If you are going to use steadicam, invest in a vest. A handheld glidecam is good for only very short shots, before your arm gets tired. And stick with the matte box–don't shoot without it. You get much better shots with a matte box than without. So, I'd suggest the Glidecam 4000.
It makes sense to buy one only if there isn't a rental shop nearby, or if you plan to do most of your shooting with a steadicam. I generally rent when I need one.
A camera stabilizer lets you capture smooth shots without sacrificing freedom of movement. Here’s a look at the best handheld stabilizers available today.
