One Trick Pony

The DS1 is heavy. With a DSLR mounted it will be around 5lbs, and difficult to hold in the upright position for long periods. For moving around a lot, hanging inverted helps but will be low-angle perspective. I got the DS1 for SMOOTH video. It works.There is lots of video around that illustrates what the DS1 can do. But I also would like QUIET. If you can feel the slightest vibration, the camera-mounted microphone will record an objectionable buzz. If after carefully balancing your system for your camera you still have any issues, you have to download Mini GUI (free) and calibrate / tune the PID / RMS settings. Nothing about it is intuitive. You have to read the GUI manual, and get used to how it works. If you bump the DS1 against something, put it down hard, or accidentally tip it over when it is standing on the handle, it will probably need calibration. If your camera is heavier than the "stock" calibration, or you can't stand mode-change beeps, or want one mode that gives you really, slow, smooth pans, you need to tweak the firmware. The DS1 is only "sorta" plug and play.