First Impressions of teh NEW DV MultiRiG

vegas06

vegas06

Well-known member
I just received my NEW DV Multi Rig yesterday, and was able to play with it a little bit last night.
All I can say is wow, Danny did a GREAT JOB on it. He definitely hit a homerun with this should be a real WINNER!

It's a sexy dark black aluminum color, extremely well built, and very lightweight (did I say lightweight). It took a little bit of figuring out configurations on my part (20 minutes), but it is actually really easy to configure.
This little rig seem to be stiffer (better for true shoulder mounted shooting) and sturdier than my DVRig Pro. The DVRig Pro seems more fluid, but this is probably because it is one entire rig. The Multi Rig is very fluid once you change the configuration from shoulder to fig rig style.

BTW, shoulder shooting with this can be done in 2 configurations.
1. Using the back attached bar. one would be the typical setup where the back bar is facing downwards (good for placing the accessory plate on the back for a battery and such).
2. The other configuration (I got off of the Dvtec.tv site) where I turned the back bar sideways and let it wrap around my neck. This gave me a very stable and comfortable shooting style, and allowed me the use of the left hand to make camera adjustments without any sway (Fabulous).

I then tried several free hand (fig rig style) shots (with the handles turned upwards), both with and without the support pod.
I can definitely see shooting for a very long time in this mode with the support pod fatigue free. Both shooting styles were stable and very smooth.

I attached my Varizoom remote to the left handle and was able to use it either handles up or down. Although when facing upwards the remote is upside down so I have to remember to operate in reverse when in this setup. I am right handed, but placed the remote on the left grip, because (no matter what configuration I'm in) the left grip is always in use.
The other 2 gips (shoulder, moves to front when in non shoulder mount use), and the right grip (has the QR pate attached to tripod placement) is used up front with the left grip when shoulder use is needed.
It sounds confusing, but very easy and quick to switch from one mode to the other.
You can mount accessories on the handles (either top or bottom) and take any 1/4 tread attachment. So you actually have the ability for 6 mounting points if needed.

I don't have any footage yet, as I was just testing it out last night, but will be sing it on this Saturdays small shoot, and may try to post a clip or two if I get a chance. I will try to shoot using wireless, shotgun mic and on camera light.

BTW, I LOVE the fact that it fits perfectly in my bag while attached to the camera.
I'm sure with some experimentation, I will be able to find the (attachment configuration) perfect setup to shoot all day with (shotgun mic, light, wireless and light battery).

In conclusion, my overall opinion of the DVMulti Rig, is that I can see myself using this for almost all of my shooting styles (I shoot event videos). The form factor is small and very stealthy and light. In just one night, I have figured out about 8 shooting configurations already, and will undoubtably find even more in the future.
All I can say is that if you are in need of a one of a kind do it all support for your camera, this is more than definitely worth a look!

If you haven't already then you can check it out here: http://www.dvmultirig.com/
 
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The entire rig "Multi rig Pro" package goes for only $399. Great value if you ask me, Hell the Fig Rig alone with just the rig and no accessories costs that much.
Shipment will be about 1 week as it's coming from Israel.
 
vegas06 said:
The entire rig "Multi rig Pro" package goes for only $399. Great value if you ask me, Hell the Fig Rig alone with just the rig and no accessories costs that much.
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Agreed. You can do everything the Fig Rig does and a lot more for the same price. It's a no brainer as far as I'm concerned.
 
HorseFilms said:
Agreed. You can do everything the Fig Rig does and a lot more for the same price. It's a no brainer as far as I'm concerned.
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Definitely, and I'm looking forward to putting it through some paces on my shoot this Saturday.
I'm seeing myself using non shoulder mode with the support pod quite a lot. This way I can mount the rig on my tripod quickly without having to change my setup.
The only thing I would have to do is figure where to carry my PAG C6 light battery on me, since I won't be in shoulder mode.
 
HorseFilms said:
You could probably mount it on one of the arms, I would imagine (possibly even underneath).
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I was thinking about that, except the PAG battery is very large. I would also have to mount it on the left arm, as is my LANC remote, as this arm never changes in my configurations.
I am thinking about slinging it over my back ala backpack style.
 
Do you think I could use it like the Merlin? I asked in another post what would be a good stabilizer for fast movements....shooting BMX races and Roller Derby matches. Ya think it could be good for that kinda running? Someone posted that the merlin doesn't like wind so that really narrows down to what outdoor action I could shoot. It sounds like a great piece of equipment so far.
 
You could use it like a Merlin (Steadycam), but isn't a Merlin.
You should be able to get smooth shots like that of the Fig Rig, but not as smooth as a true Steadycam device with a gimbled handle like that of a Merlin.
The advantage you have with a Fig rig or Multi Rig device is being able to get smooth looking shots without the hastle of learning to balance and shoot using a steadycam.

