10 Reasons Why I DON'T use an Electronic Gimbal! | Top 6 Glidecam Tips

How to set up and balance your Glidecam!: • How to Easily Balance ...
I have been filming on Glidecams for years, and I love them! I've tried numerous electronic stabilizers, and I just don't like the look you get with them, or the hassle involved with using one. So, I decided to list the top 10 reasons why I don't use an electronic gimbal. And also, my top 6 Glidecam tips!
Why I use a Glidecam instead of an electronic gimbal:
2:30 1) The organic look
2:55 2) You're in control
3:13 3) No lag time
3:37 4) No batteries
3:52 5) No electronics to ruin
4:11 6) It's tough
4:38 7) No stands or special holders
5:08 8) Less prep-time
5:48 9) Better than handheld
6:08 10) Film on any terrain
Top 6 Glidecam tips:
7:06 1) Be gentle with your second hand
7:25 2) Walk smoothly/bend knees
7:44 3) Glider shots
8:08 4) Low-mode
9:15 5) Resting
9:29 6) Overlook shots
10:08 Behind-the-Scenes clips filming our West Coast video!
Check us out at cannonweddings.com/! Contact us if you would like an amazing wedding film!
#electronicgimbals #glidecamtips #camerastabilizers

[@fabvregregoire8620]

If your name was Sonny Cannon would you shoot on Sony or Canon ?

[@gunlokman]

Just wanted to say thank you for your great video favouring the Glidecam. I stopped using mine in favour of an electronic version - and experienced the limitations and problems you outlined. Inspired by your video, I have now returned to my Glidecam and can agree with all the benefits you outlined. Thank you very, very much - you are a star!

[@CannonWeddings]

Wow thank you! I'm glad you found the video inspiring! Thanks for watching and good luck with your Glidecam!

[@publiedos]

I cannot agree more with you.... In this ELECTRONIC gimbal world I feel this kind of steady gides are aewsome and specially for everyone of the points you had explain... So happy to find another "crazy" cbout these kind of mechanical gear for the shooting. Awesome point of view, clear, compact and VERY useful. Congratulations..!!

[@webnation212]

Great video, thank you for saving me the money I was going to spend on an electronic stabilizer. Important reasons that go along with the way I choose equipment

[@withnyjanvier1261]

Definitely, I like your performance how your movement the Glidecam. Thanks for the Glidecam video lessons.

[@hfaria80]

Very complete video on the theme. Thanks for sharing.

[@candicemcwhorter5479]

LOVED THIS! Thank you so much.

[@KalleUhr]

Thank you for the tips and tricks!

[@ThehimalayanbuffVlogs]

Your knowledge is full of practical experience brother

[@CannonWeddings]

Thank you!

[@m-tron5966]

Thank You...I was hoping something like this existed !

[@christozi99]

Thanks ,super helpfull to choose bitween electronic and manual!

[@francodanny24]

I hope they gave you that rig, because you earned it. Your video has helped me to make this important decision.

[@AnandaGarden]

Very helpful, thank you. I'm facing a need for stabilization, and I resist the complexity of gimbals. I've used my Sirui monopod as a stabilizer and liked what I've seen; of course it was a temporary solution.

[@frankblackrock555]

This is awesome materials. Thank you very much

[@bellacatturastudios4144]

Great video! I would LOVE if you did a video on your color settings for your videos. All of your wedding videos have such beautiful warm tones.

[@ScarmackProductions]

LOVE that you said the BELT tip/trick. I do this all the time at weddings and it's a arm saver, literally LOL. Nice video

[@CannonWeddings]

Heck yeah! haha it's so natural. Thanks!

[@rivieramacro5240]

Great video ! Thanks a lot

[@SourceAwareness]

👍🏾👍🏾 *Brother, thank you, this was very informative and helpful!! You're Awesome!! Blessings*

[@kirk0831]

this is super cool!! never think of this!

[@vaiphei]

Thank you very much for this super informative video. I have been thinking to buy a gimbal but after watching this video i feel mechanical ones are the way to go. Thanks indeed.

