In the past I have used a canon HV20 and a 5d Mark II with a steadicam setup. I've never gotten the type of steady footage I wanted so I was looking at the 3 axis gimbal systems. I'm also going to be replacing my cameras and was thinking of the XA35 camcorder. But from the reading I've done, it sounds like the gimbal systems are meant for a DSLR like the 5D. Would they also work with a camcorder like the XA35?

I was looking at one like this one, but I wondered if there are ones you would recommend that are already set up with motors and controls, but more economical? Nebula 5000pro 3-Axis Brushless Gimbal Stabilizer FPNE50001 B&H

Thanks!

The length of the camera is most important, most 3 axis gimbals have limited space between the part where you mount the camera and the backside of the sled which holds the camera, if you want to be sure it's best to measure the distance from the tripod screwhole of the camera to the backside of the camera, incl battery because that most likely will stick out as well and ask the supplier if their stabilizer has the space to fit and mount the camera.

Thank you. I was just watching a video comparing a glidecam setup with the gimbal. After watching that, seeing the footage of both and learning more about the pros and cons, I'm rethinking what I originally was leaning toward. The glidecam with the body support seems to provide really nice results. However, the body support system is around $1800. Do you know of a comparable setup to the glidecam with body support system? Thanks.

I have a XA20 and I made my own 3 gimball steadycam.
Have a look at the thread, where I presented the results for the first time here.
Drawings (dwg's) available, dims in mm's.

Is this the thread you're referring to? http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/stabilizers-steadicam-etc/529972-made-my-own-steadycam.html

If so, do you have another page detailing what you made? Thanks.

If you want really steady footage and since you don't have good experience with a regular steadicam I wouldn't venture in building one yourself, what is your max budget for a steadicam?

Around $3-400 if possible.

Is this the thread you're referring to? http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/stabilizers-steadicam-etc/529972-made-my-own-steadycam.html

If so, do you have another page detailing what you made? Thanks.
It is the right thread, indeed. Sorry for the missing link.
In the next few days I will compose a video showing the details.
By the way, the thing cost me a little over €120.

Around $3-400 if possible.

Is that 300 to 400 or 3400?

Sorry, $300-$400.

It is the right thread, indeed. Sorry for the missing link.
In the next few days I will compose a video showing the details.
By the way, the thing cost me a little over €120.

Great, thanks!

In that case there is no 3 axis gimbal out there that would be suitable for a XA35, also, you said earlier that you are not happy about your steadicam use in the past which is why you where looking at gimbals yet now you are considering to build a steadicam yourself? :) What will that change?

In that case there is no 3 axis gimbal out there that would be suitable for a XA35

As I stated before, I made one for my XA20, which is not much different than the XA35.
I copied the design of an existing gimball, so your statement does not fit reallity, I think. But the original design will cost you about €700.
This is a link to the original design:
Glidecam Devin Graham Signature Review - YouTube

Yes, but Geoff said he was not happy with a steadicam setup before and was looking at 3 axis gimbals, that's why I asked what he will be gaining by building a steadicam himself? Unless we are talking about ordering parts of a motorized 3 axis gimbal and putting it together yourself?

I was originally looking at the 3 axis gimbal because it seems to be easier to handle, having two handles and the footage I had seen seemed smoother. However, when I watched a comparison of the glidecam to another 3 axis gimbal, the glidecam actually seemed pretty good. Then when they showed the body support harnass, that made it look like handling it would be even easier... which was why I was leaning back toward a steadicam setup. But it sounds like there isn't a good option in my price range, so I guess I'll just have to practice a bit more with my current steadicam setup and hope to get it steadier. Thanks for the input.

So here it is, a short video that shows some more about the steadycam I made:
Details of my DiY DX11 3-axis gimball on Vimeo