Glidecam Tutorial: Balancing the Glidecam with your DSLR

[@rikuo1696]

This here is the best tutorial in KZbin on balancing a glidecam. It has everything you need to know without the usual chit chat that you need to fast forward. Thanks!

[@CalThomson]

Thanks for watching

[@rajaananda]

Cal, I watched a lot of vids on how to balance and yours was definitely one of the best. Cheers.

[@CalThomson]

Raja Ananda Thanks a lot

[@StevieWonder1979]

Brilliant tutorial. I'm an beginner and just got a new glide-cam grip. Had it set up perfectly in minutes following this video. Thanks.

[@jeremiahq]

Fantastic. Not even the same model as the one I bought, but all the principles apply, and you explained them beautifully.

[@1BrknHrtdRomeo]

Quick and straight to the point! =D Compared to all these other videos that take 15-20mins explaining how to balance it -.- Thank you so much for this =D

[@CalThomson]

Anytime :)

[@ihuggedapandatwice]

When I do abrupt movements left-right up-down to try out the balance, it stays vertically well but the pole starts rotating a bit so after those abrupt movements the camera is pointing to a whole other direction. I could see you had a little rotation there as well. Is that normal? Because I have no clue how to fix that. And in other videos their cameras stay perfectly straight..

[@flywithoutwingss]

Did you solve that problem?

[@matheus4089]

Did you solve ir?

[@iPodiMaster]

did you solve it now?

[@leonkullig5852]

you use your other hand for that/ to pan

[@ihuggedapandatwice]

@@flywithoutwingss super late reply but yes I think it had to do with the need to align the camera’s centre of gravity with the middle glidecam pole

[@adrijan73]

wow, it can be learnt a lot from professionals like you. many thanks for these tutorials.

[@CalThomson]

+adrijan73 You're welcome

[@anthonycongiano8890]

Quick, simple, to the point and well done, thanks!

[@CalThomson]

You're welcome :)

[@closeenoughproductions318]

Great, step by step guide, thank you!

[@CalThomson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@LetsGetGwap]

Best review on the glide cam HD 2000

[@CalThomson]

Moka Blast Thanks a lot

[@sahilmalhan6644]

Awesome video. Why is my camera rotating though? WHat can I do to stop the rotations?

[@davepark5090]

Easier watched then done.

[@Seliotis]

I agree. But if you have a unit with a ruler on it and take notes it does get easier.

[@CeleryStickz]

These instructions were so clear and helpful! Thank you

[@chefwawa]

Your video was very helpful. Thanks.

[@standard_gauge]

Just what I needed. My dad who was an engineer said that when tightening up tighten opposite corners to avoid skewing

[@CalThomson]

+David Scott That's a great bit of advice. Thanks

[@eksine]

If your glidecam/steadicam keeps spinning counterclockwise or clockwise it is because you have a bad bearing. hold the housing that holds the main bearing and wiggle it. wiggle it in both axis directions, one axis might be fine but the other direction you will feel a loose bearing, that explains why your glidecam keeps spinning no matter what adjustment you make

[@gawnsbg]

Thanks Cal! Nice work

[@jpchovet9388]

Thanks man! helped a lot, couldn't have asked for a better tutorial

[@CalThomson]

+Something Out Of Nothing You're welcome

[@teamfishguts8935]

great vid mate

[@BONLEV]

this video and your other video from walking around was very usefull to me! thanks again!

[@CalThomson]

+Tom Van Den Berghe You're welcome mate

[@currenluna]

Great video! How do you keep your quick release plate from pivoting? I can only fit one screw into the Glidecam, causing it to rotate. Thanks!

[@CalThomson]

+Curren Taber I screw mine in very tight. Alternatively use you can use a rubber washer to increase friction.

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

Excellent tutorial. Thanks.

[@CalThomson]

+Yankee Woodcraft You're welcome

[@roadie689]

Thank you for your helpful movie! greets from Netherlands

[@CalThomson]

+Roadie 68 Anytime

[@StephenE-mx5fe]

I really appreciate these videos, thank you. I've finally been able to balance my glide gear properly and pick up some handy tracking tips too :)

[@CalThomson]

Anytime :)

[@Nicole.Wu.Illustration]

Thanks for the video. One thing I don't understand is why should we loose the 8 side and bottom knots at first and tighten them in the end? What if they are tightened all the time? What it effects the balance?

