Glidecam iGlide Handheld Stabilizer for 14oz Cameras, Orange

Let me say that I knew when I ordered this that it would require substantial time and effort to dial it in and get it right. I was SUPER EXCITED to receive this and get to learning how to use it with my GoPro and external microphone (zoom h2n). I spent HOURS tweaking each screw and got it very dialed in. I read tons of advise and everyone seems to say that most of the success of this device is based on proper user technique. I accepted this and once I had this product balanced, I was on my way to refining user technique. Here's the problem: EVERY TIME I SET THIS DOWN, it needed adjustment! If you change your grip, you have to adjust it. If you switch hands, you have to adjust it. If you lay it on the seat of your car, it needs adjustment. I'm not exaggerating that if a stiff breeze rolls through, you'd have to adjust it. I spent weeks trying to get this thing dialed into a usable state....no luck. I wanted to use it for a fun kickball game and as soon as I picked it up, it swung wildly off axis and I ended up just holding the center post to capture the event because at this point I dint have time to readjust everything.Don't get me wrong, this is a GREAT PRODUCT, but it is not applicable to run and gun type activities in a dynamic environment. You need time and patience and a very controlled environment to make this worth while.Additionally, once you have it set up, you pretty much can not touch/manipulate the camera in any way without having to rebalance it. So if you want to change a setting, change a battery, or change a memory card.....you are going to spend 10 mins rebalancing it.This is just not feasible for any type of action sports.

Disclaimer: I am not a professional videographer. I'm just a YouTuber who does this sort of thing as a minor hobby. With that being said, I researched a lot on Devin Graham (I love his videos) and he recommends the higher end Glidecam units. I wasn't willing to drop $600-$800 for my first one, so this seemed like a nice compromise.I've been using it for about a week now shooting (silly stuff since the weather is still not nice enough to do much outside), but I found it extremely easy to use and very smooth in filming. The instruction manual gives a great explanation of how to balance it and it typically only takes me about 3-4 minutes to balance it whenever I change cameras at this point.The only word of caution is that I bought this primarily to use with my GoPro, and the GoPro is so light that you won't get the proper effect without some additional weight on top with the camera. I use a 3/4" long tripod screw with three 1/4" fending washers to give a little extra weight to the top and it works great.If you're a pro with a ton of hours on these types of units, go buy an expensive one. But if you're new to the game or just looking to smooth out your home-video footage, this unit will do anything that you need as long as you FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS THAT COME WITH IT TO THE LETTER. You have to be patient to balance one of these the first time and any adjustment requires re-balancing.

This is a great product for small cameras. I installed my Sony NEX6 on it and it took a while to balance until I realized that the amount of weights they provide you is really not enough. I purchased a bunch of washers to weigh it down and it works like a charm. If you get this, you may want to do the same. You can get these washers at any Lowes or Home Depot. The size that you'll need is 1/4 x 1-1/2. I think I got mine at Lowes. They come 4 to a pack so get two packs. I would have given this item 5 stars BUT it didn't come with enough weights. It does take a while to balance but after a few tries, you'll get the hang of it.Other than that, this iGlide is compact, very smooth, great finish, and enough for travel. If you're looking for something that is compact but holds a DSLR, look at the xCam Sabre. It would cost you a little more BUT its compact, better materials, and comes with weights that are interchangeable.

I was shocked at how light this glidecam is (pleasently). Very easy to set up, especially if you are used to adjusting the bigger glidecams like the HD 1000/2000 and other steadicams. It is definitely designed with the gopro in mind. My only complaint is that the unit i received is a little stiff at the gimbal and could use an oil change. Its not a show stopper but expected better from the glidecam as I do own the GlideCam HD2000 and that one is as smooth as silk.Update: I contacted GLIDECAM to let them know about the problem and they sorted out the issue in the best way. As a result I changed my initial rating from 4 to 5 stars. Excellent customer service

It's a great product, but difficult to get set up. Unlike it's bigger brothers, there are no micro-adjustment screws for fine-tuning. That said, when you get it, it's wonderfully smooth and makes GoPro footage infinitely better. be sure to watch YouTube videos about setting it up. beyond helpful.

This product works okay when you finally get it right. The problem with this device after having the Glidecam HD 2000, you quickly realize the stabilizing top on this is absolute junk. When your fine tuning in the balance you are literally moving it to what feels like micrometers which is really really easy to over shoot. The top could have been much much better.

I used it with a Garmin VIRB. Could not direct it while moving around as it rotated on me

its hard to set so get that quick release plate buzzword thingy it will save you 10 min every time you pick it up also add some extension plastic brackets to make ur wights a few inches out will make heavy double go pro hero system