getting a smooth manual pan

E

enrico

Well-known member
Using a straight ahead Manfrotto 501 tripod with Dvx100B, is there any way to ensure a smooth consistent long pan without the shaky bits? Are there any accessories for the tripod to help even the ride...any ideas here? Anyone?

Thanks
 
A better tripod head is all you can do.

That and a lot of practice. I have the same setup and with time I have gotten pretty good with it but there is some shake I just cannot get rid of at the long end of the zoom.
 
I have had the same problem. I just try not to do a complete full zoom pan. But when I have to. I make sure i have a firm grip on the tripod and move my body with it a little bit to keep some momentum behind it.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm not surprised. I've also heard an automated pan can perhaps be too evenly perfect. This is for nature, panoramic, and following river stuff. Your feedback, experiences help to finer appreciate the art of film. Any further tips toward making the finest manual pan are noted and appreciated!

enrico
 
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The best thing that i have found is to put your hands on the tripod just below the point where it connects to the head and use only your thumbs to move the head, that takes all of the shake out. I shoot sports for a TV station and I have to do that to get a good, even pan across the sidelines when I'm in tight. If this technique works for a nearly 30lbs. XDCam then you should be fine.
 
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