one that worked with 503 head plates, I'd be more willing to give this another go.

Hank,
I have a 503 as well, and I used this adapter:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=4926&A=details&Q=&sku=241139&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

It made a world of difference when trying to balance it. I still used the sled that came with the flowpod and attached the adapter plate to that.

Posted 5 years ago #
elderban
Member

Well I ended up getting the Flowpod because, like I stated, I can expand down the road if I want to.

If all goes well it should be here tomorrow (Thursday).

Thanks for your input! :)

Posted 5 years ago #