[@CannonWeddings]

Glad I could help!

[@thefilmalliance]

Awesome video and explanation

[@dagmantv]

Great video and useful

[@granturismo459]

Thank you!

[@MuhammadMundir]

this very helpfull for me, I start to use steadycam

[@obscurity_films]

Love the look of Glidecam, movement definitely does feel more organic. However, I would say another con of the Glidecam that I don't see mentioned often is focus pulling. This may not be a big deal if you have good autofocus and filming in brighter conditions, but for narrative filmmaking being able to pull manual focus becomes a lot more important.

[@Albanez39]

You could always use a wireless follow focus system...as long as your lens doesn't extend forward, it shouldn't be a problem for the mechanical stabilizer. Same as with a gimbal...

[@obscurity_films]

@@Albanez39 I don't have experience with the glidecam, but if you're operating solo aren't you supposed to basically keep one hand on the glidecam and let it float, guiding it with the other? (Like he said in Tip #1 here). I guess I don't see how you can do that AND pull focus because you need that 2nd hand to hold on to the knob to pull focus. If you have a bigger crew with a 2nd person who's wirelessly pulling focus for you then that's a different story, but for operating solo, I guess I don't see how it works with the glidecam (haven't found any good example on KZbin either in my quick search).

[@Albanez39]

@@obscurity_films You're right, you need a second person. Wireless follow focus systems almost always demand a second person (maybe some small models do not). If you're solo (just like I am), I recommend using AF if you have a Sony or Fuji camera. Canon thinks it's good at AF but is actually shit, and Panasonic is just not a good system if you need AF. You could set a small aperture (higher value) and try to keep the same distance from the subject. It's not perfect, but after a few tries you could get it just right :/

[@obscurity_films]

@@Albanez39 Ah, gotcha. Yeah, I'm in the same boat, mostly shooting solo. I'm using Fuji right now and like the AF, but can't always rely on it. I've started getting more vintage lenses so have to rely on manual focus if I want to use those. I'm using the Weebil S with Zhiyun's built in focus knob and gear. Works okay...most of the time...haha. Probably should have got Nano or something though so I can still use it when I change equipment.

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Thats exactly why a focus puller exists on any shoot thats not one person.

[@reefadenzel7466]

Good tips! just practice it :) thanks kid

[@henryssurfshowcase]

Your video shots look awesome!..

[@RixCanDoit]

Nice job!

[@Smudgealot26]

Hi, thank you for making this film, my daughter has just started her 1st year at University in photography, she’s always had a real love for photography, (as her mum is obsessed with taking photos) 😂 and has started going to gigs with her new uni friends, and she always takes her camera with her, but when she was filming the band her camera was all over the place, so I thought that she would benefit from a stabiliser, which one would you recommend for her first one, as I've just watched this video and the glidecam looks good. She doesn't have a lot of spare money so something low budget would be a good idea. Which one would you recommend for her, please? Thank you again for making this very interesting video, you can't have opened my eyes to the best way to shoot videos and amazing photos. xx

[@angelmiguelfdez]

Thanks for the video, which model is that?

[@brandonshootsvideoproducti5714]

Hi! Thanks for your input on this. I know it's been about two years since this video...do you still standby the Glidecam. Wondering because I'm considering getting one. Thanks in advance!

[@GTSO0]

Good stuff

[@verus75]

does the glide cam quick release handle system fit a 4000HD glidcam?

[@andyc942]

Any recommendations on a small lightweight glidecam (or other mechanical stabilisers) that could support a canon 6d? I've being thinking of getting a weebill s so I can incorporate movement into my work while keeping myself as mobile as possible but I'm looking at alternatives!

