dslr rig comparison

Now moving on here with my little show and tell I also have a base plate for rods based on the Tripod Connector from Shoot35 and their aluminium rods. I got 2 of the Tripod Connectors, took the base plate from one and put it on top of the other with their Raiser Block. The leftover clamp I put on front for stability and tomorrow I'll see if I can figure out a way of attaching the Manfrotto shoulder brace to it for a super small rod kit. I still miss handles and a follow focus which I'm waiting delivery on. As you can see in the second picture it allows for the battery lid to open without removing it.

http://www.sgpro.co.uk/products/rodssupports/main/rodsupportsmain.html
 

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Martti Ekstrand said:
Yup, and that adds 2lbs / 0.9kg to what you have to lug around.
Click to expand...

My original purpose for this post was to find a shoulder system that would support a mattebox/follow focus, not to compare the lightest stabilization options. There are several shooting situations where adding 2lbs is negligible for me. But if weight were a concern, I would agree with you that a gunstock would be optimal and the Zacuto would be a great choice.

I think I chose a poor thread title for my original purpose, which I don't think I can change. I'll update the first post to add in gun-stock options as well.
 
Well I thought I weight in with the observation that a shoulder mount rig can be unneeded with a camera as light as GH1 and as you can see from my posts I'm enroute to build a handheld / shoulder steadied rig that will support a mattebox and follow focus. I thought that would be of interest but if you think your thread is getting derailed I'll leave alone.
 
I have been using the redrock eyespy. I love.

Instead of buying the shoulder mount plus the baseplate, I would suggest buying the eyespy and adding an extra grip for $50. Even though the GH1 has a flip out LCD, I still like having the screen pushed more to the side. Personal preference, but I think the eyespy is the way to go.

Solid build quality. Middle of the road price. I just shot a doc in Africa with my eyespy deluxe and the thing saved me.

Also - DSLR baseplate is not necessary to connect the GH1 to the shoulder mount, but it makes it a hell of a lot easier to disconnect.
 
Martti Ekstrand said:
Well I thought I weight in with the observation that a shoulder mount rig can be unneeded with a camera as light as GH1 and as you can see from my posts I'm enroute to build a handheld / shoulder steadied rig that will support a mattebox and follow focus. I thought that would be of interest but if you think your thread is getting derailed I'll leave alone.
Click to expand...

No, I don't think you're derailing. I just realized my thread title was misleading, I've updated the original post to reflect the different options and now take weight into consideration as well.

A lot of people are mixing and matching parts, which I'll try to highlight in the original post when people complete their rigs. Would love to see your rig when it's completed!
 
alright...I thought I'd chime in here...

alright...I thought I'd chime in here...

seeing as everyone and their dog appears to be doing gunstock handles...I figured - what the hell let's use a real gun stock...

This is a folding stock made by Tapco (this particular one was made for an AK-47 as a US compliance part - however they are all the same)

Tim (owner and designer at Indifocus) and I have been collaborating on concepts for this...

Thought the dvx-ers might want a sneak preview...

indifolder_folded.jpg


This is the basic setup with top handle (C-cage is used to attach handle to riser plate) and a folding stock.

indifolder_sideview.jpg


This the same thing - unfolded...looking pretty cool. (yes the handle does come in black - but I like sand color...so sue me)

And this (below) is the version Tim is currently labelling the "M60"...best suited to long lens photographer or possibly videographers wanting a specialised "shot"

full_side.jpg


Remember - these are just prototypes - the final models will most likely be an evolved version of this (more than likely with a sliding adjustable stock...I'm personally a fan of the folding stock because when you go into handheld mode you don't have to take the stock off and you can hold it very close to you...

Anyway - thought people might be intrigued.

Nick

p.s. before people ask - YES it's solid enough (it's designed to absorb rifle recoil ;)) and YES as configured the flip out screen of the GH1 is too far away - the next version resolved that bringing it closer by 3 inches...(length of rods is 8.5 inches now btw - fits stock and follow focus and front grips)
 
Any estimated release on these things? I'm considering the DSLR Rapid Fire from Zacuto, because the gunstock configuration looks pretty appealing to me. However, I'm looking to start my purchasing later this month or early-mid October at the latest.

With regards to Rapid Fire users...how are you finding it? Do you wish you had saved for a Quick Draw or Tactical Shooter? Thoughts? Experiences? Video?

