Miller DS5 at DVinfo.net

Frank Granovski · November 14th, 2002, 05:55 AM

Does anyone have experience with the Miller DS5 system? Feedback? Thanks.

Zac Stein · November 14th, 2002, 07:36 AM

Well i have very limited experience with the ds10 system, and i think it is freaking fantastic for the money. I live in australia where they are made, and they are sure a hell of a lot cheaper than the imports (manfrotto ect.) here, and they are just fantastic to work with.

Nice and big, not bulky or heavy though, always feels solid and under control, the pan and tilt is very smooth if controlled by a good operator, and it comes together in seconds from bag to level to shooting.

kermie

ps. you didn't mention which camera you were going to use with it, i use an xl1s with it.

Frank Granovski · November 14th, 2002, 10:33 PM

Thanks. I'm going to try and take a look at one soon. I'm just using small hand-helds and 1 big SVHS unit. I know Millers are great for the money (unless you buy from the USA). I've only looked over some of their larger pods. The DS5 is meant for small cams.

Zac Stein · November 14th, 2002, 10:49 PM

ds5 is meant for around 2.5kg of weigh ontop. the DS10 is for 5kg.

I prob could have got away with a DS5 but the prices are so close i just went the one up.

kermie

Frank Granovski · November 15th, 2002, 02:43 AM

I've got the catalog here, and it says the DS5 system is for small, hand-held cams up to VX2000 size. I'm going to try later today, to look and check the price.

Frank Granovski · November 15th, 2002, 09:05 PM

What are the prices in Australia (in AU Dollars) for these DS5 kits?

1) 825
2) 826
3) 822

Ken Tanaka · November 15th, 2002, 10:49 PM

I'll second Kermie's remarks. I've had a DS-10 with mid-level spreader for a year and think it's an excellent tripod/head for the XL1s and even the GL2. Quick set-up, easy to level, shoulder strap on legs for easy schlepping, well-designed soft case, relatively lightweight, smooth head drag adjustment, etc. The DS-10 was designed specifically with the XL1s in mind.

Since Miller reduced their prices (right after I bought mine, thank you very much) the DS series became among the best values in their class.

Zac Stein · November 15th, 2002, 11:36 PM

I have the #828 set, with the bag and all, it was around $1350 AUD, i am not sure how good that pricing is.

For the prices on the other sets you will have to wait until monday when i go into the store.

kermie

Frank Granovski · November 16th, 2002, 02:14 AM

Considering currency exchange, that's about 1/2 the cost from what the Canadian Distributer's retail price is. I just got the local prices today. So I'll have to maybe consider buying from Australia, or just forgetting the whole thing.

No to get some AU quotes....

Thanks!

Zac Stein · November 16th, 2002, 02:27 AM

Frank if can get you intouch with the people i got it off, maybe u could get a ds10 #828 set for a good price i would buy that and future proof yourself a bit if u want a heavier camera in the future. A good tripod is a life investment.

kermie

Frank Granovski · November 16th, 2002, 04:14 AM

I'm going to do that. But what I think I'm going to do exactly, is order the head only, from Australia. In Canada, most of the money is with this head, not the legs, spreader, strap and case. This way the shipping costs to Vancouver will be a lot cheaper.

Frank Granovski · November 24th, 2002, 05:35 AM

Kermie, can you suggest an Australian Miller dealer for me? (with their e-mail/website). Thanks.

Zac Stein · November 24th, 2002, 07:16 AM

The only one i know of for sure is where i purchased my camera,

www.tasmanav.com.au

they gave me that price too.

kermie

Frank Granovski · November 26th, 2002, 03:18 AM

Thanks. I'll go to that site right now to find their e-mail.

Andrew Petrie · November 26th, 2002, 10:07 PM

Frank, I also need a tripod (still!), I'd be interested in purchasing with you, maybe they'd offer a discount if we managed to move a few tripods. Seems to be a solid system, maybe we can get a group buy? I live in Ontario, so each unit would have to be shipped seperately.

People - Christmas is coming, surely someone you love could use a Miller tripod system :D

November 14th, 2002, 05:55 AM	#1
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	Miller DS5 Does anyone have experience with the Miller DS5 system? Feedback? Thanks.

