difference between a steadicam/glidecam and a dolly

[Ryan Williams]

Is there any difference between a dolly and a steadicam or glidecam?  I was just curious cause i dont want to be making a dolly and a steadicam when they both give the same effect. Someone get back to me on this.

[Phil Kindred]

A dolly is intended for the most part to be used on a smooth  level surface.  They can ride on tracks or on the floor.  Their movements are limited to forward, backward, or in some cases  sideways.  A good solid piece of equipment that has been in use since the movies began.  A Steadicam was originally intended as a "stunt" camera--running, etc.  It evolved into a tool for following action on virtually any terrain, up stairs, down stairs, etc.  A truly good operator can come very close to the slow dolly movement.  They each have their uses.  Building both just gives you one more arrow in your quiver.

[Joe Sanders]

A simple dolly that will execute smooth moves is easier to construct and requires much less skill to operate.

A stabilizer rig has much more dexterity and diversity.

I would probably start with a simple dolly.  Some people use an old wheel chair with some pretty spectacular results.