A telescopically extendible camera crane arm includes a second section telescopically movable within a first section. A first actuator extends the second section and a second actuator retracts the second section. A control valve has first and second ports connected to provide pressurized fluid to the first and second actuators. An inlet port of the control valve is connected to a pressurized fluid source, such as a pump or accumulator of a hydraulic system. The control valve has extend, off, and retract positions. The control valve provides a threshold amount of fluid pressure to the first and second actuators when in the off position, and provides a greater than the threshold amount of fluid pressure to the first and second actuators, when in the extend or retract positions. A stop valve may be connected to an outlet port of the control valve, with the stop valve having an open position wherein fluid can flow freely out of the outlet port, and a closed position wherein the stop valve stops fluid flow out of the outlet port. The threshold amount of fluid pressure maintains the cables and/or other linkages of the arm under tension or compression. This places the stationery arm in a balanced equilibrium which provides for very sensitive and rapid control of arm movements.