I currently have a Zhiyun Crane V2 that I use with my GH2 and it supports a payload of 0.8 to 3.9 lbs. The lightest setup I use on it (GH2+20mm f/1.7 version 1) is around 1.2 lbs while the heavier ones go up to right around 3.9 lbs.

The problem is that I’m recovering from some health problems and an upcoming surgery next week that make walking in the way meant to reduce vertical jitter easier said than done. Thus, I’m looking at a Glidecam in the hopes of getting more of a swaying up and down than the abrupt jerks I have with my motorized gimbal.

The Glidcam HD-1000 has been advertised as handling a payload from 1.5 lbs to 3 lbs. The Glidecam HD-2000 has been advertised as handling 2-6 lbs. The HD-4000 advertises 4-10 lbs. None of these seems (at least on paper) to be able to cover the full range I use.

To make things even more complicated, I am considering combining the Crane V2 and Glidecam in the DIY Trinity knockoff approach that Momentum Productions popularized - which would mean needing a minimum payload of 3.6 lbs supported for the Glidecam.

My question is, has anyone had experience with different Glidecam on a GH2? Can any of them handle a setup as light as the GH2+pancake even though on paper it would be too light? Is using too light a weight or too heavy a weight more of a problem?

• Their fund raising campaign for one developer to devote two full man months on some long desired re-factoring succeeded - and quickly!

• kdenlive 0.9.2 was just released, addressing some regressions from the 10 days old 0.9 release, which introduced numerous interesting features (see http://kdenlive.org/discover/0.9 for a list).

Two new features I found especially notable:

• The availability of a second video stabilizing filter (which was ported from "transcode"), which offers numerous parametrization options (that the first stabilizer, "vstab" is somewhat lacking).

• Automatic synchronization of video tracks taken from different cameras at the same time (by using the audio track similarities).

I've always had the idea that with magnetism and hydraulics can get to a stabilizer, but I'm not a physicist or an engineer.

https://www.steadycross.com

Asking $150 OBO plus shipping to CON US or HI.

• Price : $850
• Weight: 1.4lbs (0.64kg) (without balance weights)
• Camera Weight Capacity *: 0.5 to 5.0lb (0.23 – 2.27kg) 7.5lbs max. (3.4kg) with OPTIONAL Merlin Arm & Vest Accessory
• Maximum Height Folded: 5.3 in. (13.5cm)
• Minimum Height Open: 8 in. (20.3cm)
• Maximum Height Open: 15.3 in. (38.7cm)
• Case Size (W x H x D): 13.4 x 9.9 x 4.9 in. (34.0 x 25.2L x 12.5cm)

Look at more info at: http://www.tiffen.com/steadicam_merlin2.html

Available at:

• http://www.amazon.com/Steadicam-Professional-Video-Stabilizers-Merlin/dp/B007A0EFUE/

Handheld 3-axis stabilizer is a revolutionary product to the film industry. It is so light-weighted and user-friendly to create more possibilities for photographers during filmmaking and at mean time providing smooth videos. However, designs of 3-axis stabilizer cannot address the very crucial part: the bounces caused by photographers’ step while making videos. To solve this problem, the cutting-edge Nebula 4200 5-axis stabilizer has arrived.

With two spring arms, Nebula 4200 can absorb any vibrations and bounces under payload acting on the vertical axis and with different spring tension, the two spring arms are also able to filter part of the vibrations on horizontal axis. They are just like the vehicle suspension system which isolates road noise, bumps, and vibrations. Nebula 4200 as the terminator of stabilizer presents you a most smooth experience under the severe environment of recording.

And here comes a brilliant accessory for Nebula 4200 to make it the most powerful combination: our new product, Nebula Remote. No more complicated operation to control both your gimbal and camera with Nebula Remote. It can be quickly installed on gimbal's handle without tools and can be simply used by thumb to control your gimbal accurately and intuitively. Only one key to stop or continue motor's working, convenient for balancing, fine-tuning and power saving. OLED screen clearly shows the current status, including modes of gimbal, current voltage, battery power, angle of pitch axis and yaw axis and other information. By using the memory function, now it’s free to capture shots that are difficult or impossible. Every design makes filmmaking smoother and easier.

Nebula Remote is compatible with Nebula 4200/4100/4000/5200/6000. The video below is Nebula REMOTE function introduction.

The video below is the method of Nebula REMOTE.

Hope these can help you to understand the product.

I'll try to focus on double arm designs (aka double spring arms) as they are preferable.

First, vest and arm from Wondlan Leopard 2 set:

Not cheap, but as far as I asked operators this is among best chinese vests.

