Davis & Sanford Steady Stick Compact: First impressions, need feedback...

[Micky Hulse]

I just got my B&H Steady Stick in the mail:

Davis & Sanford Steady Stick Compact for Camcorders with 1/4"-20 Tripod Connection

Overall, I think it is going to be fun to shoot with, but I am having a few issues:

1. The documentation sucks

I really need a close-up shot of how the Steady Stick connects to my camera. All the shots in the little brochure that comes with the packaging are useless.

2. The "quick release" mechanism seems loose.

When everything is tightened, the quick release mechanism has some looseness... Seems like the camera would shift around when shooting (I would expect everything to be tight).

Is there supposed to be a little bit of "looseness"?

Lastly, I kinda feel like B&H sent me a used, or returned, item. The Steady Stick box had a big gouge in it, and the packaging "innards" were a joke.

My main concern is the "looseness". Do you think I should return it?

Also, is the Davis & Sanford one on B&H the same as this Tiffen one on dvcreators.net?

Thanks!
Micky