frank liu

I already have a Steadicam, but I was wondering if the Glidecam Gold is worth the price tag. Seems expensive like a Steadicam heavy duty rig...

Is it ok to just hang a sandbag at the end of the arm near just short of the arm post and then have the sled to the side instead of a weight plate? Would that work for short-term purposes and still be able to use the sled like as if it met the requirements of weight for the arm?

I just pm'd you but here are a couple of thoughts:

 

If you are using a DSLR like the Canon 5D/7D/60D, just use the composite video output of the camera. No advantage to using HDMI out of the camera to an SD (standard def composite) monitor.

 

Even if you did want to use the HDMI out, the Decimator2 is the wrong box for the job. It won't do what you're asking. Input is HD-SDI and outputs are HDMI and composite downconverted SD. No HDMI input.

 

I'm not sure what is available to convert HDMI to composite, but if AJA or Blackmagic make boxes, they are finicky on their voltage inputs, so a simple cable will not work. AJA wants 5V regulated and BM generally wants 12V regulated. Switronix makes a cable suitable for AJA, I believe. DOn't know what is available for BM.

Thanks again Mark. You did correct me on thinking that it takes HDMI to an SDI out. I now know it doesn't. Thanks for the info.

Nevermind, got a great response from Mark. Guess it costs like maybe 50-80 for a custom cable to power it.

How do you get a custom cable or if there is any out there online to power it and how much do you think one would cost? I got the SD monitor so I want to be able to use an HDMI signal...

Thanks.