Hi Nik and Ginuz
I have been around Steadicam for as long as i can remember. Recently (Jan 2004) was working at the Melbourne Steadicam Workshop for the second time (as Instructors assistant) and a former student brought his Glidecam Gold system to the workshop and i must say i was suprised by how good the system actually was. The other rigs at the workshop were a Pro 2 and a couple of Master Series rigs.
But like everything it depends on what you are doing. Remember if you are using an XL1 or a lighter camera, you can always add weight to the sled to get a balance and give it a weight so the arm likes it. (On a job yesterday with a Pro 2 sled and Sony PD150, added 5kg's of weight below the camera to get the sled to the 13pound minimum of the Steadyrig upgraded arm)
My main point, which i believe would be echoed by alot of people on this forum would be to do your research. Contact various manufacturers near to you and around the world, have a look at the systems and then make your decision. Look through the forum archives, find some local operators and pick their brain (if they dont mind of course).
But i cant strongly enough recomend doing a Steadicam workshop. For the reletivley small cost (in long run) of attending, for the week you will be bombarded with information which is all useful in making your decision. And after which you may even decide that Steadicam is not for you.
Best of luck with it all
James Puli
Melbourne Australia
