Compact Camera Stabilizer?

salils

salils

Well-known member
Is there any kind of shoulder brace that is foldable or some sort of compact stabilizer for under $150? I was looking forward to the DV Multirig, but the $200 version is pretty disapointing in what it offers, I would only buy the $400 version, (because of it allowing for shoulder mount) but obviously I can't afford that. Is there anything out there? The spiderbrace isn't exactly compact.
 
salils said:
Is there any kind of shoulder brace that is foldable or some sort of compact stabilizer for under $150? I was looking forward to the DV Multirig, but the $200 version is pretty disapointing in what it offers, I would only buy the $400 version, (because of it allowing for shoulder mount) but obviously I can't afford that. Is there anything out there? The spiderbrace isn't exactly compact.
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I agree with you re the value for dollar situation. I find it really difficult to justify $400+ for a DV Multirig which is not much more that a flexible handle/support. When I do a visual comparison of other "rigs" for camera stabelization, in a what you get for your buck ,I am convinced it is overpriced.
Glidecam -$300.00-a true stabelizer
Pag Orbitor-$579.00- serious engineering
Kessler Crane-$439.00
Davis and Sanford Steady stick-$97.00
Cavision baseplate rods and handles -$300.00 and it serves more purposes
Spiderbrace-$65.00-which I am told is an excellent value
I am not saying that the DV Multi Rig is the only (IMHO ) over priced "handle" the Fig RIg at $349.00 is too and dozens of people on here have built simlar models just as effective for $12.00. I also have a hard time buying into the R&D factor when it comes to a "Handle" I truly believe it is more about "Buzz" and what the market will bear than big bucks in r&d. Sometimes things here get talked up quite a bit,I prefer reviews that truly examine the device, its cost and its value for the dollar.
Great examples of good value are in the marketplace here , like the Batteries that are excellent value for the dollar, the RoweCine dolly and so on.
Yeh, I know a bit editorial but it is a $400.00 handle!
Brian
 
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If you look carefully into the "400$ Handle" MultiRig, you will notice that with the "handle" you are getting a platform for your camera and all you accessories, It is adjustable to all shooting styles and body sizes, it is foldable, It is a dual grip stabilizer, a shock absorbing supported stabilizer that you have to try to appreciate, a full shoulder support with two handles, a ground/table top tripod and more.

In DIY products all you count is the value of the materials, Not the time spent, No large stock value, no advertising costs, No labor, rent, Etc. and not the profit for the manufacturer, He is making is living from it. You cant compare DIY to a real product.

"Money well spent" is what I usually hear from users about our rigs.
 
danny said:
If you look carefully into the "400$ Handle" MultiRig, you will notice that with the "handle" you are getting a platform for your camera and all you accessories, It is adjustable to all shooting styles and body sizes, it is foldable, It is a dual grip stabilizer, a shock absorbing supported stabilizer that you have to try to appreciate, a full shoulder support with two handles, a ground/table top tripod and more.

In DIY products all you count is the value of the materials, Not the time spent, No large stock value, no advertising costs, No labor, rent, Etc. and not the profit for the manufacturer, He is making is living from it. You cant compare DIY to a real product.

"Money well spent" is what I usually hear from users about our rigs.
Click to expand...

Without prejudice,
Cut me some slack here ... I mean really. You are defending your product a $400.00 + handle and in the process, doing a shameless plug at the same time.
Spare me the lecture about all of the costs of doing business , you are in business because you make money or you would not be in business. I have been doing business for 30+ years and I think I can judge when something is overpriced.
Your handle is not worth $400.00 and if people disagree with me and are willing to pay $400.00 that is their choice. It is certainly not mine and I am sure others feel the same way.
It is NOT a stabelizer in the true sense of the term as most people in this business use it. It is a handle, a support , a bracket, but not a stabelizer.
Calling it that is nonsense, marketing bull! Shock absorber.... was one quote I remember you using, adjustable to all body sizes? So is a Mono Pod and they don't cost $400.00 and by your criteria it too is a stabelizer. I am sorry but I may not have used the DVMultiRig and that would be because I won't spend that kind of money on a bracket, handle, a support.It is way overpriced. I also did not intend this to be an assault on your product but since you commented.....
I recently purchased 2 pieces wonderful of industrial design and engineering from 2 young companies that I became acquainted with through this community. Both items are superbly finished, and excellent tools. They were very fairly priced based on research of the current market. They didn't gouge or over price just because there is a limited market for their product and they are still making money and doing more product development.
So if "Money well spent" is what you hear form your customers about your rigs then Bravo! Some people have much more money to spend than others and some don't know any better. Some people think becaue it is expensive it must be good. But then what is the price of a DVX or an HVX thesed days? Less than a 900 isn't it? Hmmmmm....
It looks like a nice handle, bracket, support. If it were more reasonably priced I might consider it.
 
