Content area
Full Text
There are times when you need a stable shot but a tripod isn't practical and holding the camera just won't do. Even with the camera's image stabilizer activated, you still have the handheld look. Glidecam has made image stabilization more affordable with the introduction of the Smooth Shooter body-mounted system.
I've used the V8 in the past, and the Smooth Shooter is a vast improvement on a good thing. The Smooth Shooter works in conjunction with the Glidecam 2000 Pro, a handheld stabilizer that supports cameras up to 6 lb. The only camera we have that's heavier is the Canon XL2; that camera worked more comfortably on the larger Glidecam 400 Pro, which is designed to handle slightly heavier cameras (up to 10 lb.).
My review unit arrived in a large box and the contents were wrapped carefully in bubble wrap. The quick setup guide has dear black-and-white photographs that explain the assembly process. Most of my Smooth Shooter was already assembled when I received it; I just had to install the weights on the Glidecam 2000 Pro.
The manual doesn't assume you have used a Glidecam before and clearly identifies each part of the unit When everything was assembled, I didn't look as good with the Smooth Shooter as the blonde spokesmodel in Glidecam's ads, but my shots were smooth.
A BALANCING ACT
Balancing the camera (I used Panasonic's AG-DVC60) is the most critical part of setup and takes the most time to accomplish. My Smooth Shooter didn't come with a monitor (I used the camcorder's flip-out LCD), but Glidecam will supply a color LCD monitor that mounts...