Camcrane 200 tripod... at DVinfo.net

Clifford Wildman · July 5th, 2004, 07:56 PM

Anyone out there have the Camcrane 200? I'm thinking about getting one but would like to know what kind of tripod I'll be needing. Usually I'd shoot with a DVX100A but I'd like the camcrane to hold up to 50 lbs or so.

One thing that could use clarification for me is this: If I know that the Camcrane is 19lbs and the camera is about 6lbs, and my counterweight would need to be around 25 lbs or so would I need to get a tripod rated for 50lbs, or does the fact that the tripod is the fulcrum point reduce the weight load the tripod has to take?

Now that I have thoroughly shown my lack of understanding fundamental physics, I could really use the feedback... and any new feedback on the Camcrane in use.

Thanks!
Cliff
Austin, TX

Mark Jervis · July 5th, 2004, 08:49 PM

You'll want the heaviest tripod you can get. Especially if you plan to take the tripod up off it's lowest setting. I own the camcrane 200 and use a tripod rated at 44 lbs. I haven't had any trouble running at low but if I take it up to the next level I have to use stoppers I bought at a local supply store. My rig is a little different than yours though. I typically run large dv, betasp, digibeta cameras on the camcrane so you have about 17 lbs for camera, about 60-75 lbs, counterbalance plus the weight of the camcrane itself and your talking upwards of 100-120 lbs. So you can go with what I have (the little it is) and decide what is best.

Clifford Wildman · July 6th, 2004, 07:31 AM

Thanks Mark. That helps a lot.

Any comments on using the camcrane? I've seen no negative reviews, barring the pan tilt issue.

Overall, seems like the best low cost crane out there for what I need.

Mark Jervis · July 6th, 2004, 07:55 AM

I've been very happy with my purchase and have used it on several national programs. The pan tilt is a small problem but can be solved with a little more money.

Clifford Wildman · July 6th, 2004, 03:06 PM

Mark,

Thanks again... What tripod model do you use? Do you think from your experience that a tripod rated at 40lbs would work?

Still waiting to hear back from glidecam. I'm surprised as there are many comments about the great customer service they provide. I guess it hasn't been a full day yet, but its a pretty simple question.

Also suprised they dont have some tripod suggestions on the site... guess maybe it would scare people away when the price goes from 429 for the camcrane to 700-1000 with a tripod that will work.

July 5th, 2004, 07:56 PM	#1
Clifford Wildman Tourist Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3	Camcrane 200 tripod... Anyone out there have the Camcrane 200? I'm thinking about getting one but would like to know what kind of tripod I'll be needing. Usually I'd shoot with a DVX100A but I'd like the camcrane to hold up to 50 lbs or so. One thing that could use clarification for me is this: If I know that the Camcrane is 19lbs and the camera is about 6lbs, and my counterweight would need to be around 25 lbs or so would I need to get a tripod rated for 50lbs, or does the fact that the tripod is the fulcrum point reduce the weight load the tripod has to take? Now that I have thoroughly shown my lack of understanding fundamental physics, I could really use the feedback... and any new feedback on the Camcrane in use. Thanks! Cliff Austin, TX __________________ "I bent my wookie..."

July 6th, 2004, 07:31 AM	#3
Clifford Wildman Tourist Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3	Thanks Mark. That helps a lot. Any comments on using the camcrane? I've seen no negative reviews, barring the pan tilt issue. Overall, seems like the best low cost crane out there for what I need. __________________ "I bent my wookie..."

July 6th, 2004, 03:06 PM	#5
Clifford Wildman Tourist Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3	Mark, Thanks again... What tripod model do you use? Do you think from your experience that a tripod rated at 40lbs would work? Still waiting to hear back from glidecam. I'm surprised as there are many comments about the great customer service they provide. I guess it hasn't been a full day yet, but its a pretty simple question. Also suprised they dont have some tripod suggestions on the site... guess maybe it would scare people away when the price goes from 429 for the camcrane to 700-1000 with a tripod that will work. __________________ "I bent my wookie..."

July 5th, 2004, 08:49 PM	#2
Mark Jervis Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Savannah, GA Posts: 66	You'll want the heaviest tripod you can get. Especially if you plan to take the tripod up off it's lowest setting. I own the camcrane 200 and use a tripod rated at 44 lbs. I haven't had any trouble running at low but if I take it up to the next level I have to use stoppers I bought at a local supply store. My rig is a little different than yours though. I typically run large dv, betasp, digibeta cameras on the camcrane so you have about 17 lbs for camera, about 60-75 lbs, counterbalance plus the weight of the camcrane itself and your talking upwards of 100-120 lbs. So you can go with what I have (the little it is) and decide what is best.

July 6th, 2004, 07:55 AM	#4
Mark Jervis Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Savannah, GA Posts: 66	I've been very happy with my purchase and have used it on several national programs. The pan tilt is a small problem but can be solved with a little more money.