CompuServe Messages

The only gyro I am familliar with is the Kenyon K-4. It screws to the tripod mount on the bottom of a camera/camcorder/telephoto lens, and provides SERIOUS stability (ie. 1 second shots with a 300mm lens come out tack sharp <guess my still roots are showing <BG>>). In the K-4 there are two precision gyroscopes sealed in the small pod that actually mounts to your gear (there is also a serious battery pack that cables to it); they spin at high rpms and at vastly different angles. The net effect is a STRONG resistnce to any small or sudden movements. They are most often used by photographers with slower speed films and/or long lenses in high vibration environments (shooting from helicopters, powerboats, off-road vehicles, etc.). If you want more info, I'm pretty sure that Kenyon is manufactured in Conneticut <I wouldn't stake life or reputation on that though>. I personally haven't justified having one around all the time (they are a couple grand) so I rent when the occasion warrants. Many of the better pro-photo houses will rent them and their larger cousins (well, at least here in the Northwest); if you want a name or two, let me know. On a different note, I thought of another camcorder that you might consider in your list, Panasonic's AG3. It is a three chip S-VHS-C camera. While I haven't had the privledge of using one, I have heard good things about them. Hope this helps. Let us know what you decide and how things go. Good day and good light, T. Patrick O'Hara (aka. Lightwriter)