Balancing the NEX-FS100 on the Glidecam HD-2000

NEX-FS100 on a balanced Glidecam HD-2000

I've received a lot of questions about the Glidecam setup I use for my camera. That's why I'm posting them here, so you can give it a try too!

Another question I often receive, is why I chose the Glidecam HD-2000 and not the HD-4000 or HD-1000. Well, the Glidecam HD-1000 can't handle camera's weighting more then 1.3 kg (3 lbs), which is not enough to carry the lightest NEX-FS100 setup. The Glidecam HD-4000 can take camera's up to 4.5 kg (10 lbs), but is heavier and bigger then the HD-2000. The latter can handle cameras up to 2.6 kg (6 lbs) which is more then enough weight to carry for a handheld stabilizer. Because you're not only carry the weight of the camera, but also the stabilizer and counterweights. That's why I went for the Glidecam HD-2000, so it would still be manageable as a handheld stabilizer.

I used these setting for the videos you'll see below, which are part of my Glidecam HD-2000 review

Camera configuration for the Glidecam HD-2000. Total camera weight is 2.1 kg (4.6 lbs)

Camera: NEX-FS100
Lens: E-mount 16mm f2.8 pancake
Lens Attachments: VCL-ECU1 ultra wide converter
Battery: NP-F770
Please note: top handle and microphone are attached to the FS100, but the side grip is removed.

Glidecam HD-2000 settings.

Base platform: wings almost completely extended
Telescoping post: extended for 19,1 cm (7.5 inch)
Counter weight plates: 2 weight plates on each side
Accessory: Manfrotto MN-357 universal sliding plate attached with a single screw.

Here are some detailed (reference) pictures of my Glidecam setup for the FS100.

Quick release plate

Location of the Manfrotto MN-357 on the Glidecam quick release plate.

Underside of the quick release plate

Camera mounting platform

Position of camera and MN-357 sliding plate on the camera mounting platform

Telescoping post

The telescoping post is extended for 19,1 cm (7.5 inch)

Close up from the clamp and the extended telescoping post

Base platform

The wings are almost completely extended on the base platform

Only two counter weight plates are used on both side of the base platform

Good luck with balancing your NEX-FS100 on the Glidecam HD-2000 and happy flying!