Cheap shoulder mount for FS-100

G

gianx80

Active member
Ok, in this period I'm opening a lot of threads ... I hope I'm not getting annoying :(.
Ok, as you know, I'm only an amateur, but I've finally found a "paid job". I have to do some shoots for a friend of mine (he will pay me only a small symbolic amount of Euros): this will be a great experience for both of us. He will get some decent shoots and I'll learn something new through practice.

However, I have to film a party so I think I need a shoulder mount to go through the crowd and do some nice shoots. As you can read in the title, I don't want to spend so much.

So, do you think that something like this

http://www.habbycam.com/

or

http://www.proav.co.uk/Varizoom-VZ-1-Shooter-Camera-Support/p16234.aspx

would be ok for my FS-100 and this "job"?
 
I know, but I had the opportunity to have enough money to buy it and I did it (maybe I'll start doing paid job in the future). I previously owned a crappy Samsung camera and a Sony pro-sumer model.

I read the thread about tilta rig ... it seems that it's needed an external monitor because the lcd is "too over the shoulder" and I cannot afford an external monitor.

That habbycam rig seems pretty good and the site states that it can carry a camera up to 9 kg.

However, AT THE MOMENTI, I need a CHEAP and FAST solution to my problem :) (I have also to buy a new tripod, so I don't have enough money for a good shoulder mount).

EDIT
I watched an habbycam review. It seems that I need an external monitor also with it ... damn
The Varizoon one could be the solution
 
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I know it, but at the moment I can't afford and external monitor and I need a cheap shoulder mount for this occasional job. Here'e a video review of the Varizoom

http://vimeo.com/25519378

However, can you suggest me a cheap external monitor that I can use in combo with a cheap shoulder mount?
 
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I briefly tried a Cowboy shoulder rig:

http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Shoulder-Support-Camcorder-Camera/dp/B0036NMQ7S

I found it FANTASTIC for supporting the camera, as the weight is held by the chest strut; so you only need a hand to stop it flopping sideways, basically.

You will, though, need an external EVF to make it work well, as the camera will be off to the side. I actually used a shortened version of the viewfinder loupe, and found it workable, looking slightly sideways while shooting forwards; but not ideal.

Anyhow, you can't argue with the price....
 
Why not rent some decent grip like a Vocas or Zacuto rig and a monitor or EVF? It won't break the bank, you'll get better results and have some nice portfolio material to get future paying jobs. Use the money you make with this job and save up some more to get a nice rig. Buying cheap and replacing it with gear you wanted in the first place is always more expensive!

Or get a monopod. I like the Manfrotto 561BHDV. Gets you great results, not to expensive and no need for a monitor or EVF!
 
Thanks for your precious advices. I didn't know any shop in my area that rents this kind of stuff.
I was also thinking about a monopod, but for this particulat job I need a shoulder mount :)
 
To put the camera on your shoulder you will need a proper rig and an EVF/Monitor

Maybe you should try holding the camera at chest height like a baby - no rig - many shots look good from this POV

For stand up interviews where you need an eyeline use your tripod..

S
 
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