[@thalapathi_33]

Thank u bro..❤

[@lonerwiththecamera]

I've been contemplating glidecam vs something electronic. Thanks for the video, it's this video and others that are convincing me that the glidecam will be the best option for me. Question: Why don't you use a vest and arm combo? They have them at B and H and they are very inexpensive now. They also will eliminate any arm fatigue. Not the most practical thing to use when hiking, but for wedding videos, a vest and arm might prove useful. I'm thinking glidecams and vest combo prices have fallen so significantly over the last couple of year dues to the market being saturated with the electronic stabilizers. I also talked to a film professional who has been a steadicam op for years. He told me he would never use an electronic system because when you're on set, the last thing the director (or anyone) wants to hear is that your stabilizer is having electronic issues. As you pointed out in your video, once balanced you can run all day on a steadicam / glidecam.

[@gillanmikobi9045]

Good question

[@dmdm13]

Question: I have to do a shot in which I need to follow a kid and when he turns I need to turn as well and do a manual refocus. This turn doesn't feel natural with electronic gimbal, but since I never used a steady/glidecam, I don't know if doing the turn holding the lens already and doing the refocus, if it would mess with the stabilization. Do you think it's possible to work, with due training?

[@danielolleres2991]

What brand and model of glide Can do you use?

[@cuuppaajoe]

I have need a small footprint and one-handed use. I have to stick with mechanical. Not to mention the tracking feature with mechanical. But I appreciate your skills!

[@hjkhhjkh3635]

How would you pull focus with a glide cam, on your own? I’m considering one but have a bmpcc and the autofocus isn’t good.

[@vme3000]

Is it easy to use a vintage lens with this glidecam? Or steadycams in general?

[@Tyfighter247]

Loved the video. Very helpful tips. I think you're using a 24-70mm lens? So do you keep it locked at 24mm and avoid using the zoom? Because zooming throws off the weight right? Also do you use this all day at a wedding? If so, do you then film the entire wedding at 24mm?

[@CannonWeddings]

Thanks! Glad it helped. No, I am constantly changing it between 24 and 70, anywhere in between. It doesn't throw off the weigh too much, you can just slide the head back a little to compensate for it. I do use it all day at weddings, anywhere from 24 to 70. That's why I use that lens. It's 2.8, and a very versatile range.

[@jakir_studio]

Agree 👌

[@fredraket]

nice video and what is the name of the song at the end ?

[@boahandarrowsproductions4326]

What's your take on Shoulder rigs versus Glidecam when it comes to events and filming videos? Thank you.

[@iseethedifference]

Thanks.

[@roxx3000]

I love glidecam ❤️

[@fennesto]

Possible to use with manual focus?

[@rickraub5448]

Is there a benefit of on-board mic if your not recording sound?

[@davemartinstudios]

Mine broke 6 months after using it back in 2017. The stem wouldn’t come off so I couldn’t unscrew the top. It was $80an hour, I was to pay for shipping both to and from the manufacture. They also couldn’t tell me how many hours the repair would take but from 1-6 hours in total it could have been like $400-$500 repair for a $800 product. This definitely isn’t as sturdy as you’d think. So it’s been on my shelf ever since.

[@henryssurfshowcase]

Thanks for the tips! When you shoot upside down , then do you flip it in editing right side up?

[@DV7Dave]

Suprised nobody has replied to you, but yes. That's exactly what you have to do. :)

[@henryssurfshowcase]

Thanks DV7Dave ^^

[@iseethedifference]

i'm just begining my glidecam experience, and i have a question. how to get rid of pendulum movement or make it as low as posible? while i'm moving camera starts swinging in a pendulum style, which is annoying. maybe there is a trick ? or i just have to learn controling it's movement with my hands ?

[@KidCannonTV]

If you're experiencing that pendulum movement, it most likely means you have to much weight on bottom. Try the fall test until you get it slowed to about 2 seconds. Then focus on your left, right, fore, back balance. If all of those are balanced (i.e. the camera is centered and doesn't lean when at rest) you shouldn't have any pendulum. The fall test is the big thing for that. Usually it means too much weight on bottom. Good luck!

[@DavidNiedbala]

I'll be glidecam for life. I've used so many gimbals and naturally go back to my glidecam. I use it with my Sony a7iii. Glidecam plus 120fps. Dreamy

[@CannonWeddings]

Love it!

