Crane System Vs Crane System Which To Get

R

Robertofish

Active member
I am looking into getting a good crane system for under a thousand, I have a small hd camera that weighs no more then a pound, here are the two options I looked at if there are any better ones please tell me so I can look at them to

1.http://www.bargain-camera.com/store/Turn-key-ProAm-R-DVC250-Camera-Crane-Production-Package.html
This is a 12 foot crane for 700 that has an hd screen and adapters and everything needed

2. http://www.ebay.com/itm/12-ft-Video...671?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item45ff04afdf
This crane is off of ebay but still has good seller reviews and has a money back 30 day guarantee

They both are 12 foot look good the only difference is that one has a 4 foot dolly track which I like and the other has a much better screen

Also my camera only has an hdmi port I just want to make sure that I can still connect it to either of these with an adapter because these look like they are rca connectors.

Thanks
 
There are lots of crane threads, so search is your friend. Remember that you will need a hd tripod for even a light weight crane. The bargain item #1 seems too good to be true. You might want to save up some money and look at Kessler. They now have an econo model.

Grant
 
I own a Kessler too. Costs some more, but boy is it worth it! It's built like a tank, easy to set up and great to work with!
 
One of the problems to look for with single arm jib/cranes is side to side wobble especially on closeup and or telephoto shots. It takes a lot of practice to reduce this undesired effect. Better to go with a double arm system.
 
I do want a crane/jib system I would find it very useful, how much shake are we talking about because I can stabilize in FCP.
 
Well, I use a Glideshot 4' which is an inexpensive single arm jib . I shot some stuff last week for fun and used a few jib shots. Look at the opening shot which was fairly close and you be the judge if it is acceptable or not (best viewed in IE9). I tried to take some of the side to side wobble out using a stabilization filter in Edius but the resolution took too much of a hit so I left it untouched. Wider shots are not a problem for the Glideshot. Choice of equipment can be a compromise. The Kessler double arm KC-5.5, which I think would give excellent results, is about 4 x the cost and weighs twice as much.

 
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Robertofish said:
Also my camera only has an hdmi port I just want to make sure that I can still connect it to either of these with an adapter because these look like they are rca connectors.
Click to expand...

It takes more than a simple adapter to convert HD digital (HDMI) to SD analog (RCA). It can be done, but the converter to do it would probably wind up being bigger than your camera... :)
 
Keep in mind that you must also remote control the cam. You will want stop-start and zoom as a minimum. Iris and focus control are pretty essential as well, otherwise you are depending on auto controls. Palmcorders may or may not have the ports to do this.

Your monitor has a composite input and is likely STD Def. It may not have the right aspect ratio ability, so check that since it could effect your framing. If it is SD, you won't be able to focus well on a HD cam.

Grant
 
With a 4 foot jib I don't know if all those accessories are necessary. I set focus before hand thru the viewfinder, use the LCD for framing the shot, practice the camera move a few times and then use my camera's remote control to start/stop. On a longer jib I think all those accessories that Grant mentioned would come in pretty handy.
 
Kessler Crane gets my vote. I have used them in the past on Manfrotto sticks and they are superb.
 
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