Camera Crane for Music Video

M

mikecost

Active member
So Im going to be filming a music video in a few weeks and I've got a few shots were i'd like to use a crane. My question is, should i rent one or just buy one. I was looking at a few of the cobra cranes, anyone have experience with them? My budget to buy would be around $400. I wouldnt want to spend more than half that for a day rental though. Would a rental come with a tripod? I dont have a very good tripod to mount one to yet. I live in the Dallas area. Any thoughts?
 
I did a bit of searching when I first saw this post, but didn't come up with much. The rentals seem to go for more than you're willing to spend, and that's without a tripod...

Personally haven't used the cobracrane, but I do know the Kessler Crane seems to be used a lot around the forums. Bit over your budget, though...

Don't know what to tell you man... you need more money.

-brown

If you're in the DFW metroplex and end up going for the Kessler, let me know... I'd love to come see how it does on the field and give it a test run ;)
 
Yeah I tried to search for some info on this but didnt really find anything. Brown do you know anything about the ProAm cranes? I see the DVC200 and the 250 on ebay alot. They look a bit lighter than other cranes ive seen pictures of. For around $400 they sell the 8' crane and stand. Anyone have any thoughts?
 
Looked around a bit (again), and I've found one review of the ProAm. It was a good review, but sounded like he didn't know a whole lot about cranes/jibs.

On another note, there is this thread I found

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=53480



When I buy gear, I go for quality over price. If it were me, I'd hang onto the $400 and save for the Kessler.

In the meantime, if it were me, I'd attempt a "do it yourself" crane to see what I could come up with. If it didn't work, I'd try my best to simulate a crane shot, and if that didn't work, I'd cut the shot all together.

Check this out, and even if you don't have welding skills, get creative and see what you can come up with.

http://www.jorenclark.com/whitepapers/jibarm.html

Also, if it's just a couple shots for a music video, you should be able to figure something out (stick your camera on a 2x4 and balance that on a stand, etc. May look ghetto, but it may also get a great shot)

-brown
 
I think you're leaving out an important factor - the operator. With due respect, you don't just rent a jib or a Steadicam and operate it. Although a jib is less intensive from the learning curve standpoint, you'll be much less efficient than an experienced operator.

I've worked with great DPs and operators who can't move the jib to save their lives. Give them some time, and like anything else, the chops will come. Anyway, I'd look into putting the money into an experienced operator with their own package.

It's worth considering.

Just noticed you're in Dallas. When is your shoot? I'm in Richardson about once a month for TLC with the EZFX and remote head. Next package isn't until July methinks.

e
 
Thanks for the responses guys. Seems like it'd be more sensible to hold out until I get some more cash to pay for better quality gear. I agree, I would deffinatly need to practice jib maneuvers.I dont think I could afford to do that by renting one.
Unfortunately its not in my budget to hire anyone just yet either. This is one of those films for me to just get out and practice and put in a demo reel kinda thing. I dont have a set date yet because I need to secure a few locations and check out a couple more places before everything will be good to go. I was looking to shoot sometime in the last 2 weekends of May though.
 
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