Hey Jib/Crane Users!!! at DVinfo.net

Barry Rivadue · May 28th, 2004, 04:38 PM

I know it's a rather pricey and unusual accessory to have on tap (as far as I can tell), but for those who use jibs/cranes of whatever reach, how often do you find use for this accessory, and in what particular way? I have a EZ FX disc showing their equipment in action, and it really gets my imagination going, even if it isn't necessarily something for run and gun situations! What concerns me is the tripod mount, which I can't see swapping with the camera tripod. What reasonably inexpensive but sturdy tripod would be recommended for a junior type jib/crane?

Josh Brusin · May 28th, 2004, 04:46 PM

I'm dying to get a cobra crane (22lb. one)
I'd love it and stare at it and use it all the time!

seriously... add vert and horiz pans to dolly shots!

Barry Rivadue · May 28th, 2004, 05:21 PM

All sorts of interesting models out there--I'm curious which ones have proved reasonably easy to set up, along with their versatility. Realistically, the shorter, lighter ones seem the most practical as an adjunct; supposedly the EZ FX has an additional "handle" that makes it something a single operator can deal with. More times than not I can't depend on others helping me.

Josh Brusin · May 28th, 2004, 05:23 PM

ain't that the truth... I'd think the heavier the more stable the motion... (not too heavy...)

Mike Rehmus · May 28th, 2004, 10:32 PM

<<<-- Originally posted by Josh Brusin : I'm dying to get a cobra crane (22lb. one)
I'd love it and stare at it and use it all the time!

seriously... add vert and horiz pans to dolly shots! -->>>

Unless you have a very light camcorder, you will not like the Cobra Crane. Trust me. It doesn't handle something like a VX-1000 or VX-2000 gracefully. It bobs and weaves and bends and twists.

I recommend you look to one of our sponsors for a better unit.

Marty Atias · May 31st, 2004, 12:03 PM

If you are using a small miniDV camcorder (up to DVX-100A), and are looking for something completely different, check out the Cool Cam at CoolCam.US. It is also available in Europe at Boom-Audio.com

This boom allows you to take it off the tripod and wear it on a harness. This opens up many unique creative options.

There are some demo videos on the web sites.

James Emory · May 31st, 2004, 02:59 PM

That is impressive for it's simplicity. It was very stable with the video demos that I saw especially with the girl in the car overhead shot. The Cool Cam system is similar to the Body Boom but probably much more affordable.

www.bodyboom.net

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...ight=Body+Boom

Mike Rehmus · May 31st, 2004, 07:56 PM

Donno. I can't hold a camera in my hands all that stable. Magnify that by a boom and what can it look like? When used by ordinary folk, how do they stablize it?

Marty Atias · June 1st, 2004, 12:11 AM

You don't hand-hold it. It is a counterbalanced boom with a fulcrum which is supported by the harness, pole, and belt (or by a standard tripod fitted with a 3/8-16 threaded stud).

Although it takes a bit of training to set up, and practice to get really good at it (like anything else), even a first timer can get nice steady shots with fluid movement. You can get it with or without the motorized pan head, and the boom length is continuously variable.

I saw guys try it out at the NAB show and were impressed with how easy it was to operate.

May 28th, 2004, 04:38 PM	#1
Barry Rivadue Major Player Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 508	Hey Jib/Crane Users!!! I know it's a rather pricey and unusual accessory to have on tap (as far as I can tell), but for those who use jibs/cranes of whatever reach, how often do you find use for this accessory, and in what particular way? I have a EZ FX disc showing their equipment in action, and it really gets my imagination going, even if it isn't necessarily something for run and gun situations! What concerns me is the tripod mount, which I can't see swapping with the camera tripod. What reasonably inexpensive but sturdy tripod would be recommended for a junior type jib/crane?

May 28th, 2004, 10:32 PM	#5
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	<<<-- Originally posted by Josh Brusin : I'm dying to get a cobra crane (22lb. one) I'd love it and stare at it and use it all the time! seriously... add vert and horiz pans to dolly shots! -->>> Unless you have a very light camcorder, you will not like the Cobra Crane. Trust me. It doesn't handle something like a VX-1000 or VX-2000 gracefully. It bobs and weaves and bends and twists. I recommend you look to one of our sponsors for a better unit. __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

May 31st, 2004, 02:59 PM	#7
James Emory Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 1,892	Cool Cam That is impressive for it's simplicity. It was very stable with the video demos that I saw especially with the girl in the car overhead shot. The Cool Cam system is similar to the Body Boom but probably much more affordable. www.bodyboom.net http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...ight=Body+Boom

May 31st, 2004, 07:56 PM	#8
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	Donno. I can't hold a camera in my hands all that stable. Magnify that by a boom and what can it look like? When used by ordinary folk, how do they stablize it? __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

May 28th, 2004, 04:46 PM	#2
Josh Brusin Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 439	I'm dying to get a cobra crane (22lb. one) I'd love it and stare at it and use it all the time! seriously... add vert and horiz pans to dolly shots!

May 28th, 2004, 05:21 PM	#3
Barry Rivadue Major Player Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 508	All sorts of interesting models out there--I'm curious which ones have proved reasonably easy to set up, along with their versatility. Realistically, the shorter, lighter ones seem the most practical as an adjunct; supposedly the EZ FX has an additional "handle" that makes it something a single operator can deal with. More times than not I can't depend on others helping me.

May 28th, 2004, 05:23 PM	#4
Josh Brusin Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 439	ain't that the truth... I'd think the heavier the more stable the motion... (not too heavy...)

May 31st, 2004, 12:03 PM	#6
Marty Atias Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Silver Spring, MD Posts: 91	If you are using a small miniDV camcorder (up to DVX-100A), and are looking for something completely different, check out the Cool Cam at CoolCam.US. It is also available in Europe at Boom-Audio.com This boom allows you to take it off the tripod and wear it on a harness. This opens up many unique creative options. There are some demo videos on the web sites.

June 1st, 2004, 12:11 AM	#9
Marty Atias Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Silver Spring, MD Posts: 91	You don't hand-hold it. It is a counterbalanced boom with a fulcrum which is supported by the harness, pole, and belt (or by a standard tripod fitted with a 3/8-16 threaded stud). Although it takes a bit of training to set up, and practice to get really good at it (like anything else), even a first timer can get nice steady shots with fluid movement. You can get it with or without the motorized pan head, and the boom length is continuously variable. I saw guys try it out at the NAB show and were impressed with how easy it was to operate.