How does a DSLR-gimbal work?

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationI know the therm Gimbal, but I don't know which one to buy. Is the cheapest one good enough? Can you use it as a glider, or do I need the expensive one?

I'm really considering selling my Glidecam and get a gimbal instead. But how does a gimbal work?
Why do I need this controller?

What's the difference between these?


cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&i...61994#ht_1392wt_1091

Neguah wrote: …  and get a gimbal instead. But how does a gimbal work?… 

You have seen this video?

vimeo.com/63297368

A gimbal is a 3-axis suspension. The 'new' idea now is, not only to stabilize the cam with a weight or springs, but doing that 'actively' with tiny motors.

So, such gimbals offer TWO functions:
• you can 'fix' the cam to a given position - independently, how the operator holds the gimbal. There's some position-sensor, a simple computer and 3 motors.
• or, tag team match, you have one operator carrying the cam,and another one operating remotely the gimbal/cam. The electronics compensate unwanted movements, via remote you point or move to any wanted position.

So, in theory, such a gimbal can replace a dolly or a crane or a traditional steady-cam.
______________

You really consider to purchase such a device, without knowing its potential?? …  :dry:

Seen it, yes. And as I wrote in my post I know the therm gimbal. I just want to know the difference between the 2 I linked to.

Seems like I don't need the controller, right? Because I just want it to function as a glidecam.

Well, yes. I consider. Haven't decided. That's why I'm asking all the questions and searching the net for answers.
Before I decide to buy I have to know more about it. Pros and cons.
Is it worth it?
Is it easier to operate than a glidecam?
And most of all. Do I really need it?

I love the the gliding footages. It's just amazing.

Neguah wrote: … Seems like I don't need the controller, right? Because I just want it to function as a glidecam. … .

A glidecam, as far as my imagination goes, does MORE than a single, straight movement, imagine running behind a skate-boarder - lots of turns, pans, ups'n downs… a 'fix to one point'-device would be of no use!

The full potential of a muvi (brand name) is ONLY with a remote, or at last, as some other devices offer, sort of 'thumb joystick' for the carrier, to allow camera-movements.

Just imagine the typical slider action: camera moving horizontally a meter, plus a very soft pan - with a gimbal, you do need a controller, otherwise no pan.

Neguah wrote: …  And most of all. Do I really need it? … 

Aside the fact it's an amazing piece of technology with a super-high score of
"Shut up and grab my money!"-factor , who else than you could know?

I'm pretty sure, in the two-men-company production area (sports, nature, documentary) , a muvi will replace dollies'n tracks - just run'n point, no tracks, no mess. Same with jibs: a 7'-foot-Chewbaka-like assistant replaces any jib or tiny crane!

Look the Burton-Session:
vimeo.com/68897397
a ladder and two manned movement, a flight thru a window, Ballhaus-circle in a tiny office-cube, … easy! AND with a controller, for sure!