Should i buy a glidecam or a crane/jib?

Question

I was looking at the glidecam hd1000 for my canon vixia hv40, but now I think I'm more interested in a crane (jib).
I was thinking of the advance digital 6 ft. crane. I would replace some of the plastic parts for metal.

I'll be using it to film sketches and short films. (my budget is 350 dollars, but id like it to be under that)
the crane is 200 dollars
the glidecam is 370 dollars (on amazon)

Thanks,
Mike

Answer 1

It depends on the shots you want to get.



The $370 HD-1000 Glidecam handheld stabilizer works fine for short sequences when walking or even running. But for the most part, if the camera is going to stay in one place, then a tripod is better. Back to the Glidecam handheld stabilizer... it is small and once "set up" (counter weights) you can leave it as-is and easily/quickly mount/dismount the camera as needed. Generally, it will be used at "eye level" so the camera's LCD panel can be used for framing shots.



The Advanced Digital Crane stand ($60) and Crane ($150) will take a while to set up assuming it is taken apart after each "work-day". It is fairly large and can get to heights the handheld Glidecam cannot get to. When the camera is mounted to the crane stage, you will not be able to see what the camera sees very well, assuming you are at the side of the crane where the counterweights are. You will want to use a monitor. I use a Sony portable DVD player with AV-out connected to the camcorder's AV-out. The rechargeable battery life on the portable DVD player is quite long when the DVD motor/player mechanism is not used. An RCA-ended extension cable will be needed. (for what it is worth, I have a Kessler 8 foot crane and use their heavy-duty tripod with their "Hercules" head).



My cameras have a LANC port (I don't think the HV40 does). This allows start/stop recording, focus and zoom control from when I am standing back at the counterweights. Since the HV40's wireless remote sensor is at the front of the camcorder, controlling the camcorder with the wireless remote behind the camera is challenging.



So... which would I recommend? It is relatively easy to get eye-level type shots (just use a tripod). Even with motion/movement, use of a wagon/dolly/chair/back-end of a truck/etc... is fairly simple. But getting the high level extended crane shots... that makes things interesting because it is a perspective most people don't see every day...

Answer 2

It entirely depends upon for what purpose you are using it and where you’ll be using it. Glidecam and crane has their own importance. Glidecam is used when hand held shooting is required while the camera operator is on the move. The operator can move or walk or run. These stabilizers are perfect for filming short films, videos, etc.



Generally, crane/jibs are used when there is a requirement to get aerial shots or high angle shots which can’t be taken from stabilizers.



http://www.flycamshoppe.com/fc/Camtree-Scout-Jib-Camera-Crane-CSJ.html



http://www.flycamshoppe.com/fc/PROAIM-4ft.-Studio-Jib-with-Tripod-Stand-and-Floor-Spreader.html



I have purchased Studio Jib last year and since then it is performing pretty good. It is quite light in weight that it can be carried very easily without any problem.

Answer 3

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