Jib/Crane

N

Neild

Active member
Hi Guys, Has anyone one used the Glidecam Camcrane 200? Any feedback would be much appreciated. Also, if there is any other similar products that anyone could recommend. Are these types of equipment difficult to operate.? Long learning curve? Do you need a monitor to get any type of effective shot? Thanks,
Neil
 
I would also look at the kessler crane, I've got the 12 footer, and LOVE it!!!

Oh, just a tip, get the hercules 2.0 head too, I'm ordering it next week. opens plenty new options. It can carry a helluva lot of weight, and you can also then tilt your camera on the crane from operating the crane at the back.

- Derrick
 
I have a Microdolly jib and I love it... I use it solo and I don't need a monitor, but I'm not shooting fictional films (I shoot nature). You might prefer a monitor, depending on how high you shoot and if you're following action or not. Using my EX1 lcd is fine for me. I have arm extensions too, I think it goes up to 12'. I don't have any experience to share with the Glidecam jib, never used it or seen it in action. The Microdolly jib is awesome and you can use the lightweight 'cage' for counterbalancing in the field by putting objects (rocks, filled water jugs, etc.) which makes it very convenient. It's not cheap though.
 
At the time (last year, I think they have some sales now with the economy the way it is), I think the basic Microdolly jib was about $3 grand, the accessory kit was another $1,500, but then I also splurged and got their tripod, mounting kit, extention arms, other accessories, dolly and track, etc. I don't have the final price tag but I'm sure it was over $15 grand, I invested in them, man, ha! But that said, I'm glad I did, their stuff is as good as it gets, it's all so precisely engineered and so smooth and portable and lightweight. I do backcountry stuff so I needed the small/light/quality stuff. I have no regrets with my investment so far (just like my EX1). I had a pretty good budget for this stuff.

If you have a tighter budget, and you'll be shooting in places like a studio or in city locations, you probably wouldn't need the portability and lightweight to be such big deciding factors to justify the cost. But if it's in your budget, I'm a big Microdolly fan now. Stuff like this hurts only once (unless you're making loan payments, then I guess it hurts every month, ha!).
 
I had a Cranecam 200 a ways back and it was alright for small setups but as my rig got bigger I went to an EZFX JIb. It is not as portable as the microdolly, but is very well made and works well with minimal setup time.

The Cranecam is very basic and pretty light weight as far as construction is concerned, but if you don't have a lot of money and you have a small camera, it's okay.

I often scratch my head when people immediately recommend something more expensive without asking what a person's budget is. . . having said that I will say that I have found the EZFX jib to be a major part of my set up . . . having a jib can at times be like shifting dimensions. There are so many things that you can do from subtle, slow push-ins to composite camera moves that track sweeping movements.

My point is that whatever your budget, even if you have to wait a little while and save up, get the appropriate crane for your needs because chances are you will use it often.
 
Thanks for all the info. I have an Ex1 and definitely want the professional shots that a crane can provide but $15,000.00 is way over budget. I can only spare around $1500.00 so looks like I'll have to wait it out a bit. Thanks again everyone.
 
Neild, just to make sure I clarify, the Microdolly jib itself isn't anywhere near $15 grand, that included a whole array of their products, including dolly and track and car mounts and lots of accessories and the tripod, along with the jib. I think just the basic jib is $2,995 (it may be on sale too, I'm on their email list). It's still expensive and sounds over your budget at this time, but I didn't want to give the impression that the jib is $15,000.
 
I hear you Buck. Thanks for the info. I just went down to our video specialty store here in Toronto (Vistek) and they had a Comely Productions DVC2 DV Crane II. Looked great, really inexpensive but apparently solidly built. Anyone hear anything about it?
 
The comely productions DVCrane 2.2 looks really attractive at about 700 bucks add to it a bogen 028 ($300) a bescor motorized head ($200 with controller and ext cables) and a 7" monitor kit from cobracrane ($250) and you have a fully featured rig for up to 10lbs for about $1450. Sounds like a plan, I think I'll pull the trigger on that as soon as my tax refund comes in. Hell while I'm at it I might as well pick up a steadicam merlin with the vest ($2350) as well and go all the way. Now to build a cheap rail system for under $200 and I'll be right on budget to add 3 good support pieces for under 4 grand.
 
Neild said:
Hi Guys, Has anyone one used the Glidecam Camcrane 200? Any feedback would be much appreciated. Also, if there is any other similar products that anyone could recommend. Are these types of equipment difficult to operate.? Long learning curve? Do you need a monitor to get any type of effective shot? Thanks,
Neil
Click to expand...

A jib is one of the best pieces of equipment, and very easy to use. There are many types at prices from a few hundred bucks to thousands, but they all perform the same basic function. Raise, lower and pan the camera while maintaining a constant level horizon. I would recommend getting a used one first from someone upgrading. They never wear out. (unless dropped off a tall building) Then when you know exactly what you want for an investment you can sell the first one and get all your money back. Here is one I saw on Ebay sold for $129. Good luck, to a camera operator, a jib may be a better friend than a dog.

http://cgi.ebay.com/GPX-8-8-Ft-Came...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item335976b28e
http://cgi.ebay.com/Pro-Am-ProAm-DV...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item518fe4b44d
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top