[@CalThomson]

+Kejia Wu You need to loosen them off otherwise you can't make adjustments. You'll just be forcing the sled along the axis slowly wearing away at the connections.

[@wesleykelemen6749]

thanks man best tutorial ive seen yet

[@CalThomson]

No problem :)

[@pavelxschuster]

Thanks a lot! You are a brave man, when you are showing to whole audience your know how. But it would show the future, who get the advice right :-). I've just bought simillar system and the setting up is hell, but your and few more videos helps me a lot. So many thanks again and have a great successes! :-)

[@CalThomson]

You're welcome. All the best with operating your glidecam

[@JimRobinson-colors]

Was wondering if you knew exactly what the adjustment on the bottom wings is for. Pretty much every video I see the wings are extended as far as they can go. What does it do if they are tighter to the center?

[@standard_gauge]

Hi Cal, Could you explain the effect of moving the weights outward without changing the weights?

[@CalThomson]

+David Scott It would increase the amount of inertia because the weights are further away from the pivot point. Essentially it would speed up the drop time if you had the weights further away. I find they get in the way of operating when sticking outward.

[@aloe-aurora]

Hey Cal, I like your videos. What does the Glidecam HD2000 offer over the XR2000? Is it worth the extra cost?

[@JonathanSimons]

Alomar K I'm learning how to use the XR2000, and it seems like the HD2000 offers a few extra tools to be able to balance your camera. Not required, but helpful.

[@MyHeaven]

Thank you so much for making this video. Very helpful :)

[@thisisLEA]

Mine is still super top-heavy. going to scroll through and see if you've got a fix for that

[@ic_0129]

Thank you! This was super helpful!

[@CalThomson]

Anytime. Glad you liked it

[@nugenki]

lifting off of the table really helped me balance it. Good tip

[@adriancheung2835]

thank you very much for the wonderful video! very helpful!

[@CalThomson]

+Adrian Cheung You're welcome.

[@grosser73]

The weights at the bottom plate can be pushed out or be close to the middle. Could you please explain: do you push them out and when does it make sense? Thanks a lot!

[@thortrader3580]

Quick tip: Adjust the shaft length and weights so that the unit remains balanced horizontally at the start of the drop test. Extend the shaft 1.5-2.0 cm. This will give a near perfect drop time. If you are setting up a low shot do the same but shorten the shaft by 1.5-2.0 cm.

[@jedxepeda2482]

thank you..!

[@DragonflyDroneServicesLLC]

Well explain and execute, Thank you

[@SirujalEverFilms]

What is the best focus settings, as we are not able to touch the camera at all?

[@CalThomson]

Auto focus is getting pretty good now what with face tracking and all. I suggest not touching the camera when operating though yes

[@RoadUser_Motovlog]

i've tested mine for the 1st time last night, i shot at 10mm, aperture around F5.6, focus set on 3 meters..it worked fine for me even though i was just testing it and practicing..

[@jrae83]

What Im interested in is what type of a quick release plate are you using?

[@noelchigurupati5297]

Hello Cal Thomson.... how do you manage to get all your shots in focus... do you use manual focus or auto...Thanks

[@CalThomson]

I use manual focus. I set the focus early on and just maintain distance. I avoid picking too shallow depth shots where possible.

[@nutier]

awesome video ! I enjoy it so much . Happy new year 2015 !

[@CalThomson]

Thanks a lot. Happy New Year to you too :)

[@JakeRichandAnnaChah]

sweet!! thanks for the help man :)

[@CalThomson]

Jake Rich You're welcome

[@miraculix9103]

Why are the arms with the weights only orientated forwards and backwards? Wouldnt be a cross with weights at the glidecam's bottom be much better?

[@RaceDayMedia]

Thanks for the video mate. Would be cool if you could show how you fixed the manfrotto QR plate on the cheese plate too :)Either way, thanks

[@CalThomson]

+Race Day Media It's just a screw and washer

[@TheResonating]

+Cal Thomson question im using a non dslr 4.57 lb canon camera (xha1) with my hd2000. My drop time is about 5 seconds, is that too much?

