What are the best camera cranes and jibs in 2024? After spending days researching 30 video cranes, we found that ProAim Alphabet 21ft and ProAm USA Orion DVC200 are the best options for the most high-quality production. Fully loaded with various useful features, they offer great performance, solid build quality, enhanced stability, and fast setup.
Best Video Camera Jibs And Cranes 2024
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Almost every camera fanatic is pushed to buy any equipment that makes video production affordable, smoother, and more portable.
Camera cranes and dollies were the first set of filmmaking tools that allow smoother camera movement. They are still a very important part of film production today. They are adding production value and can greatly enhance storytelling.
The camera dolly is allowing the cameraman a side-to-side movement, and camera cranes and jibs move the camera up and down. Put the camera crane on a dolly and you get even more freedom of movement.
ProAim Alphabet 21ft Jib Crane
Travel-friendly camera jib crane
Fully loaded with various features for high-quality film production, this camera jib crane offers promising reliability and performance thanks to its high-strength build, fast tool-less setup, and enhanced stability.
View a scene from above or move up and away from the action. We spend days picking the 10 best video camera cranes and jibs that can provide another level of professionalism and versatility to your shoot. All these tools are great for commercials, documentaries, and features, and are available in models that can easily hold up to a 30-pound camera.
Camera Cranes vs Steadicams
Without discussion, Steadicams are great. With these tools, you can move freely in any direction and over large distances, but if you want to take smooth shots, they have some limitations. Once you put in a zoom lens, even with the best Steadicam every little shake is noticeable.
To get a moving camera shot with a longer lens and with professional quality, you need to use either a camera dolly (side-to-side movement) or a video camera crane for a smooth up-and-down motion.
Another advantage versus Steadicam? If you invest in a camera crane of a good size, then you are able to move the camera much higher than with the best Steadicam.
Video Camera Cranes And Jibs Under $100
ePhotoInc New Portable DSLR Mini Jib Crane Video Camera Jib
ePhotoInc New Portable DSLR Mini Jib Crane – image source: ePhotoInc.com
Key Features
- Extremely lightweight
- A high-quality build
- Stable
- Extends to 4 feet
- Max load 3 lb
Pros: Good price, great for shooting on the go or in limited space areas
Cons: Hard to get steady shots if it is fully extended
We are starting our list with the ePhotoInc mini jib crane. A very portable camera jib for a one-man operation. It could take some practice and much more patience to get it set up and balanced properly, but the ePhotoInc mini jib crane will significantly improve the work of almost every amateur videographer.
JOBY Action Jib Kit
Key Features
- Fits any action camera – GoPro, Sony, Contour…
- Portable and easy to assemble
- Two removable, adjustable pole clamps
Pros: Lightweight and easy to carry around, simple and fast to put together
Cons: No ergonomic handle, device holder or remote holder
If you are looking for a GoPro jib crane, buy this one. It helps you to make incredibly difficult shots simple and gives them a unique angle. With the price under $100, Joby Action Jib kit has a great value and can be a priceless tool for any action moviemaker. If you are using your GoPro the way you should, then you absolutely may consider grabbing this GoPro jib crane.
Video Camera Cranes And Jibs Under $200
Indy Jib Cinema Crane for DSLR Camera
Key Features
- Allows cinematic, floating camera movements
- Center-mounted camera for added stability
- Rubberized ribbed grip
- Ideal for up to 15 lb cameras
Pros: Great for the low-cost production budget, light, compact
Cons: Not for large cameras or DSLRs with heavy pro lenses
The Indy Jib Camera Crane works perfect with both DSLRs and video cameras, and can easily hold up to 15 lb cameras. It is a very compact and light crane, but be aware you need to get a solid stand or tripod with a head if you want to handle the heavier camera.
KingJoy Carbon Fiber Jib Arm Camera Crane
Key Features
- Designed for DSLR and camcorder movie making
- Strong versatility
- 360-degree pan ball head for horizontal and vertical rotation
Pros: Solid lightweight carbon construction, ideal for travel. Fits in a small case and is very easy to set up.
Cons: You need to compensate for the weight of the arm with your own supplies.
The KinJoy´s Carbon Fiber Jib Arm has a wide range of motion and fits easily on most standard tripods. This camera crane will definitely help you get smoother camera movements, but keep in mind you need a solid set of tripod legs and a video fluid head.
IMORDEN Mini Jib Arm
Key Features
- Carbon fiber construction
- Comes with counterweights
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to extend the arm
- Can be mount on a tripod to hold a heavier camera
Pros: Easy to figure out, very smooth movement, lightweight, durable carbon fiber construction
Cons: The bag for weights is too small
An ideal choice for everyone who is looking for professional, high quality, but still a budget tool for video production. IMORDEN Mini Jib Arm has been designed for shooting films, music videos, commercials or wedding videos.
