Cranes & Booms & Jibs

Handheld, shaky cam footage can only take you so far in the world of videography. Video stabilizers are a great addition to your video rig for a cleaner, more professional look. While camera cranes, booms, and jibs were once only found in larger video productions, more of today’s independent videographers are taking advantage of portable and affordable accessories to improve the look of their work.

What’s the difference between a camera crane and a jib?

While the terms “crane” and “jib” are sometimes used interchangeably, they aren’t exactly the same thing. A camera crane is generally of a larger scale, with some models acting as a big, moving assembly that will lift both the camera and operator. Large cranes require both a camera operator and a crane operator. If you’ve ever seen behind-the-scenes footage of a movie or TV production with a camera operator lifted for an aerial shot, you’ve seen a camera crane.

A camera jib is similar to a crane because it lets the camera move in many directions smoothly and predictably. However, a jib is generally of a smaller scale and acts as a boom mounted to a tripod. Both cranes and jibs let your camera move smoothly in virtually any direction. They also both use counterweights to ensure the camera is sufficiently balanced and unlikely to tip over.

Payload capacity for safety and success

When searching for the perfect camera crane or jib, it's important to select a model capable of supporting the weight of your intended gear.

Small-scale supports with capacities under 5 lbs are best for lightweight action cameras, while capacities of 6 to 20 lbs are generally sufficient for DSLR and mirrorless cameras with a lens and other accessories. For larger cinema cameras and equipment that lets a human operator move with the camera, you need equipment that’s capable of supporting hundreds of pounds.

Select from trusted camera jib and crane brands

With vital equipment like camera jibs and cranes, it's important to choose reliable models from trusted brands. With industry-established brands like Kessler and VariZoom available here at Adorama, you can feel confident that your gear is secure.

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