Best way of stabilizing camera in cramped areas or where tripods etc are not allowed

[Fly-catchers]

Amongst my interests is greenhouse gardening. But with my overcrowded greenhouses I am thinking of the best way to support the camera for best results? No room for a tripod as I need to get amongst the plants, and that rules out a rig as well. Am considerating either a monopod or pistol grip. These might also be the best options where venues do not allow tripods and most likely rigs as well. And where a low profile is best anyway. Anyone using either monopod or pistol and found them good or bad? Any other ideas?

cheers

[Bruce Watson]

No room for a tripod as I need to get amongst the plants, and that rules out a rig as well. Am considerating either a monopod or pistol grip.

Shoulder mount. My experiments with monopods for video were pretty bad, but maybe that's just me. And a pistol grip can be hard to control and rough on the arms resulting in shakey-cam in less than a minute. If you've got room for your head, you've probably got room for a shoulder mount, and it would be easier to control and easier to run for more than a few seconds at a time. It's been around forever, and there's a reason for that. Just sayin'.

[unadog]

This is a nice combination of a very light fiberglass monopod, a vest, and two estraining leads from teh vest to clips on the monopod, to brace against:

http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/product-VCTSP1BP/


I just bought one used for about $250. It is a very nice, stable, compact setup.

There is a similar rig that uses two hand grips that just sold here, I forget the manufacturer. Might search the past few days for stabilizer. Bigger footprint though with two hand grips (like on a shoulder rig.)

You could make up a similar rig for yourself, using teh same principles. I also have a hoodman, so that gives a third point for stability. The head on the monopod has a counterweight built in, but for a G2 that wouldn't be required.

I also have a Zacuto Target Shooter that I bought here used for $300:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...t_Shooter.html


Michael

[wgzn]

it really depends on the shot youre trying to get, if you have an hdmi monitor, you might be as well off with a simple photo tripod or even a c-stand or lightweight light stand rigged with a small video head (manfrotto 50x level) that way you dont have to be right there behind the camera.

other than that, id say a good monopod would be hard to beat. like that manfrotto model with the feet:
http://www.google.com/products/catal...ed=0CGcQ8wIwAQ

i cant imagine how anyone could have bad experiences with a monopod, unless they just bought a cheap junky one...

[Trucci]

For those low profile situations, I use a Gorillapod as an instant shoulder rig. One leg is on my shoulder and the other two I hold with my hands. Not the most pro solution, but works in a pinch.

[Fly-catchers]

For those low profile situations, I use a Gorillapod as an instant shoulder rig. One leg is on my shoulder and the other two I hold with my hands. Not the most pro solution, but works in a pinch.

Might give that a try. A while back I read that a Sky News cameraman filming in Tibet using a GH2 used the same type of setup.

[Zephyrnoid]

For years in situations like this, I have depended on the classic reverse force stabilizer . A length of non-stretching cordage between the tripod bushing and the floor. step on the cordage and PULL UP with enough force to put tension on the cordage - then shoot and even pan as if you were on a tripod. Step off the cordage, move and repeat. It's not slick but as I said, it has always worked for me for fairly light rigs of 5lbs or less.

[d1rockwild]

I use a tripod as a tripod, a monopod, and even a bipod which is super effective for me.

[cuervo.taylor]

For those low profile situations, I use a Gorillapod as an instant shoulder rig. One leg is on my shoulder and the other two I hold with my hands. Not the most pro solution, but works in a pinch.

Hi Trucci,

do you got the reference for that? what kind of gorrillapod+ball head will work for the gh2?

thanks

[Trucci]

I use the SLR-ZOOM model, but I think the bigger Focus version might work a little better. I don't use a ballhead for shots on my shoulder.