Want Smooth Pans? Try Using a Rubber Band.

There are some really amazing tricks out there for getting the most out of your camera, but this has to be one of the coolest. It's also one of the most inexpensive - free if you have a rubber band laying around.

If you're trying to get a perfect, or even acceptable pan using a less expensive tripod you're going to be in for an unpleasant, jittery experience. To help out with this, grab yourself a rubber band. Attach one end to the tripod, another to your finger and pull. That's all there is to it.

The results shown in the YouTube video are indeed impressive, and even if you do have a rig that lets you pan smoothly, this is a nice trick to have in your back pocket just in case the occasion arises.