November 15th, 2002, 10:49 PM	#7
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	I'll second Kermie's remarks. I've had a DS-10 with mid-level spreader for a year and think it's an excellent tripod/head for the XL1s and even the GL2. Quick set-up, easy to level, shoulder strap on legs for easy schlepping, well-designed soft case, relatively lightweight, smooth head drag adjustment, etc. The DS-10 was designed specifically with the XL1s in mind. Since Miller reduced their prices (right after I bought mine, thank you very much) the DS series became among the best values in their class. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

November 26th, 2002, 10:07 PM	#15
Andrew Petrie Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London, Ontario, Canada Posts: 484	Frank, I also need a tripod (still!), I'd be interested in purchasing with you, maybe they'd offer a discount if we managed to move a few tripods. Seems to be a solid system, maybe we can get a group buy? I live in Ontario, so each unit would have to be shipped seperately. People - Christmas is coming, surely someone you love could use a Miller tripod system :D __________________ Andrew \| Canon XL1s, ME66, Vinten Vision 3, GlideCam V16 (for sale!)

November 14th, 2002, 07:36 AM	#2
Zac Stein Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 730	Well i have very limited experience with the ds10 system, and i think it is freaking fantastic for the money. I live in australia where they are made, and they are sure a hell of a lot cheaper than the imports (manfrotto ect.) here, and they are just fantastic to work with. Nice and big, not bulky or heavy though, always feels solid and under control, the pan and tilt is very smooth if controlled by a good operator, and it comes together in seconds from bag to level to shooting. kermie ps. you didn't mention which camera you were going to use with it, i use an xl1s with it.

November 14th, 2002, 10:33 PM	#3
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	Thanks. I'm going to try and take a look at one soon. I'm just using small hand-helds and 1 big SVHS unit. I know Millers are great for the money (unless you buy from the USA). I've only looked over some of their larger pods. The DS5 is meant for small cams.

November 14th, 2002, 10:49 PM	#4
Zac Stein Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 730	ds5 is meant for around 2.5kg of weigh ontop. the DS10 is for 5kg. I prob could have got away with a DS5 but the prices are so close i just went the one up. kermie

November 15th, 2002, 02:43 AM	#5
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	I've got the catalog here, and it says the DS5 system is for small, hand-held cams up to VX2000 size. I'm going to try later today, to look and check the price.

November 15th, 2002, 09:05 PM	#6
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	What are the prices in Australia (in AU Dollars) for these DS5 kits? 1) 825 2) 826 3) 822

November 15th, 2002, 11:36 PM	#8
Zac Stein Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 730	I have the #828 set, with the bag and all, it was around $1350 AUD, i am not sure how good that pricing is. For the prices on the other sets you will have to wait until monday when i go into the store. kermie

November 16th, 2002, 02:14 AM	#9
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	Considering currency exchange, that's about 1/2 the cost from what the Canadian Distributer's retail price is. I just got the local prices today. So I'll have to maybe consider buying from Australia, or just forgetting the whole thing. No to get some AU quotes.... Thanks!

November 16th, 2002, 02:27 AM	#10
Zac Stein Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 730	Frank if can get you intouch with the people i got it off, maybe u could get a ds10 #828 set for a good price i would buy that and future proof yourself a bit if u want a heavier camera in the future. A good tripod is a life investment. kermie

November 16th, 2002, 04:14 AM	#11
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	I'm going to do that. But what I think I'm going to do exactly, is order the head only, from Australia. In Canada, most of the money is with this head, not the legs, spreader, strap and case. This way the shipping costs to Vancouver will be a lot cheaper.

November 24th, 2002, 05:35 AM	#12
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	Kermie, can you suggest an Australian Miller dealer for me? (with their e-mail/website). Thanks.

November 24th, 2002, 07:16 AM	#13
Zac Stein Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 730	The only one i know of for sure is where i purchased my camera, www.tasmanav.com.au they gave me that price too. kermie

November 26th, 2002, 03:18 AM	#14
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	Thanks. I'll go to that site right now to find their e-mail.