[@HectorRiveraPhotography]

David Niedbala hey david I have a Sony A73 which one u are using

[@TreyDaze]

You just sold me on a Glidecam! Great video!

[@HEIN-TV]

Hello, I guide the gimbal with my left hand closer to the gimbal than you. That way I have finer control and it shakes even less. What do you mean?

[@ILaxative]

Which glidecam are you using here?

[@HectorRiveraPhotography]

Are you still using the glycam ?

[@sadeqsegaraga8766]

What if the camera doesn't have in-body image stabilization(like Sony a6400)?

[@Albanez39]

On a side note, I recommend you use contact lenses. I am myopic myself and it has literally made my life easier. Not only you get 100% vision (instead of blind corners around the glasses' lenses) when riding a bike, driving and shooting video, but there are no reflections and other aberrations that come with glasses. PS: It's a bit of a nuisance removing them at night, and I fall asleep with my lenses still in my eyes sometimes. Moreover, my vision hasn't worsened since I started using them 5 years ago, while with glasses I had to change them every year because of the "number" decreasing consistently :)

[@dadiysbest9513]

Very convincing

[@JohnstonNyarega]

Man I wish I saw this video before I bought the RS2! Damn

[@NirmitGire]

I never thought that ninja walk is goofy. I always get attention for having a big ass set up and people just respect you for it. If I pull that out in the crowd they give me a way to shoot. I kind of like that to be honest.

[@WorkingInahanDiaries]

lol

[@Photoeye65]

I shoot with a Canon 5D M3. I have the BG-E11 battery grip attached. Do I need to take it off to reduce weight? Anyone leave the BG-E11 on and have success? Jeff

[@CannonWeddings]

I'd definitely leave it on. In my opinion, the MORE weight, the better. Better stability and wind resistance. But, it will take more strength to operate. So you may want to build up to it, depending on your upper body strength.

[@Photoeye65]

Cannon Weddings Thanks. I tried to balance without the Grip and it is really heavy for me as it is. I am 55 and do not have the arms to run around with thing for long. On top of the BG-E11 I have. Kirk L-Bracket perm on the rig. Thanks for replying Jeff

[@erickbueza]

It almost frustrates to use Glidecam until I mount a heavier camera in it than the D5500 I previously use for filming. Sure it will be heavy but more stable.

[@Moses_Kanneh]

I get great results on flat ground; however, I find it hard to shoot when there are moderate to strong winds or on rough terrain. I don’t want every shot to be in slow motion. Should I just get a electric gimbal for those situations? Or is it actually possible to get the manual gimbal working in windy and rough terrain conditions?

[@CannonWeddings]

It's definitely possible to get Glidecam shots in windy/rough terrain conditions, but it is challenging. There's definitely nothing wrong with using an electronic gimbal in certain situations, and a Glidecam in others.

[@bronzepodcast]

Cannon: laid a 5k camera on the ground. Me: what

[@CannonWeddings]

🤷‍♂️

[@JH.1026]

I started out using the glidecam. And I love the glidecam. But really doesn't matter how good you are at using a glidecam. 90 percent of the time I have to slow my footage down just to get smooth shots.. now using an electronic gimbal. Sooo much more easier to get smooth shots with less effort. Really the only pro that the glidecam has is that it's robust and doesn't use batteries. Other than that. Electronic gimbal FTW. Almost impossible to get a low shot with the glidecam might I add. Lol

[@LucaBono.Studio]

Don't forget the wind ahahah

[@mml3140]

I always have issues with orbiting shots with electronic gimbles. They tend to over correct or just flat out drift and my subject doesn't stay in the center.

[@SanjayKachua]

Today i subscribed to learn about glidecam....

[@jarrodbarker]

Is it true each time you need to change the batteries you have to rebalance it 😳

[@emmanuelnkwocha1275]

I have a flycam REDKING and i love STEADICAM i think they are way better and more reliable in my opinion ❤❤🔥🔥

[@HectorRiveraPhotography]

Just ordered one

[@poksertv]

Well, How come you destroy your glidecam? I recently bought used glidecam hd 4000 and it works well and people usually say it's tough to kill a glidecam they're not electronic etc.

