Pro Am DVC250 (12' Camera Jib) Wobble

[HankCastello]

just bought a dvc250 and i'm not sure if i made the right decision. ive been looking at all these youtube videos and there is all kinds of wobble. what is up. did i make the right move?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150435699575&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_557wt_1166

(From an email.  Please note that we do not answer questions like this via email.  Please post as public message.)

Priced between $350 and $500, depending on options, this is probably the cheapest camera jib out there.  It is adjustable - either 8 feet or 12 feet.  I've been using one (earlier model) for years and have been very happy with it, but I understand its limitations.

This is a lightweight jib (sometimes called a "camera crane", though technically we don't give the "crane" designation unless it also supports an operator.) and is great for stationary shots with a wide overview - of a reception dance floor or other event, etc.

What it does not do well is moving shots.  Why not?  Well, as noted earlier, this is a lightweight jib.  Its arm will flex and "wobble" as the concerned writer of this email has noted. 

So, if you want those "flying camera overhead" shots, this is not your jib.  Expect to spend several times the price for a solidly built jib.

If you want a stationary mount for a camera above the heads of guests and photographers (i.e.: unblockable), with a wide shot you can count on to glue your handheld shots together, then this is an inexpensive way to go.

[versuviusx]

flying camera overhead is def what i want.
is there any way i can modify this jib so that it will be smooth and stop smoothly?
also if not what would be a great recommendation for another pro jib.
have been looking at the kessler pocket jib. it looks nice. there is also the ez jib junior at the same price range. but the pocket jib looks like it can do much more.i dont know what to do.
the whole dvc250 set up with everything is 600 bucks. if i can modify it so that it will be as smooth as the ez jib or the pocket i would like to do that. i could take it to a machine shop or metal fab shop. the problem is that i may need to make the arms stronger which means more weight which means the tripods may not be able to hold it.
david

[HankCastello]

I'm certainly no engineer, and picking up a tool of any kind generally ends up with me going to the emergency room.  (It's been suggested that I add a tray to my table saw, to catch fingers!)

I would ebay the jib you don't like and start shopping from scratch.  If you're really up to welding and stuff, there are dozens of jib plans on the Web for DIY people.  I would try to catch feedback about various models or plans before reaching for my wallet.  If you use this forum's search function for the Pro Am jib, you will see that I've previously talked about the fact that this jib is not for flying camera moves, but basically a static jib.

[HankCastello]

A couple things I could add, but these are probably only helpful temporarily, while you work on resolving the issue more permanently -

1. Only use the 8' arm.  By not using 12', you will effectively eliminate most of the "wobble".
2. Use the smallest camera possible.  In good light, you may even be able to get by with a small consumer camera.

The Pro Am camera jib is a great tool for wedding and event videographers for static camera shots with a wide, overview.  It is lightweight (I have the carry bag and can carry the jib with one hand while I tote tripods with the other); it is very quick to setup and take down (this is crucial at the end of the ceremony when the race is on to get to the reception venue!); and last, but not least - it is inexpensive.  What it is NOT is a flying camera jib.  In fact, it is not good for any camera movement at all.

[versuviusx]

do you have any examples of what kind of vidoes the dvc250 can do?
see i just hate buying equipment that is seriously flawed by design. i do love buying stuff that i can use and use and then use for ever.
i'm really thinking about getting the kessler pocket jib. it also can turn into a cine slider.
would love to see your videos made with the dvc250. eventually i would want my jib to go on a moving dolly. this way you can get more dramatic shots. i think with that combination you can make anything look interesting.
let me know
thanks for your time by the way.

[HankCastello]

I've done an article on the Pro Am jib (probably before it had that particular model designation), and have posted stills and perhaps video that included that camera.  Nothing spectacular - just a static camera on a 12' jib with a wide angle lens.  We offer a current copy of complete wedding video to other videographers for $20 in std widescreen, or $35 for blu-ray.