pan/tilt crane question at DVinfo.net

Vence Vida · February 21st, 2005, 11:22 PM

Hello folks.

I'm going to be purchasing a crane and a motorzied pan/tilt head for my XL2 in the next few days. I am leaning toward the Glidecam Camcrane 200 ($425) and their vista pan and tilt head ($1,800). While searching the internet, I ran across Camera Turret Company http://www.cameraturret.com/. Their PT20 seems to be an exact replica of the Glidecam head for $300 less. It appears they may even both be made by the same manufactuer, only with different brand names on them. Does anyone know if Camera Turret is a reputable company? I've searched this forum for Camera Turret Company and only found one post with no real information.

I checked out Varizoom, but their heads are at least $2000 more for a very similar product. I don't want to make a mistake, but I also don't want to spend money I don't need to.

I am open to any thoughts about what to purchase and why.

Thanks,

Vence Vida

Tim Clark · February 22nd, 2005, 01:39 PM

Vence,

One thing to consider when it comes to a remote head. Any motorized head you get can come with problems. They can be noisy, weather conditions can cause problems, and if you ever mount it to a car the g-forces can affect them because they usually have a very light horsepower motor.

When it comes to a good remote head, one that gives you good range and smooth and silent motion, you might need to spend a bit more.

Also, check out the crane's weight capacity. When you've got a remote head on it, with your camera, and the counterweight, you might just get what you paid for...

Gregory Doi · March 30th, 2005, 06:00 PM

I use the Glidecam crane. its great. no complaints from me.

February 21st, 2005, 11:22 PM	#1
Vence Vida Major Player Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 218	pan/tilt crane question Hello folks. I'm going to be purchasing a crane and a motorzied pan/tilt head for my XL2 in the next few days. I am leaning toward the Glidecam Camcrane 200 ($425) and their vista pan and tilt head ($1,800). While searching the internet, I ran across Camera Turret Company http://www.cameraturret.com/. Their PT20 seems to be an exact replica of the Glidecam head for $300 less. It appears they may even both be made by the same manufactuer, only with different brand names on them. Does anyone know if Camera Turret is a reputable company? I've searched this forum for Camera Turret Company and only found one post with no real information. I checked out Varizoom, but their heads are at least $2000 more for a very similar product. I don't want to make a mistake, but I also don't want to spend money I don't need to. I am open to any thoughts about what to purchase and why. Thanks, Vence Vida __________________ Sony PMW-EX1R, Canon XL H1, XHG1, Panasonic GH2, Mac Pro 3.2 Quad running FCPS 3, FCPX, & Adobe Creative Cloud CC www.creativejuicesvideo.com

February 22nd, 2005, 01:39 PM	#2
Tim Clark MicroDolly Hollywood Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 22	Pan/Tilt Crane question Vence, One thing to consider when it comes to a remote head. Any motorized head you get can come with problems. They can be noisy, weather conditions can cause problems, and if you ever mount it to a car the g-forces can affect them because they usually have a very light horsepower motor. When it comes to a good remote head, one that gives you good range and smooth and silent motion, you might need to spend a bit more. Also, check out the crane's weight capacity. When you've got a remote head on it, with your camera, and the counterweight, you might just get what you paid for... __________________ www.microdolly.com Jibs, Dollies, Camera Mounts

March 30th, 2005, 06:00 PM	#3
Gregory Doi Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Waipahu, Hawaii Posts: 70	I use the Glidecam crane. its great. no complaints from me.