DSLR University

Glidecam HD2000 Review

by Michael Sato

I have been a Glidecam user for the past 5 years. We used to use them with our video cameras for car show events to get great smooth walking or running shots. I started off with a Gildecam 4000 pro. Flying it with my Sony pd150, pd170 all the way up to my xdcam EX1. The camera movement from the glidecam is regularly used in everyday broadcast from movies to sports. Stabilizing your dlsr is the key to awesome video. Now shooting with the lightweight camera such as a 5d, 7d, or 550d the 4000 model isn’t necessary. Depending on what accessories you plan to add will determine which model Glidecam you need.

First off the difference between the Older Glidecam pro models to the recently released HD models is a major cosmetic overhaul. The Pro models consisted of a Gimbal balance setup with washers to adjust the weighting to match your camera. The newly released HD model has fine tuning screws, quick release camera plate, three axis Gimbal, and a foam padded handle grip.

Since I switched to shooting with the 5d and 7d I quickly downgraded from a 4000pro to a 2000pro. When the hd systems came out I was skeptical of upgrading because of its similarity. Thanks to Thomas from Glidecam we were able to get a HD2000 for review. Out of the box it was a whole different unit. No more home depot washers for weights! They worked great on the 2000 pro but the Black coated Glidecam weights that are on the HD system give a much more professional look.

Much better for weddings and higher ended video gigs. The adjustment factor for the bottom plate is amazing. You are able to adjust the overall size of the plate allowing you to put your weights further out or closer to the middle.

This was my main complaint with the previous 4000pro. This allows for much faster major adjustment on the fly. The fine tuning screws on the top plate top it off for this system. Before you had to loosen all your screws to fine tune which when you are handhold adjusting can be quite difficult with a 5-10 lb camera. Overall there is a huge difference in tuning ability and cosmetic looks with the new HD systems. After using the HD2000, fine tuning on the fly makes the HD system the best in its class in my opinion. I feel that the adjustability in the bottom plate allows for smoother operation.

My recommendation is the Glidecam HD2000 for 7d, 5d with or without battery grip or 1D. You can use the HD4000 if you plan to load the camera with a monitor etc. You can also get away with the Glidecam HD1000 with the T2i or even the 5d and 7d.

Which Glidecam is right for your application? Here are some specs off the Glidecam page.

Here is a quick Glidecam HD2000 review from a baseball game.