Thanks,

Kegan
 
I have the Cavision. It's really awkward. Haven't tried much else.

I have my little joby gorillapod bent any way i want, it does a decent job.

If I would go for anything it would be the PL Hotrod. with mount and handles and all. The deliberate offset really makes a difference, I'm mimicking it here with the joby, and not having your hands perpendicular to your aim (like a bike) really helps. Like one hand on the left being behind the hand on the right.
 
I can just see myself trying to explain to airport security that the gunstock is actually for my camera and the tripod holds my long lens. I have enough problems with my Cavision double handles and carbon fiber rods...
So I guess this would need to travel in baggage and give the x-ray crews something to talk about.
 
img0025r.jpg


Backup for my DSLRsm...which I usually use sans the SM part...I was always happy with the stability of the handheld cameras...only really needed shoulder mounts for dealing with 35mm adapters, large cameras, other shenigans. The DSLRS really do need some more help though...not necessarily shouldermount far...but that helps sometimes...which is why ultimately I am pretty happy with the indifocus rig (despite the minor [compared to major when they sent me wrong parts] gouging it inflicts on itself) and the configurations I have found for it.

morerig.jpg


Other old DIY thing from before I got my GH1...it's actually a lot lighter than it looks...certainly lighter than my current setup...but I don't like it as much as the gunstock thing which uses a few of the same parts.

I have some friends with vDSLRs that will probably use my gunstock thing at some point. Next week is the clubs festival at my university and we should have all of our member owned equipment out there..will make sure some pics get taken :)
 
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yes - it did occur to us that airport security might present a problem...

yes - it did occur to us that airport security might present a problem...

;)

then again - it looks and feels very very solid...

here's the shortened version (same components but flipped around a little - this was only necessary as the current folding stocks in our prototypes are not adjustable)...the new version - assuming Tim continues to develop this - would be 6 point adjustable stocks

compact_folder.jpg


oh and I added a front pistol grip in addition to the double handles...

I'm not entirely certain both are needed - but I do feel I like them both being there - because if I'm moving and pulling focus at the same time I want the pistol grip for stability...but if I'm just moving to frame a shot then I put both hands on the rig...I suppose you could have two center grips in line like an assault rifle...but I don't think that's the right answer...

Nick
 
Here's how I'm using my Indifocus stuff most of the time...I really need to get a follow focus but I'm waiting to try it out with a friend's.

p1020471s.jpg


And in subtle crappy 3D (cause of my crappy photography skills not because the cross-eyed method is bad...it's actually amazing) for no reason!

rig3da.jpg
 
nickybee said:
;)

then again - it looks and feels very very solid...

here's the shortened version (same components but flipped around a little - this was only necessary as the current folding stocks in our prototypes are not adjustable)...the new version - assuming Tim continues to develop this - would be 6 point adjustable stocks

compact_folder.jpg


oh and I added a front pistol grip in addition to the double handles...

I'm not entirely certain both are needed - but I do feel I like them both being there - because if I'm moving and pulling focus at the same time I want the pistol grip for stability...but if I'm just moving to frame a shot then I put both hands on the rig...I suppose you could have two center grips in line like an assault rifle...but I don't think that's the right answer...

Nick
Click to expand...
This looks awesome!

I have been looking for a good rig for GH1 for months now. There are not many rigs out there which are designed and tested for GH1, most of them seem like are designed for Canon 5d mk2.

When do you thing this rig will be ready for sale from Indifocus.
I was wondering if an external mic like Rode Stero VideoMic would fit while using top handel?
Can this rig be put on a tripod?

Thx
DKP
 
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dp007 said:
I have been looking for a good rig for GH1 for months now. There are not many rigs out there which are designed and tested for GH1, most of them seem like are designed for Canon 5d mk2.
Click to expand...

Well there is one "rig" designed with the GH1 in mind from the start (enables battery changes without dismounting..etc)

It is available at Abel Cine Tech without the PL mount, as the Hot Rod CSH Package for $695.

It is designed and built for professional level work- so it's hardly fair to compare some of these other rigs to it.
 
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That's why I tried to mimic your pilot grip thing with the handles on my indi DSLRsm lol...not nearly as nice (or light) though ;)

Still, it handles quite beautifully...putting the handles further up from the camera really seems to do the trick and I was watching the Rejouer behind the scenes and realizing that the setup should probably have a focus puller. (I still need to go get a follow focus but I've no need yet.
 
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