Any CMR Blackbird Stabilizer owners here?

[jamesxgz]

If anyone's interested we could meet up to share pointers and experiences using the stabilizer.

Thanks!

 

[XsenseX]

I used it for awhile. Didn't like it. Wasn't as versatile as glidecam. Isn't as light as Merlin.

In the middle of nowhere.

Good thing is that its easy to balance and easy to get good footage.

 

[jamesxgz]

Wasn't as versatile as glidecam. Isn't as light as Merlin.

Hi XsenseX, could you elaborate on what the GlideCam is able to achieve while the BlackBird can't?
I'm very new to stabilizers; I'm not even sure I tuned mine correctly. My current setup "feels" top-heavy, almost no drag inertia (so I presume they're balanced). Drop time is around 2.5 seconds.
I can run with it, but it is also very sensitive to micro adjustments and the wind when I'm outdoors, which I feel tuning is not optimal.

Hope to learn more from the veterans here.
Thanks!

 

[XsenseX]

Hi XsenseX, could you elaborate on what the GlideCam is able to achieve while the BlackBird can't?
I'm very new to stabilizers; I'm not even sure I tuned mine correctly. My current setup "feels" top-heavy, almost no drag inertia (so I presume they're balanced). Drop time is around 2.5 seconds.
I can run with it, but it is also very sensitive to micro adjustments and the wind when I'm outdoors, which I feel tuning is not optimal.

Hope to learn more from the veterans here.
Thanks!

Most important to least impt:

1. Not as stable as glidecam in the wind. Blackbird sways alot during windy situations.
2. Difficult to do tilting movement (up and down) due to the rounded portion. Glidecam is very straight forward.
3. Cannot turn upside down for uber-low shots ...
4. Doesn't work as well for heavy setups like 5D3 + 24/70. On Glidecam, its gets more solid as its gets heavier but your arms have to be able to handle.
5. Glidecam built quality is tougher ... Less prone to things being broken. My old BB's lever was smashed just by placing it in a bag somehow.
6. Annoying issue that the BB must be laid on the floor as it cannot stand up like a Glidecam but this is a personal thingy. (Take up more floor space)

 

[RyanKhoo]

Hi XsenseX,

Can i ask whether the Glidecam HD2000 is very heavy ?

How long can you hold it (with camera on it of course) before your arms start vibrating ?

Thanks