[@videobykuznetsov]

thank you! very good tutorial

[@CalThomson]

+Anton Kuznetsov Anytime

[@blender_wiki]

great video but when you do the drop test if you start to count 1 when you release the Steadicam is 1.5-2 seconds and not 2.5-3 seconds ;-)

[@zoemanpierretv]

does that work with neewer

[@OkLetsPlayTv]

Nice one

[@CalThomson]

+Kiel Robinson You're welcome

[@TaiRo]

Mine is spinning all the time, what do I do?

[@CalThomson]

+Alan Tukmatsev Spinning or swaying? It should be stationary if perfectly balanced. Try counter acting the spin gently with your other hand

[@TaiRo]

Yeah man I got it thank you.

[@LorenzoDeWilder]

I can get it balanced while stationary, but the second I pick it up and try to walk with it, it's all over the place. Is it just practice or am I doing something wrong?

[@Kaneda0015]

Walk like a Ninja? :)

[@archeeworld]

This helped a lot thanks.

[@CalThomson]

+COVERED BY LEAVES Good I'm glad :)

[@moXon460]

With all those fine adjustments, doesn't it throw off the balance completely if I zoom in for example or change the focus?

[@CalThomson]

***** Unfortunately yes. You'll have to rebalance if you zoom in. It's not so much an issue for focus along as you don't do from infinity to 30cm for instance.

[@sherrietoth7965]

Hi Cal.. thank you for the tutorial.. I have my Glidecam and 6D balanced, but my 6D is wanting to turn/spin. Do I just need to touch/control that with my other hand? Thank you!

[@CalThomson]

+Sherrie Toth If it's balanced perfectly it shouldn't turn. You can control the spin with your other hand though if its only minor

[@TaleTellingTom]

For the drop, is it better to be close to 2 or close to 3 seconds?

[@CalThomson]

Closer to 3. Some operators aim for even longer but I find 3 seconds works perfectly fine.

[@TaleTellingTom]

Oke, thanks for the tip, mine was 2 seconds, need to adjust now.

[@djarok33]

I'm using a similar setup except I'm using a canon 7d and sigma 8 - 16mm. How much does you camera setup weigh? I went to the store and they told me I would have been better off with an hd 4000 but you achieved it on a 2000. I'm stumped.

[@CalThomson]

+Alvin Acosta They are very wrong. The HD2000 is perfect for DSLR cameras. I even managed to balance my FS7 on it.

[@DevonGray]

how are you able to tighten the adjustment clamp so easily.... when i do mine I cant tighten it anymore yet it still falls down the pole

[@CalThomson]

It sounds like yours is faulty. You might have to send it back to the manufacturer.

[@nerdkidleo]

I have some problems with my panning shots, the tail of the glidecam tends to swing out too much, what do you think may be the problem?

[@CalThomson]

Leonard C. Try adjusting the sled height in favour of the camera slightly. That should reduce the pendulum effect you're experiencing.

[@donpanatico4298]

Hope you make some tutorial for Glidecam for mobile phone.. Thank you

[@CalThomson]

Not likely. I use professional gear and don't intend to shoot on a mobile phone.

[@adirmiller2141]

Thanks helped a lot!!!.

[@jiffcia]

the hildecam is so heavy, how you guys train your arm?

[@CalThomson]

Jeff z 20 push up a day....Actually I don't train my arm. I've used the glidecam for 4-5 years now so have naturally developed the muscles for operating it.

[@jiffcia]

you are great !!! i brought mine for half year, you are the first one show me completely that i can understand.

[@MagivisualStudios]

My glidecam spins while I'm walking Any help?

[@CalThomson]

Try using your non-dominant hand to count act the spin. Be careful because you can end up making the shot shakey.

[@BryonLape]

Mine does the same thing. Using my hand makes it shake. Non Glidecam is worth the money.

[@smokehauznimangkulas]

what lens do you use? thanks bro..

[@CalThomson]

+Rhayan Libranda I mainly use the Tamron 24-70mm 2.8 IS lens.

[@MasteringHow-To]

What about the weights on the bottom. Are the extended out all the way? Or closer to the pole

[@thoivthanh]

What quick release plate are you using?

[@teamumar]

Did you have to modify your base plate with the quick release? Like make the hole bigger where you screw in the quick release. I did and I think it messed everything up :/

[@CalThomson]

Umar Bhutto No I just bought a quick release plate off amazon and made sure the holes were the same size. How has everything messed up for you?