[@CannonWeddings]

It wasn't really DESTROYED, but it was pretty banged up and just rough after years and years of use. Definitely could have still used it though haha. But I was ready for a fresh one!

[@poksertv]

@@CannonWeddings wow. You know I actually just recently switched to glidecam after a while of using Ronin s and I did it on purpose. I decided to start with used hd 4000 so I can gain some experience first I get good at it. But I think after a year or so to get some fresh one too. Or should I? Anyway, which model of glidecam would you suggest nowadays? Since I know hd 4000 is a quite old model now

[@filmingluxuryproperties4070]

I agree i have the crane 2 for real estate and it SUCKS. I hate the robot look. Selling it. It’s a shame I used for 3 projects.

[@airindiana]

I’m selling my crane 3s for same reason

[@hash46176]

Glidecam is the best

[@Xbot4Life]

My argument against most of your points is if you put over half a decade into electronic like you did mechanical, you'd overcome any perceived limitations too. You prove its not the tool that decides the quality but rather, the user.

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Electronic allows for an external monitor and ability to manual focus which are pretty critical for filmmaking. Imagine doing a long one take only to realize it was out of focus. Another con is that I use several primes for every shoot which means rebalancing and time wasted. In all fairness I dont use either but without a small crew an electronic gimbal wins to me. As far as cinematic, who cares if the video is following people around on a hike. My take away is get both not one or the other.

[@Taklongtraveler]

Steadycam = operator must have more skill for control and you must have a strong body for hold a camera in 2-3 kg in along time, but you can use alway without battery Gimbal = operator do not need any skills to use it. It use very easy and smooth but its required battery In the past I used steadicam, But now I choose gimbal

[@antdx316]

It shouldn't be Glidecam vs Electronic Gimbal. The setup time for the electronic gimbals takes super long. If you need to get a super fast shot, with a quick release plate you should be ready to go instantly on a glidecam.

[@DivineAtheistWannabe]

This is like automatic vs revolver

[@petrub27]

Basically only 3 people asked him about electronic stabilizer s, and two of fhem were his relatives, lol

[@ivanchenko_andrii]

Вот как я тренируюсь с Glidecam kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYe5p556gtV8r9U

[@CalebKBaker]

It certainly helps that his camera looks like it weighs about a gazillion pounds.

[@GrumpyOldMan9]

Next time, use less HRT

[@khaleel_as]

$10 he will use an electronic Gimbal next year. Ladies & Gentlemen, place your bids!

[@CannonWeddings]

Lol I've used a few over the years, but never found anything I like. On the other hand, I've been using Glidecams since 2012, and still love them!

[@khaleel_as]

@@CannonWeddings All those before you that used Glidecam have switched eventually lol. We will see haha!

[@CannonWeddings]

@@khaleel_as Still rocking the Glidecam! 8 years strong! Haha.

[@khaleel_as]

Cannon Weddings the year is not over yet lol

[@insanejughead]

Alright... A year has passed. Pretty sure he's still on Glidecam.

[@adampro993]

"u can throw your GLIDECAM in your back pack". as if you couldn’t do the same with gimbal. GLIDECAM does take time to practice, but gimbal is not an exepcion. "It's hard to control a gimbal", yup, 'cause u haven't trained yet. "it's easy to carry GLIDECAM arround", well...glidecam is mostly twice as heavy as gimbal. so next time, when you create i video named "why i don't use Gimbal" please make sure, that you at least tried it.

[@adampro993]

of course, I CAN NOT disagree with some of the GLIDECAM PROS, like "organic footage", but you clearly haven't ever tried gimbal.

[@RiskyBiscuits]

Bro....your videos are filmed handheld with a phone 😂Go back into the hole you crawled out of 😆

[@wtfkurtis]

moving+cinematic look= what youtubers say all the time. meh

[@yourmommashouse]

I hope you aren’t the voice/face of your business. You would benefit greatly by having a representative

[@Michaelajacksonfilms]

Thank you!