It is offered as option to Wondlan Carbon stabilizer in our deals.

http://www.wondlan.com/product/260-leopard--carbon-fiber-standard-edition--5fdc/

Looks like a major improvement over Nebula4000. Newsshooter published report: http://www.newsshooter.com/2016/05/12/nab-2016-filmpowers-new-roxor-4k-vr-4200-and-quick-release-nebula-4100-lite-gimbals/

Because the camera is still on the stabilizer, that means Nebula Gyro Jib can carry cameras like the Canon XC15 and Panasonic PX230 which is compatible with Nebula 5300. With the help of Gimbal’s lock mode, making the camera stays locked on to a given target as the jib is moved. Also, if you switch to the semi-lock mode, it allows the camera to follow jib’s movement on the horizontal direction but stay locked as the jib moving up or down.

Further more, the Nebula Remote can be added as the controller unit to remote control gimbal’s Pitch and Yaw axis and mode switching, so that the direction of camera can be easily changed. Users may also remote control camera to start/stop recording by using the Remote. This system breaks the angle limit of traditional jibs.

Of course there are some features similar to other travel jibs such as easy to assemble, easy to monitor and easy for transportation. Nebula Gyro Jib is made of carbon fiber, making it only weights 1.4kg while having a reasonable length of 2.4m when fully extended. There are standard 1/4 and 3/8 screw holes on the jib for monitor and tripod. It can use regular weights or a handy donut shaped counter weight water bag as the standard fitting.

• Work with any camera+ lens combination up to 2.8kg
• Weight is only 0.67kg, so you can use it with bare hands for prolonged time
• Very compact
• Exceptional manufacturing quality Laing is known for
• No charging required :-)

Remember that you can still win one

Newsshooter report:http://www.newsshooter.com/2015/10/23/filmpower-roxor-a-4k-integrated-brushless-gimbal-camera-for-199/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

http://www.gudsen.com/moza-lite.html

It weighs at only 2.2kg that lightweight enough for handheld operation, yet strong enough to carry any mirrorless cameras and common DSLRs as well as small cinema camera such as the Red Epic series with max payload of 11.0lbs. It takes powerful motors with digital positioning encoders on each axis to provide precision control and achieve smooth footage by using advanced algorithms. The operator can access to remote control of the camera and gimbal via the wireless thumb controller. It is powered by the intelligent battery with 2800mAh capacity and Tesla cells that can last up to 8 hours.

Gudsen team just published the full tutorial video on Youtube for the MOZA Lite 2. It shows how to use the gimbal, including setup, balance, wireless thumb controller and MOZA Assistant operation.

Laing H3 - small stabilizer for filmmakers

Made only from premium materials and with great accuracy.

Very good top stage for precise adjustment.

Can handle small or medium cameras.

• Cameras weight range - 1-3kg
• Post diameters - 25mm and 20mm
• Length - from 320mm to 460mm

Check additional details and price.

This goal was achieved in 1973, by inventing the simple but innovative machine – Brown stabilizer (later renamed: Steadicam).

At that time, Steadicam attracted a large number of users for its low cost and simple structure.

Buy as the rapid developing of science and technology, emerged the shortcoming of Steadicam.

Although Steadicam has made great differences, there are many restrictions to the detriment of current photography needs. Such as Steadicam is too big to be used for narrow scene, and too heavy for long shot. And the fatal weakness is the difficulties for beginners to start in a short time trial, users must take a long time of training to familiar with Steadicam and use it well. With wrong posture, it is counter-productive to keep stable. Still, usually we need to spend a long time on Steadicam for adjustment and balancing.

Now, the cutting-edge Nebula 4200 5-axis stabilizer has arrived to end the 50-year history of Steadicam. You have to admit that the lightweight and compact stabilizer more suits our needs for its user-friendly and excellent stability.

However, designs of 3-axis stabilizer cannot address the very crucial part: the bounces caused by photographers’ step while making videos. To solve this problem, Nebula 4200 5-axis greatly integrated the traditional advantages of Steadicam and the latest technologies of gyroscope stabilizer.

Turned the standard notion of 50-year Steadicam’s structure, 5-axis spring arm is Nebula’s original design, inspired by the damping system of F1 racing cars. Nebula 4200 is known as the only mould-casting gyroscope stabilizer in the world. All parts of this innovative product are made of metal.

The effect of double spring arm in contraposition is both rebound and absorbing. But the mass of stabilizer and camera appropriately maintains inertial. Except the intentional tremor, the two spring arms of 4200 can absorb any vibrations and bounces under payload acting on the vertical axis. With this kind of buffer, Nebula 4200 reduces vibration, retards speed, makes shooting more smooth even facing hard bumps.

They are just like the vehicle suspension system, on the one hand isolates road noise, bumps, and vibrations, on the other hand provides enough sustenance for stabilizing car body while making a turn. Besides vertical axis, with different spring tension, the two spring arms are also able to filter part of the vibrations on horizontal axis. That’s why we call as 5-axis.

Two dovetails are added on spring arm, to show the flexibility of combinations. The standard 1/4 screw hole also makes it easy to carry most of the photography accessories. Every detail we designed is for filmmakers in search of 2 “P”s: professional and possibilities.

Double spring arm in contraposition turns the standard notion of spring arms in line, in order to spread bounces caused by photographers’ step while moving over two handles. Thus perfectly reduces the jitter and jerking and improves users’ manipulation of stabilizers.