BrianMurphy,

I have replied to your post only because you have pointed your remarks specifically
towards my product by name. I do not think it is fair unless you try it.
 
spider brace?

spider brace?

I've not tried the spiderbrace but I have a hunch you would find it a worthwhile contender. The specs on the home page and testimonials tout it's sturdiness. I know you're looking for something compact. In my youth I found that removing a leg or two from a spider never killed them. You might try cutting the spiderbrace and adding a folding hinge. Kidding yet not kidding ! MIght be a good buy/diy. -and cheap.:)
 
the spider brace is great i have one and trust me it can be modified cuz ive done it to mine but there is a guy in the diy section who built a brace for half the price of the sb2 try that section it could help.
 
BrianMurphy said:
I agree with you re the value for dollar situation. I find it really difficult to justify $400+ for a DV Multirig which is not much more that a flexible handle/support. When I do a visual comparison of other "rigs" for camera stabelization, in a what you get for your buck ,I am convinced it is overpriced.
Glidecam -$300.00-a true stabelizer
Pag Orbitor-$579.00- serious engineering
Kessler Crane-$439.00
Davis and Sanford Steady stick-$97.00
Cavision baseplate rods and handles -$300.00 and it serves more purposes
Spiderbrace-$65.00-which I am told is an excellent value
I am not saying that the DV Multi Rig is the only (IMHO ) over priced "handle" the Fig RIg at $349.00 is too and dozens of people on here have built simlar models just as effective for $12.00. I also have a hard time buying into the R&D factor when it comes to a "Handle" I truly believe it is more about "Buzz" and what the market will bear than big bucks in r&d. Sometimes things here get talked up quite a bit,I prefer reviews that truly examine the device, its cost and its value for the dollar.
Great examples of good value are in the marketplace here , like the Batteries that are excellent value for the dollar, the RoweCine dolly and so on.
Yeh, I know a bit editorial but it is a $400.00 handle!
Brian
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"Pag Orbitor-$579.00- serious engineering"
Brian you mentioned the PAG Orbitor as serious engineering. Well I don't know if you have ever heard of or used a DV Rig Pro, but it is basically the same as the Orbitor and developed by Danny (first). PAG used to sell the DVRig Pro, and basically copied the unit and made a few modifications (panning ability etc.).

The question was for a compact support device which the Multi Rig is. I personally own a DVRig Pro, and swear by it, as it's a fantastic support device, but it is not compact. I also own a DVMulti Rig, which, I was one of the first in the U.S. to receive one, and absolutely love it as well. And from the way it looks, I might never have to use my DVRig Pro again, as it also shoots DVRig Pro style, as well as Fig Rig style, monopod style, low profile mode and more.

Before you criticize a product, you should at least have a little bit of hands on experience with them. The DVMulti Rig isn't going to be a glidecam, as it wasn't designed to be one. I don't try to compare it to a Glidecam (Merlin) style of device, as I have never used one and don't have a desire to, as it isn't a need for my shooting style.

The Spider Brace seems like it has a great following here, and everyone seems more than satisfied with it, and you can't beat the price.

But the MultiRig seems more versatile than the Spider Brace . But as I said, I won't try to compare the DVMulti Rig to the Spider Brace, as I have never used one.

Thanks for your time,
Michael
 
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Cheesesailor77 said:
true dat

Brian, take a chill pill :) If it's not what you need, then don't worry about it.
Click to expand...
Not worried about it Cheesesailor,just commenting like so many other do...and everyone is entitled to an opinion aren't they?
Cheers
 
I've always thought that two-handed use was integral to a shoulder-brace's stability.

I wonder why nobody has ever posted a DIY PVC version of the spiderbrace...
 
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Gotta comment on the DV Multi Rig. I have my own metal fabrication company so I built a copy of the dv multi rig.
I LOVE it!
I'll be buying the multi rig soon because it is not even worth me trying to make the thing to the specs and quality of that product. My shop rate is $65 per hour and I would probably have 15 hours of labor by the time it was perfected = $1,000 with materials!
I spin the handles and put it in countless configurations. I even put a zoom/record button remote on 1 of the handles.
My best position for it is when I flip the right and left handles pointing up and the arms straight out to the sides but slightly towards the lens. I have my headphones on and cruise everywhere without too much fatigue. I even hold it straight over my head for that angle but it gets awkward moving far like that :)
Save some money up and get 1 of these to have fun with your shots. I have footage that just looks steady and great and other footage where I am bouncing all over just because of experimenting with the camera recording.
You can build something like the spider brace that does collapse but this design would be great for you because it can collapse to fit in your bag while still on the camera.
 
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