Again, if you want hollywood style shots that are super fluid while running, the get a Merlin or Gidecam device. Also if you use plan on shooting for long periods of time with a Merlin or Glidecam, then you better either be the Incredible Hulk or use a vest arm system, or your arm will fall off.
But if you want something for run and gun type shooting, that gives you stable, smooth shoots, fatigue free, then the Multi Rig will be a great option.

Again this is only my initial review, and I will have more feedback after my shoot next week. Although I'm not anticipating anything bad that would change my current review, only better.
 
Filmjunkie677 said:
I think you guys sold me on one of these... I'll be picking one up very soon!
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I think yo will like it a lot!

I haven't even really had mine in the field yet, and already love what I have seen. :thumbsup:
 
art metal art said:
and if it's from Israel then what does Mel Gibson think of it?
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Nice.

By the way, that was me that stated that the merlin is hard to use with any sort of wind. I'm not trying to deter you from getting the merlin, as I absolutely love it, I just think that for your needs it won't do exactly what your after. Well, I shouldn't say it "won't", I should say it'll take a LOT of practice, and probably numerous take's before you get the shot you're looking for.

-brown
 
I guess the practice is not a bad thing but I worry about it swaying from too much wind or me hauling butt running. If I had a really large budget right now then I would get this, the Merlin and the 1 that PAPA has....glidecam 2000??
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Brown.....would you ski with the merlin?
 
I'm going to quickly chime in about the MultiRig, but will post a more in depth review soon with some footage. I just got hold of mine today and my first impressions are VERY positive. Smart, smart, smart design. This thing is a god send for indie filmmakers - especially those on a budget. This is a fig rig, shoulder support, and stabilizer all rolled into one product that takes up less space than a shotgun mic with wind protection. Very well built and looks cool, too.

I don't mean to knock the fig rig because it, too, was a smart design and one of those "why didn't I think of that" products. BUT, I can't see why anyone would buy a fig rig over this thing. It's more affordable, more convenient, better-looking, and WAY more versatile than the fig rig. I can't wait to use this thing. Tomorrow's my birthday and I'm looking forward to celebrating with my favorite new toy by getting lots of footage and toying around with all the different configurations. Thanks, Danny - this thing is awesome!
 
not merlin

not merlin

I just want to echo the fact that this is not, repeat NOT equivalent to merlin in any way shape or form. I'm sure it's great, but ask yourself, would you rather pay a bit more (OK, 2 x more), and have a real gimbled steadicam solution, or... yes, it takes time to learn, but I believe it is time well spent. Think about it - all the time you are shooting with this could be used to get really practiced with the merlin... and believe me, the results will show the difference. If you want to get closer to a pro look for your footage, then sorry, but it's no contest. Again, not a knock on the multi, just reality, like in "laws of physics". I have no stake in either solution, just pointing out facts. Make up your own mind. Shoot some footage with the multi and then with merlin, and compare.
 
vegas06 said:
This little rig seem to be stiffer (better for true shoulder mounted shooting) and sturdier than my DVRig Pro. The DVRig Pro seems more fluid, but this is probably because it is one entire rig. The Multi Rig is very fluid once you change the configuration from shoulder to fig rig style.
Click to expand...

I'd be really interested in your opinion about how the MultiRIG compares to the DVRig Pro after you've taken this baby out on Sunday.

Lutnik
 
OldCorpse said:
I just want to echo the fact that this is not, repeat NOT equivalent to merlin in any way shape or form. I'm sure it's great, but ask yourself, would you rather pay a bit more (OK, 2 x more), and have a real gimbled steadicam solution, or... yes, it takes time to learn, but I believe it is time well spent. Think about it - all the time you are shooting with this could be used to get really practiced with the merlin... and believe me, the results will show the difference. If you want to get closer to a pro look for your footage, then sorry, but it's no contest. Again, not a knock on the multi, just reality, like in "laws of physics". I have no stake in either solution, just pointing out facts. Make up your own mind. Shoot some footage with the multi and then with merlin, and compare.
Click to expand...

Of course, there is no one-rig-serves-all. Most depends on your needs, goals, on the shooting environment/situation and your shooting style of course. The multirig appears to be most valuable for run-n-gun situations where you're only allowed to carry one bag to fit all your equipment. Besides, you'd be surprised to find out how many indie movies have been shot handheld. To name one, Iraq in Fragment which won the Documentary section at the latest Sundance film festival was entirely shot handheld, I mean *HAND-HELD* without any kind of supporting rig. BTW, no lights at all were used apart from what was available locally and sound was recorded with a cheap mic taken off a Sony ENG camera. Watch it and tell whether it doesn't look professional! A good story and a skilled crew come before any rig no matter how clever the design is!

Lutnik
 
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