|
|
 |
|
Production
|
 |
|
 |
 |
Smooth operator
Body-mounted stabilizer produces incredible results
Nov 1, 2005
|
|
by Chuck Gloman
|
There are times when you need a stable shot and hand holding the camera just won't do. Even with the image stabilizer activated, you still have the handheld look. Glidecam has made image stabilizing more affordable with the introduction of its Smooth Shooter body-mounted system.
I've used the V8 in the past, and the Smooth Shooter is a vast improvement on a good thing. The Smooth Shooter works in conjunction with the Glidecam 2000 Pro, a handheld stabilizer that supports cameras up to six pounds and worked with the camcorders in my department. The only heavier unit we have, the Canon XL2, was more comfortable on the larger Glidecam 4000 Pro, designed to handle slightly heavier cameras (up to 10 pounds).
My review unit arrival in a large box with the contents carefully wrapped in bubble wrap. The quick setup guide has clear black-and-white photographs that explain the assembly process. Most of my Smooth Shooter was already assembled when I received it; I just had to install the weights on the Glidecam 2000 Pro.
 |
| A body-mounted stabilizing system isn't like other stabilizers on the market -- use in moderation at first or be prepared for sore muscles. |
The manual doesn't assume you have used a Glidecam before and clearly identifies each part. When everything was assembled, I didn't look as good sporting the Smooth Shooter as the blonde waif in Glidecam's ads, but my shots were smooth.
A Balancing Act
Balancing the camera (I used Panasonic's AG-DVC60) is the most critical part of setup and takes the most time to accomplish. My Smooth Shooter didn't come with a monitor (I used the camcorder's flip-out LCD), but for $495, Glidecam will supply a color LCD monitor that mounts on your 2000 or 4000 Pro. My students didn't have a problem using the camera's flip-out LCD monitor, but my bifocals and I missed the monitor attached to the sled.
After about 30 minutes, I had the camera balanced properly. Make sure you have the battery attached and a tape inserted, because this does add weight to the camera. I wound up using all of the supplied flat fender washers to the 2000 Pro as counterweight. Even this procedure was easier than with the old V8.
The sled on the 2000 Pro is adjusted by sliding it up and down to help better balance your camera choice, but like on the V8, there is no "lock" that keeps the sled from falling when it reaches the end of its extension. It's easily re-attached if it comes off (which it did with each operator as they adjusted it), but I would have liked to see some kind of stop on the bottom. The best advice I can give is to tighten the sled and lower it slowly.
I tried several other cameras in the same seven-pound range, from a Panasonic AG-DVX100A to a Sony DSR-PD170. A little tweaking and the adjustments were set. The supplied Allen wrench should be worn around your neck if the Smooth Shooter is going to be used with multiple cameras. The set screw in the articulating arm must be adjusted -- and in a university setting with more than 100 students using different cameras, this adjustment has to be explained to each of them. It's not hard to do, but it must be done.
Before I describe the amazing things this rig can accomplish, there are a few items on my wish list. The plastic locking connectors need to be more beefy, because I believe they will break after too many adjustments. The counterweight system is basically large washers, and the unit came with just enough. Luckily they may be purchased anywhere, but I'd appreciate a few extra.
No Pain, No Gain
With different-sized operators, the vest is easily adjustable, but if you're not used to this type of body-mounted system, you will wake up with sore muscles. Unlike many other camera stabilizing systems, you need to use your whole body in the move, not just your wrist.
One of my students who is over six feet tall and weighs in at 250 pounds asked if he could borrow the Smooth Shooter over the weekend to get a shot in a grocery story running down the produce aisle. Once he obtained permission from the store's owner, he spent six hours on a Saturday getting the perfect combination of shots. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday he did not show up for class.
On Thursday, he crawled into my office and laid the Smooth Shooter on the floor. He told me this was the first day he could stand without pain in his back. He also said he got the best shots of his life. The lesson: Use the Glidecam in moderation in the beginning, and practice is essential.
Admittedly, when I first tried this unit for 30 minutes, I had sore muscles I never knew I had. If you let the arm extend too far, the strain is felt on the vest, which means your back will be taking the brunt of it. Your endurance will improve with practice (and rest).
Fatigue warnings aside, there are shots that only this type of rig may accomplish. Running down the hallway and up the steps at my school attracted a lot of attention, but it also produced an amazing shot. The Glidecam Smooth Shooter and 2000 Pro give your productions a more professional look without calling attention to the camera movement.
In my video production class, this was the hit of the semester. Students who never before had access to a Glidecam were amazed at how easily you could learn the basics of operation. In no way is this a substitute for actual training, but basic moves and shots looked great even from first-timers.
Dolly shots with tracks may be a thing of the past once you're comfortable with the Smooth Shooter. From the brief time I had played with a competitor's full-sized rig, the Smooth Shooter seemed to accomplish all the same moves in a more comfortable, lightweight package. You now can actually think of more creative ways to get the shot and try camera moves you wouldn't have imagined without it.
If you do purchase the external monitor, Glidecam sells a lightweight battery that will power it. The Smooth Shooter weighs in at $1,499, which is a steal, but when you start adding the accessories (such as the 2000 Pro at $369, monitor, and battery) your total comes close to what the V8 used to cost.
My advice: If you ever have a need for a body-mounted camera stabilizing system that's easy to assemble (if you read the manual), easy to use (after a little practice), and inexpensive (or at least reasonable, once you throw in the cost of accessories), the Glidecam Smooth Shooter is an obvious choice.
Chuck Gloman is an award-winning producer/director of photography with more than 800 commercials to his credit. He is also a member of the faculty at DeSales University. Contact him at chuck.gloman@desales.edu.
MORE INFO
Glidecam www.glidecam.com
|
|
|
Government Video is part of the NewBay Media Community
copyright 2007© NewBay Media LLC.
810 Seventh Avenue, 27th Floor New York, NY 10019 T (212)378-0400 F (212)378-2160
|
|
|
