I'd like to get some ideas for a steadicam for the gl2 that is good quality and affordable for movie shots. Anyone have some ideas on these things. I really don't want to spend alot... say100 to 300 dollars.

Thanks everyone

Stephen Schleicher gave the the SteadyTracker Extreme (http://www.digitalproducer.com/2002/10_oct/reviews/10_07/steadytrackerxtreme.htm) from Promax a good review.

You can buy a Glidecam 2000 new or a 4000 used under $300.

I second that about the Glidecam 2000. I've been using it for a while with my "GL2" and it’s a nice little performer. Very well made, and a quality product.

I've got a 'never been used' Glidecam 2000 still in the box. If interested you can email me at jpainter@softresc.com.

Thanks,
Jim

I just bought a Steadicam JR for my GL1 and am really loving it. You might find one used in your price range. They turn up on eBay a lot.

I have both a DV Rig Pro and a VariZoom Flowpod for our GL2's. I think both are excellent products for their prices. We film weddings (where we film according to our situation) and have found the FlowPod to be perfect for this type of work because of the monopod. We can very quickly (about 5 seconds) go from a solid monopod to a roving stabilized shot, but it takes practice to get the movement right. I assume that this is true with any stabilzation device though.

I also use the VariZoom Flowpods for weddings and other projects. It's not a true 'steadicam' device, but for $100, it's wonderful. It's easier to use than a real steadicam unit, but a real steadicam unit will also give you better results once you've built up your experience.

Travis,

Where did you get a Flowpod for $100? The best I have found is around $400.

Terry

I apologize. I mistyped the name. I use the steadipod (it's a monopod). Sorry.

I just returned from the Videomaker Expo in Pasadena, CA. We did a video night where we had an hour to make a 5 minute video on a topic they would give us. It turned out the topic was "That really bothers me". There were 8 entries and I couldn't believe how bad and shaky most of the video was. It was almost like they were trying to make it look bad.
I was using my !ndicam and we did a pretty good job with our video.

The point of all this is...any stabilzier is better than none especially if you know how to use it.

Terry

By the way, we saw some of the previous years contest winners and one of them (very good) was taken with a GL2.