Cheap 7D Rig Setups?

S

seven.b

Well-known member
Hey guys. I know this may sound really superficial or maybe a waste of money and time to some, but if I'm going to be making the switch to two 7Ds I'm going to need these cams to look less like stills cameras and more like video cameras. I haven't really been keeping up with the whole DSLR-video world until now. Does anyone have any ideas for some cheap but good looking DSLR setups?

-Thanks
 
So...do they have to have any kind of functionality, or just look aesthetically pleasing?

There's a few DSLR rig threads - the IndiDSLRsm being a rig that's fairly affordable and looks good, but I haven't heard the greatest things from people who've used it in terms of construction quality, etc.

Kegan
 
If you want dirt cheap, look into some Indian knock-off products: http://www.thecinecity.com

They're really poor quality, but they do the job if you only want to "look good." Cavision makes the least expensive gear of arguable quality, but I've heard mixed things.
 
Thanks guys, I would like a decent follow focus that I could actually use for pulling smooth zooms on my zoom lenses. Would the indiRAILSpro DSLR system do okay for this? Or is that follow focus not too great?

Since that comes with rails, I guess I would just need a very cheap non functioning mattebox to give it that "video camera" look. haha.

Oh and what are people planning to do with the LCD screen when it's sunny outside since this one doesn't flip out?

Thanks.
 
This is what I intend to do for the LCD...

http://lcdvf.com/

I've already spoken to Tonis and he's going to email me once mass production starts. Should be within 4 weeks he said.

As for a matte box, I've used a cheap $150 mattebox on an XH-A1 and it definitely adds for that "video camera look", you speak of.

Kegan
 
I have the cinecity PROAIM v11 Mattebox with rails on my GH1 and I'll try it on the 7D when it arrives. I think it's quality is ok. The weak point being the donut construction. But this can be fixed with a universal donut. For the price it's good and lightweight.
 
good looking and not too expensive compared = redrockmicro.com
well built and life time warranty but really expensive = zacuto.com
very practical and innovative gear, and also really well built, reasonably priced = cinevate.com

I was looking at rigs for DSLRs for ages thinking I can't shoot/pull focus without them! now I've decided to go without and just buy two 7Ds and one tripod and one monopod.

Though a good thing about spending decent money on a good rig is that it will last you for years, unlike cameras that become obsolete after a couple.
 
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I think I'll be going with the Zacuto Rapid Fire, simply because I like how the gunstock system works. I'll have both hands on the camera (to steady/hold the grip and the other to focus with), my eye in the viewfinder and gunstock in my shoulder. I think I'll figure out a smooth way of shooting this way.

Kegan
 
It's not cheap, but the Zacuto kit is really, really nice. I just spend a week filming tarpon fishing in the Caribbean, and the Zacuto Tactical Shooter and Z-Finder made the GH1 feel like a "real" video camera. I'd assume the same functionality out of the 7D and the Zacuto kit as well.
 
Yes, it most definitely isn't cheap and I can't afford the Tactical Shooter and the Z-Finder that I would like. I'll be going with the LCDvf and assuming that it's sturdy enough to be used as a point of contact.

I have seen some good things about the Rapid Fire and based on my style of shooting I think I can make it work rather well.

It'll be my first Zacuto product, so I hope like many others I'll be hooked...(well, I'm sure my wallet wouldn't! ha)

Kegan
 
I definitely will Boz - I will be sure to post a detailed review once I receive the actual product and use it in a shooting environment.

Kegan
 
Boz said:
I'm really interested in this as well. Please favor us with a review once you get your hands on one!
Click to expand...

While you wait, here's another review (pre-prod): http://www.cinema5d.com/viewtopic.p...k=t&sd=a&sid=2f907fb0fc6e39eff604b46162953291


Michael Olsen said:
footage of the rig or footage shot using the rig?
Click to expand...

Footage shot using the rig. The poster has developed his own rig solution and posted a video of footage shot using it on Vimeo. I'm not sure who he's "calling out," with his challenge for footage, though.
 
Its hard here, Im not really trying to plug 'my rig' - but it is designed to meet what I perceived to be sensible design requirements - it has its place right for some solutions (R+G) and less good for others (Full Cinema)

I only made my own rig because I couldnt find what I wanted

I am indeed calling out for footage from the big guns

most of whose rigs seem to have massive holes in their designs to make them actually operable for proper handheld work with the small light focus critical jello ridden ultra sensitive DSLRs

Blooms footage is IMO all over the place, other footage decent 5/7 footage seems to be tripod/slider work

I try in my reel and development of my handling of the camera to actually operate shots that would be an acceptable part of a broadcast production, smooth motivated camera moves, accurate focus pulls

I dont see art misfocus or random focus pulls of bods in a street as good evidence of a rig being usable

Maybe other people seek other stuff
 
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