[@teamumar]

Cal Thomson the screw they provided me with the QR was a little too big so I had to drill one of the holes to make it a little bigger and now I cant seem to properly balance it. It might be cause my t3i with a 50mm lens is too light

[@samuelaseolas]

Im into nature and action videographery work, looking into the Canon 7D mark 2 and Panasonic Gh4, which one would you recommend? both are amazing bodies :)

[@samuelaseolas]

Thanks! Yea i do love both but i will definitely be doing mostly videography work, might invest in a 7D or a 5D3 down the road! :)

[@fishingprize]

Hey do you know how heavy is the whole rig, glidecam + camera? Wondering how mine compares to yours.

[@CalThomson]

+fishingprize It's probably 3kg or something.

[@fishingprize]

+Cal Thomson nevermind bro I added it up myself based on what you're using - 4.8kg not including batteries give or take.

[@djessjacques7298]

Bruh, your a life saver. Thank you!

[@CalvinKemppel]

what DSLR and Lense do you use?

[@CalThomson]

+Calvin Kemppel Canon 6D, Tamron 24-70mm 2.8. All written in the description and mentioned in the tutorial

[@bluefilmsltd]

Thanks mate.

[@panchopuskas1]

Good vid, thanks.

[@georgepaladichuk7954]

Can you go to a camera store or something to have someone balance it for you?

[@CalThomson]

It's not something I've heard of I'm afraid

[@georgepaladichuk7954]

Oh ok...thanks anyway for the amazing video!!!

[@hoangvunguyen9311]

any ideas why my glide cam swings front and back while I am moving ???

[@Chaoticmind_Shan]

still haven't got the total hang of it though, mine isnt the same model as ur's,its a Chinese model, any tips on that

[@DobynsMedia]

Have you had any luck using the glidecam hd4000? I am having a hell of a time balancing it with the canon 70d and the 135mm lens. Any tips?

[@CalThomson]

+Bad World Production Yeah. I balanced a C100 on a HD4000 and the techniques are exactly the same. I'm not really sure what else I can cover thats not already in the tutorial.

[@DobynsMedia]

cool thx

[@zach_blackburn]

where do i buy the quick release plate?

[@CalThomson]

+Zach Blackburn Amazon.

[@thoivthanh]

What quick release plate are you using?

[@mVisualProductions]

what kind of battery grip do you use?

[@ahmedalkoufi3863]

I watched other vids and couldn’t get my camera balanced until I watched yours

[@videobaby]

balancing the need for good what weight the camera? the more weight the better?

[@nugenki]

+video baby The longer the steadicam, they better. Rotational momentum and all that

[@JeremyCottontail]

I've got a question regarding the weights/length of sled. I've got a cheaper replica of the Glidecam, but it still should be the same approach. What should be the goal while balancing the glidecam? Should I use as little as possible weights and a fully extended sled or the opposite?

[@CalThomson]

The heavier the rig, the more likely you'll be able to achieve stable shots. I would try and find a happy medium so that the rig isn't too heavy for you to operate comfortably but also heavy enough to get the shots you want. As a general rule though, extend the sled until it counter acts the weight of your rig before adding extra weights. Hope that helps

[@JeremyCottontail]

Cal Thomson Okay I'll try that. I have my sled almost fully extended and just 1 weight on each tip. How much does your whole setup weight (glidecam + weights + camera)? My camera is 1.7kg (3.75lbs) and my glidecam with weights is 1.6kg (3.5lbs), so the full rig is 3.3kg (7.3lbs).

[@samuelaseolas]

TrisM 3.7 pounds is a perfect weight if you balance it properly : )

[@LvyPK]

Hey Cal, could you explain how you got your dslr + battery grip on the quick release plate? I tried putting my camera with a battery grip on the same manfrotto you have but the turning lock keeps hitting the grip and won't fully fasten.

[@CalThomson]

BasedTim You have to adjust the turning lock. If you have the same quick release as me then you should be able to pull the lock out towards you and turn it independently of the screw.(this is quite fiddly) Make sure you're not turning the main locking screw. Does that make sense?

[@FloStar3000]

Thank You, I really enjoyed this video! I've got a Canon EOS 700D or T5i with a kitlens. I also have a NoName Carbon Fibre Steadicam and for Audio a Tascam DR-60D and a RØDE NTG-2. Do you think it would be useful to add weight at the top with the audio equipment I mentioned? Because especially in windy situations, the rig with only the Camera turns, wabbles and pendles around a lot by itself.

