Review: Glidecam XR-2000 Series Handheld Camera Stabilizer

Overview : The Glidecam XR-2000 Handheld Camera Stabilizer represents an affordable way to put your compact camcorder on a floating platform, enabling you to capture the types of professional handheld shots that add dynamic flair to any video production. Smooth camera movement that ranges freely in every dimension is not something you can achieve via dollies or shoulder-mount rigs. For truly unfettered, floating camera moves, you need a gimbal-based camera stabilizer.

The XR-2000 is a complete handheld system, with a dynamic camera platform that will allow you to mount & achieve proper balance for your small to medium camcorder (2-6 lb), a telescoping central post that allows you to adjust the height of the unit, and a balance platform that supports any combination of the included large and small counterbalance weights. At the center of everything, however, is the three-axis gimbal that lets the camera handle move freely while the rest of the stabilizer stays upright, thereby eliminating the shake that plagues most handheld camerawork.

The design of the Glidecam XR-2000 is tool-free, so you'll be able to set up and achieve balance easily & quickly every time. With practice you'll be steering your camera through three dimensions naturally and smoothly without a second thought, as if the camera platform were a cloud floating through calm skies.

For long periods of operation with the XR-2000, you will no doubt benefit from the addition of an optional support accessory (sold separately), such as a Body-Pod, a Forearm Brace, or an X10 or Smooth Shooter arm/vest support.

Features :

• Dynamic Camera Balance Platform (Camera Mounting Platform)
• Adjustable convergence, precision, three-axis Gimbal
• No-tools Telescoping Center Post
• Adjustable, inertial-control Base Platform
• Foam padded Handle Grip
• Precision Bearings at all vital points
• Made with precision Aluminum
• Anodized Studio Black
• Laser etched Labeling
• Allows unrestricted Booming and 360 degree Panning
• Rubber feet under Base Platform
• Made in USA

Glidecam XR-2000 Specifications :

• Designed for compact, low profile cameras weighing from 2 to 6 pounds
• Camera Mounting Head Dimensions: 6.00" x 4.187" x .75"
• Base Platform Dimensions: 10.00" x 4.00"
• Central Support Post: 1" diameter
• 15" tall in shortest mode
• 22" tall in longest mode
• Weight: 2.1 pounds without Counter Weight Discs
• Each large Counter Weight Disc averages 2.75 ounces
• Each small Counter Weight Disc averages 1 ounce
• The Glidecam XR-2000 includes 12 large and 4 small Counter Weight Discs
• 12 large Counter Weight Discs = 2.07 pounds
• 4 small Counter Weight Discs = .25 pounds
• Camera Mounting Plate has 1/4" mounting holes
• Base Platform has 1/4" mounting hole for optional LCD Monitor attachment
• Made in USA

How to Setup and in Action Video of Glidecam XR-2000

We posted an unboxing video of the Glidecam XR-2000 not too long ago and now we have two new videos for you. The first video will show you how to setup the Glidecam XR-2000 Series. Unfortunately, it doesn't tell you how to balance and configure it.

For a video on how to set up the Glidecam, check out the video on Philip Bloom's website and check out these videos from NAB 2011 - Video 1 of 3, Video 2 of 3, Video 3 of 3.

The second video shows you the Glidecam XR-2000 in action after it's been set up and balanced. NOTE: I am not a "professional" and have not mastered it yet but with a little more practice, I would have no problem using it.

We'll have a full review of the Glidecam XR-2000 shortly. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to be notified when the review has been posted.

Unboxing Video: Glidecam XR-2000 Series Handheld Camera Video Stabilizer

Today, we received our Glidecam XR-2000 camera stabilization from Glidecam. We made an unboxing video to give you a first hand look and what is included. The Glidecam product line is great for those who are interested in doing videography. Be sure to check back as we'll have a full review on how to set it up and how well it works once we spend time with it.

You can purchase the XR-1000 ($269), XR-2000 ($359) and XR-4000 ($479) from B&H Photo. The XR-1000 is designed for compact, low profile cameras weighing up to 3 pounds. XR-2000 is designed for compact, low profile cameras weighing from 2 to 6 pounds. And XR-4000 is designed for compact and full size cameras weighing from 4 to 10 pounds.

Glidecam Camera Stabilizer XR-Series Now Available

Pictured above is the Glidecam XR-1000, XR-2000 and XR-4000.

With DSLR's now including HD video function, more and more photographers and videographers rely on DSLR's for video. But who likes to watch a shaky camera footage? There are camera stabilizers such as the Steadicam Merlin but who can afford $800 for a setup? Glidecam has released their own that will transform your shaky camera footage to smooth and steady footage.