Video Camera Cranes And Jibs Under $300
ProAm USA Orion DVC200 DSLR Video Camera Jib Crane
Key Features
- Supports up to 8 lb camera
- Mount DSLR or Camcorder Style Cameras
- Smooth effortless motions on three axis
- Auto tilt keeps the camera facing ahead
Pros: Stable, versatile, portable, and extremely light weight. Takes just 30 seconds to set up. Perfect for a one-man crew.
Cons: Does not include stand or weights.
Orion DVC200 consists of all the useful things that are required for a professional shoot setup. And even better, it is a very budget-friendly. Now you can use dynamic movements in your films by using the automatic leveling feature. This keeps your camera facing ahead even while going up and down.
Video Camera Cranes And Jibs Under $500
Kessler KC-Lite 8.0 Camera Crane
Key Features
- Holds up to 10 lb camera
- For DSLR or light cinema camera movement
- 100% tool-less setup
- 8-foot reach
- 360-degree rotation
Pros: 360-degree rotation, high-grade aluminum construction, great value
Cons: Can only hold up to 10-pound cameras
The Kessler KC-Lite 8.0 Camera Crane is a safe pick for the low budget filmmaker. Light enough for long transport, yet durable enough to make stable shots using standard DSLR cameras.
Varizoom SOLOJIB-CF Carbon Fiber Portable Jib
Key Features
- 7 lb Load Capacity
- 2-Stage Telescoping Arm
- For 75/65mm Bowls or Flat Base Heads
- Telescoping Tail
- Soft-Stop Pan and Tilt Brakes
Pros: Lightweight and compact, easy and quick setup, 3-section telescopic extension
Cons: Sometimes problematic with heavier cameras
If you are looking for a good portable jib, Varizoom Solo Jib is a solid piece of gear that is lightweight, durable and super easy to set up. Highly recommended for DSLR and GoPro cameras.
Video Camera Cranes And Jibs Under $1000
ProAim Alphabet 21ft Jib Crane
Key Features
- Aircraft Aluminum Construction
- Transforms into 21ft, 18ft, 15ft & 12ft
- For heavy cameras up to 33 lbs
- Motion control on 3-axis
Pros: Balance of quality, durability, and affordable pricing
Cons: Nothing yet
The new professional Proaim Alphabet 21ft Jib Crane is fully loaded with various features for high-quality film production. This travel-friendly camera jib crane offers promising reliability and performance thanks to its high-strength build, fast tool-less setup, and enhanced stability.
ProAm Orion DVC210
Key Features
- 10 lb Load Capacity
- Breaks Down into Two 4′ Sections
- Optional 4′ Extension
- Tool-less Setup
- Auto or Manual Camera Tilting
Pros: Sturdy, strong, and versatile. Easy to operate. Can be mount on basically any standard speaker stand.
Cons: It takes almost 20 minutes to set up.
The ProAm Orion DVC210 is designed with DSLR and mirrorless cameras in the mind, supporting camera and lens combination weighing up to 10 lb. Orion DVC210 also has a useful weight mounting system that provides an extensive amount of area to hang weights to counterbalance the camera.
Video Camera Cranes And Jibs Buying Guide
Why Should You Use Camera Cranes?
A camera crane is an accessory that will help you capture a scene from a distance. Mostly used in the film-making field, because the usage of these camera cranes is for advanced filmmakers.
Allows You To Be Creative
Be prepared for a variety of shots that can be taken with camera cranes. Shot from different directions, from low to high. The camera shots quality scenes will depend on the length of the arm on the crane.
Controlled from Distance
Another advantage of a camera crane is that you can easily control the camera from distance. With this amazing device, you are able to capture a scene in a zooming position without actually being close to the scene.
Stability
A most important feature. A camera crane is usually mounted on the tripod or stand with a counterweight. As you move and from one direction to another these video camera cranes help you to focus only on shots.
How to Choose the Best Camera Cranes or Jibs in 2024?
Know what your requirements are. This is the best advice we can give you. Once it is clear what you want then set up your budget. Keep in mind that no product is perfect. Every camera crane or jib has its advantages and disadvantages. It is all up to you and your requirements.
If you are looking for the highest quality with a budget problem you can easily go for ProAm USA 8ft. to 12ft. DVC 200 Camera Crane Production Package is probably the best choice for all professionals. If you are new in the field, you can easily choose Kessler KC-Lite 8.0 Camera Crane. But always keep in mind the weight of the camera.
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*All prices mentioned above are at the time of publishing.