[@CalThomson]

FloStar3000 You have your tascam recorder and rode mic on your glidecam set up?

[@FloStar3000]

Cal Thomson No, not already. My setup only contains my T5i and of course the glidecam yet. I ask you, if it would make sense to add the Tascam and the Rode at the top to reach more weight and get a more stable rig, because it is very heavy to hold and I don't like this bulky setup.

[@BenKadel]

Comment if you're watching this in 2022 and I've just been to your wedding.....

[@TheWinnie237]

Yeah Yeah!

[@BenKadel]

@@TheWinnie237 wait a minute.... Aren't you one of the hosts from the hit KZbin show BANDEDSEW? If not then I've definitely found a doppelganger

[@lowil1000]

hi there I am using optical zoom lens. Do I have to balance it everytime I use a diffident focal length?

[@jared2904]

Voice of Verses Yes.

[@QualityVideoService]

my problemm is keeping the camera focused. any tips?

[@CalThomson]

Shoot at F4 or above to have a greater depth of field.

[@QualityVideoService]

Will do and thank you.

[@Musicaadorecchio]

what if after setting the glidecam up as you showed it stills wobbles a bit? does extracting wings help in this case?

[@Relazot]

Hey, I have a problem. I've got a samsung nx1000 and it's weight is 400g. I have tryed to use it on my glidecam hd 2000 but with no good results. I think it's too light. Is it possible to get it work with some extra weights?

[@CalThomson]

Rikard H I imagine so. Try adding a microphone or an extra battery. I'm not familiar with the camera so I can't help too much.

[@Relazot]

Okay thanks for your answer! I have tryed to put some weights on there bit still it's hard to nail the perfect composition to make a perfect balance. But if that's the only way to solve the problem, I will keep on trying :)

[@Chaoticmind_Shan]

thanks a million dude

[@CalThomson]

+ishan shrestha You're welcome

[@Becausehelovedmefirst]

Awesome thank you!!

[@CalThomson]

You're welcome

[@BCDKFS]

cal, is it ok if ill use benro dj80 tilthead as an alternative for a quick release plate?

[@allme2547]

Perfect!

[@CalThomson]

Thanks a lot

[@cassmaya]

hey cal, what's the difference between the glidecam 2000 pro & the HD 2000 ? also have, u used the flycam? if so what are your thoughts? thanx

[@lotfiboutebal233]

Hey dude ; i just would from a long time to say to you that i own a workshop in paris that builds camera stabilisers like glidecame'ones so i wondered if i send to you a one for free and ship ig to you to review it thats will be great for me and big pleasure. ;)

[@CalThomson]

Thanks alot but this probably isn't for me. Try Marco Fanton. He's just set up a film making youtube channel and would jump on this opportunity.

[@TonyXOriginalz]

easier watched than done for sure but great help thanks

[@CalThomson]

Haha thanks. Practice makes perfect

[@jeffmandu]

why the part of the bottom it's turn two different ways in different videos

[@Musalam]

thank you

[@RaviPanjwani11]

Hi all Can any 1 tell me what should be the relation between camera & counterweight ? if camera weight is X then counterweight should be ?

[@PhardonMedia]

Thanks...

[@TGF15]

Hi Cal, I've recently purchased a HD-2000 and I'm having some trouble getting the Glidecam to stop swaying as I walk. I'm using a GH4 with the Panasonic 14-140mm lens (I have also got and tried the 25mm f/1.4). I think the issue I have is that both setups are too light. I have also tried attaching a Zoom H4n to the hot shoe mount on the camera to increase the weight. On the base plate I have tried a number of counter plates, 1 on each side, 2 on each side, 3 and also 4. When I then check my drop time, no matter what I change whether it be less/more weights on the base plate or changing the leverage, it remains the same, around 1 second. I have read that you can make it so there's no drop time at all, is this what I need to do? If so, how? I hope you can help and if there's anything you need me to explain/clarify, just ask :)

[@CalThomson]

+TWR Music You want a 3-5 second drop time. No idea who said 'no drop time' because they're wrong. Or I should say my personal preference is to have a 3 second drop time. It's definitely up to the operator.