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  1. Member
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    Feb 2008
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    Canada
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    I'm learning to use slider but most Youtube review video were focusd on DSLRs. My camcorder is 5 lb, I put in on a 24" Kamerar slider but the result was not satisfied. It's either too difficult to slide my camcorder or couldn't tell the footage difference with or without slider. I was not using long focal length while taking video, does it matter ?
    Anyway, please suggest a slider that works for my 5 lb camcorder.
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  2. Member Cornucopia's Avatar
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    Oct 2001
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    In what way was the "result not satisfied (sic)"? Were you getting jiggle? Were you not happy with the rolling shutter? What framerate were you using?

    Yes, focal length matters a great deal!

    If "it's too difficult to slide the camcorder", sounds like you didn't buy one to support enough weight. Are you sure your camcorder is <=5 lbs? - Fully loaded (cam + lens + battery + tape/card + accessories + mount adapter)?

    Scott
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  3. Member
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    Feb 2008
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    Yes, it's jiggle. I added a cheap and small ball head without handle on the Kamerar slider. When I push and pull the camcorder, it didn't moved smoothly. I guess I picked the wrong slider and ball head for a 5 lbs camcorder. What's the max slider length on one tripod to keep the level balance when moving from one end to others ?
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  4. Member Cornucopia's Avatar
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    A ball head has weight and it moves your imager away from the "fulcrum". Further away = more noticeable jiggle, unless compensated for by extra mass, gyros, etc.

    One cannot say what the MAX is without giving all the other values: mass of each & every piece, size/distance/volume of elements.

    I notice that even though it (Kamerar 24") is marketed towards DSLRs and is rated to handle <=10lbs, reviewers who had 5Ds stated that they were too heavy for smooth use (and with a std 18-200 lens, that should be <4lbs). So, it seems like it is too lightweight to handle its stated rating.

    Doesn't surprise me: you get what you pay for.
    I'd suggest measuring each element & accessory you plan on using (hardware, cabling, media included), combine ALL that and then DOUBLE (or maybe TRIPLE) it. Then, look for a slider that can handle that weight. Only then (assuming you've gotten a sturdily-connected setup), could you be confident of a smooth slide production. GlideTracks is good, but I don't know your budget...

    Scott
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  5. Member
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    Feb 2008
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    Thanks for your advice.
    Likely I picked the wrong slider but not all slider providers telling me the supporting weight or the weight on paper is correct until I load the camcorder.
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