Does the camera stay level as it booms up and down?

Yes. It uses a metal pushrod parallelogram system which will keep it level as it booms up and down.

How does it tilt the camera?

The Mega Crane mounts on your tripods head, (there is no need to remove the head) and when you tilt the head, the unique metal pushrod system can tilt the camera up to 170 degrees (relative to the guidebars), by simply tilting the tripods head using the tripod handle. Standing behind the tripod you would put your right hand on the back of the unit, for booming & panning, and your left hand on the tripod handle for tilting. This lets you swoop the camera from a low shot to a high shot smoothly and efficiently. You can also keep your eye on a monitor placed on the tripod. You can tilt the camera while the boom arm is either still, or in motion. This is a unique feature of the Mega Crane, other's low cost HEAVY DUTY cranes on the market will not tilt from the rear like this.

Does it pan?

Yes it can boom pan 360 degrees continuously. The Mega Crane can do all three moves simultaneously if need be- boom, tilt, and pan. It can also be set up to do dutch angles without buying any optional dutch angle accessories.

How long is the guarantee?

3 years parts and labor!.

How do I see what the camera is shooting with the eyepiece so far away?

Professional work requires proper monitoring of the image. This is accomplished by running a video wire from the video out jack on the camera, down the Crane arm to a small portable monitor on or near the tripod. A "HEADSET MONITOR" is also a very effective and professional way to monitor the framing of your image.

How high will it go?

The camera can go up to 9 feet high. 30 pounds is the maximum camera weight.

How long does it take to set up?

Since it mounts directly to your tripods head, it is very fast. 15 -20 minutes is an average "first time" set up time. After a couple of set-ups, you can do it as fast as 5 minutes.

What kind of tripod should I use?

Any sturdy tripod with a raisable center column will work. (metal, not plastic) The best one we like is a Bogen 3246 leg set with the Bogen 3063 or 3066 head. (We sell the Bogens at heavily discounted prices if you need one).

How much weight do I need to counterbalance my camera?

About 2 to 3 times the weight of your camera. And it will work with small or large cameras, or camcorders.

What kind of weights does it use?

Common barbell discs found at any sporting goods store. You need approximately 2 to 3 times the weight of your camera in weight discs. We sell them if you need them.

Can I put a tripod head out on the end of the Mega Crane?

Yes, you can front operate it with a tripod head under the camera.

What cameras work with the Mega Crane?

Virtually any video or film camera under 25 pounds. The Canon XL-1, Optura, ES-2500, ES-4000, ES-5000, Es-6000, UCS-1, 2, 3, 5, Sony VX-1000, VX-2000, TRV-7, TRV-9, TRV-10, TRV-900, PD-100, GL-1, PC-7, PC-10, JVC cybercams, TR101's, V-101's, 701's, 801's, VX3, All Hi-8s, all VHS-c, all mini DV, late model super VHS, newer Betacams, DV CAM, DVC PRO, DIGITAL Beta, Digital 8's and many, many more. Call if you are concerned about your camera model.

How long does it take to learn to use it?

15 minutes of working it is all the practice you need.

How do I focus and zoom the camera?

Its best to prefocus the shot before shooting. If you trust your auto focus it can be used when necessary. If your camera came with a wireless remote, most of these have a zoom/pause feature that works pretty well. We have an optional remote control that plugs into the LANC jack on your Sony or Canon camcorders. It will zoom, pause, manually focus, and power on and off the camera from up to 19 feet away (wire is 19 feet long). It also has a LCD numerical readout that indicates record time, low battery, end of tape, and many other features (you can also axcess a hidden menu that shows total hours on the vx-1000 model). Please call for price and availability. For Professional 3 chips lens' they are all remote capable. We sell a unique variable speed remote that work with Canon or Fujinon for $349.95. Feature filmmakers rarely zoom the camera. They prefocus the shot, leave it at a very wide setting, and dolly the crane toward the subject. This is a simple, effective, and relatively goof proof method.

What is the diference between the MegaCRANE and the Cobra Crane2?

They both have approximately the same 9 foot camera height. They both hold the same weight cameras, the main difference is that the Cobra Cranes have a cable and pulley leveling system, where the MegaCRANE uses metal pushrods as the leveling system. They both have the ability to tilt at any time from the rear. The MegaCRANE is the base we build the MegaCRANE Xtreme on. If you want to get your (up to 5 pound) camera up to 17 feet high, (with a 22 foot range, it can even go below ground level) call us and you can get some one of a kind shots.