Turned the standard notion of 50-year Steadicam’s structure, 5-axis spring arm is Nebula’s original design, inspired by the damping system of F1 racing cars.

The effect of double spring arm in contraposition is both rebound and absorbing. But the mass of stabilizer and camera appropriately maintains inertial. Except the intentional tremor, the two spring arms can absorb any vibrations and bounces under payload acting on the vertical axis. With this kind of buffer, reduces vibration, retards speed, makes shooting more smooth even facing hard bumps.

They are just like the vehicle suspension system, on the one hand isolates road noise, bumps, and vibrations, on the other hand provides enough sustenance for stabilizing car body while making a turn. Besides vertical axis, with different spring tension, the two spring arms are also able to filter part of the vibrations on horizontal axis.

Two dovetails are added on spring arm, to show the flexibility of combinations. The standard 1/4 screw hole also makes it easy to carry most of the photography accessories. Every detail we designed is for filmmakers in search of 2 “P”s: professional and possibilities. Double spring arm in contraposition turns the standard notion of spring arms in line, in order to spread bounces caused by photographers’ step while moving over two handles. Thus perfectly reduces the jitter and jerking and improves users’ manipulation of stabilizers.

Can you recommend a certain product? I'm not sure which additional information would be required to choose one, here's what preferences I can relay:

• should be holdable with one hand (not meant for quad-copter use or such)
• price should be < 1000 €, the less expensive the better, of course

(Could something like this (Gazer MD1) be suitable? I really don't have any clue yet what makes the difference between the astonishing number of very differently priced stabilizers...)

1. Tool-less design, simple setup.

2. The wireless thumb controller is capable of controlling the gimbal pan/tilt/roll directions, and the start/stop or focus adjustment of the camera rig.

3. Equipped with a wireless video transmitter,which paves the way of free movement in all directions for the gimbal (no cable interference).

4. Crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum and carbon fiber which ensures an ultra lightweight yet durable product.

5. The customized MOZA intelligent battery can run for 2 hours at least depending on the usage conditions.

6. MOZA case is robust, unbreakable, watertight, dustproof and complete with rolling wheels to allow for easy transportation.

More information here: http://www.gudsen.com/moza-gimbal.html

Some videos footage for your reference.

Check additional details and price.

Original WildCat

This is copy of Skier design. Not cheap.

Very good feedback.

Depending on initial price-point this device might massively exceed its imminent crowd-funding goals. I'm certainly piqued.

Available at:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Professional-DSLR-Handheld-Grip-Stabilizer-for-Shooting-Movie-with-Camera-Bag-/321138324050?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ac555f252

Price: $138 including shipping.

Big advantage is good adjustable camera base.

Disadvantage is that many factories made such stabilizers. Some of them have constant issues with gymbals and overall quality.

You can check http://www.personal-view.com/talks/discussion/5864/ifootage-wildcat-small-stabilizer#Item_32 for top quality steadicam with similar design.

While going around the internet I stumbled upon this Chinese company called Supamods. https://www.supamods.com And, among all their products, this Steadicam set-up really caught my eye: https://www.supamods.com/product/x4-flight-system/

I've been thinking about pulling the trigger on it, but I can't seem to find any reviews of any of their products. The only products that get mention on YouTube, are a Mattebox and a replacement mount for the GoPro Hero.

Has anyone had any experience with these guys? How are their products? I know you get what you pay for (I mean, that Steadicam kit with vest, arm, gymbal and carrying case, is dirt cheap), but I wouldn't want to purchase a 750 dollar trash bag.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Price: $183+shipping

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sevenoak-SK-W01-High-Precision-Video-Stabilizer-fr-Cameras-Camcorders-DSLR-Canon-/151072359168

Available at:

http://dx.com/p/s-40-handheld-mini-stabilizer-for-camcorder-dv-video-camera-dslr-black-blue-225432

Price: $98.4 including shipping

It is made for small cameras, of course. Biggest flaw is camera top platform. It lack smooth adjustment, so you need to loose thumb screw, move plate, tighten, etc.

They made top base absolutely unadjustable and simple.

And changes bottom weights so they can be adjusted to any position.

I am not sure that it'll be working good. And legs seem to have only one big weight.

Price: from $122

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.X1s+Quick+Release+Plate+Handheld+Stabilizer+&_nkw=1s+Quick+Release+Plate+Handheld+Stabilizer+&_sacat=0&_from=R40

shot 95% of this in 2 days just to do a little more testing of the weight of the BMCC on a Glidecam HD2000 and a 12ft CobraCrane. I didn't put a whole lot of time into grading, and this isn't a video showing off DR, raw ability or flaws, just simple "FLoATing BMCC" video. If you notice I purposely shot on some rough terrain to see if any jello would pop up but It did fine.

Price: $54 shipped

http://dx.com/p/cs-100-handy-stabilizer-for-digital-cameras-cell-phones-black-204352