dslr rig comparison

[JerryB]

No need

No need

I have both the Steadistock ($19.99)... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...ock_SSSB_SSSB_Stedi_Stock_Shoulder_Brace.html

and the redrock micro shoulder mount ($400)... http://www.redrockmicro.com/microShoulderMount/index.html


I know I am repeating others, but there is NO NEED for a shoulder mount unless you are using a matte box and other accessories such as follow focus that make the camera weigh much more and create a need for rods. Having both, I hardly ever use the shoulder mount and will be selling it soon. The stedi stock gives a very smooth image due to the weight of the camera being so little. Many people have confused some of the stedi stock shots as GLIDECAM shots. I know Zacuto makes the same concept "rapid fire", but it is $500 for almost the same functionality.

Also, the beauty of the gunstock is the way it is held. As a profesional videographer, being able to have a hand on the lense at all time focusing is a great advantage for more artistic shots. This is the way the camera is meant to be held for professionals, unless one is using a follow focus, matte box, etc. which seems to take away from the point of these "minimal-indie" cameras.

Please go with something like the stedi stock. As a low-budget filmmaker there is no better buy and no one will be displeased for $20.

 

[Illya Friedman]

Show me a hand held rig that allows me to adjust exposure while shooting or pull focus without using a follow focus mechanic and I'll buy it. Or are you saying that you find all hand held rigs awkward? Then my answer is: it's a matter of choice. For what I do I can't use shoulder rigs or tripods.

umm... http://www.hotrodcameras.com/products/hot-rod-csh/



Designed so you can access the run-start-stop button (with right thumb) and adjust focus or aperture with a finger if you don't want to use an assistant/FF.

Unlike a "Fig Rig", you keep your elbows in so you can operate much longer without fatigue, and don't feel like you're driving a bus.

 

[Ben_B]

umm... http://www.hotrodcameras.com/products/hot-rod-csh/



Designed so you can access the run-start-stop button (with right thumb) and adjust focus or aperture with a finger if you don't want to use an assistant/FF.

Unlike a "Fig Rig", you keep your elbows in so you can operate much longer without fatigue, and don't feel like you're driving a bus.

That's why I am trying to clone your design with the setup of my indifocus gear...it's just....heavy... (because I have to setup the vertical grips with the trombone grips and not simply with non adjustable grips on crossbars.)

That said I like the setup and if I had the money Illya or was working with expensive PL primes I would go for it.

That said everyone Illya's setup (with no PL adapter) is not that much more expensive than any of the lower end offerings from Redrock and is the same price/cheaper than the low end offerings from Zacuto for what, I at least, consider to be a high end package.

 

[nickybee]

I haven't tried it yet...

I haven't tried it yet...

but ben the original indifocus shoulder mount has precisely what you are suggesting - a crossbar with two grips that you can orient in whatever position you want (in the vertical plane)...

usually of course they are pointing downwards - but you can make them point up and position the crossbar right under the camera...

nick

 

[J. Odoms]

I'm really not understanding the setup of the Hotrod CSH. Do we need to purchase that PL mount in order to use it with the 7D. and if so why won't it work without it.

That price for such a small piece of equip seems a bit much, so someone please help me understand this setup.

 

[Illya Friedman]

I'm really not understanding the setup of the Hotrod CSH. Do we need to purchase that PL mount in order to use it with the 7D. and if so why won't it work without it.

I guess I don't understand the questions. There's no PL mount included with the CSH. The CSH can be used with any HDSLR/DSLR/SLR on the market.

That price for such a small piece of equip seems a bit much, so someone please help me understand this setup.

Here's my top 10-reasons-

1) Engineered for a specific purpose - Proper hand held and tripod shooting with an HDSLR.
2) Elegant and lightweight, work can be done properly with an economy of parts.
3) Solid build quality, aviation grade materials, built by master craftsman in the USA.
4) Expandable and future proof for any forthcoming HDSLR Cameras.
5) Compatible with industry standard accessory 15mm lightweight rods, 1/4" and 3/8" mounting points. This means that my system will work with professional level accessories from top tier manufacturers like Arri and Chrosziel.
6) The only system compatible with the forthcoming S-grip, which is the best top handle I've ever used in my 16-years in this business.
7) Designed with input from more than a dozen working professionals.
8) The ability to change batteries without dismounting a GH1.
9) 100% tool-less operation.
10) Available as a rental item from top tier camera rental facilities in Hollywood and New York (unlike 99% of products reporting to perform a similar function.) Which means you can rent another if you add a second, third, forth camera.

While subjective, and obviously I'm biased, the best value (or bang for buck) of anything out there. The CSH is much less expensive than some other (less functional, lower quality, and bulkier) kits.

I spent many months perfecting the ergonomics of this system, there's nothing else like it. Although I got a report from IBC that a manufacturer showed a prototype rip-off my design. I guess I shoud be flattered, although if it's true I guess they'll be hearing from my lawyers.

 

[Loose Moose]

As someone just about to purchase a DSLR rig it would be a huge help if folks like Hot Rod would have a bit clearer photos of their products.

Also when mentioning future products (we won't use vaporware) it would be nice to give a bit more info like projected price,delivery date etc. as buying into a package like the CSH it would be nice to have an ide of the when nd how much of the S-Grip.

For me as a steadicam owner operator for camera support products I always look at how well I can plug it into my system and an ability to use low mode which one hopes the S Grip will allow for me is a key point buying or not buying a product.... Is their a threaded insert so I can pop my dovetail plate?

Also while the CSH allows for battery change with out demounting will it do the same for the Canons or Nikon cameras?

I think we all thrive on input!

Bob
R.L.Wise SOC

 

[Illya Friedman]

As someone just about to purchase a DSLR rig it would be a huge help if folks like Hot Rod would have a bit clearer photos of their products.

Undoubtedly! I'm a big proponent of lot's of product photos, I'm getting there, just not quite yet. I've been emailing some (non-website worthy) photos upon request while professional product shots are currently in-process.

For me as a steadicam owner operator for camera support products I always look at how well I can plug it into my system and an ability to use low mode which one hopes the S Grip will allow for me is a key point buying or not buying a product.... Is their a threaded insert so I can pop my dovetail plate?

As the S-Grip is currently undergoing the patenting process, I actually can't give too much information today. I am trying to make it as affordable as possible, but again, I won't compromise standards. About all I can say is that Steadicam operators will be *very* happy :2vrolijk_08: at the low mode and quick change options this S-Grip allows.

Also while the CSH allows for battery change with out demounting will it do the same for the Canons or Nikon cameras?

The short answer is yes- with all the Hot Rod Packages. The Lumix GH1/G1, Canon 5Dmk2 and 7D, and Nikon D90 battery door clear the Hot Rod Cental Support, so there is no dismount for a battery change. I've tested a few other cameras, but not all. If there is another SLR/DSLR/HDSLR you'd like to try and you live near a Abel Cine Tech, the sales people are happy to demo the system.

 

[J. Odoms]

I spoke with my Abel rep today and was told that the 5D, and 7D don't allow the PLmount to be attatched. I'm wondering if thats true, as I've been in the market for a handheld/tripod mountable rig and this seems like the best option, but I'm not sure if its just Hod Rod's PLmount or no PL mounts fit the 5 & 7D.

 

[Ben_B]

The 5 and 7d use a canon EF mount system not M4/3. The PL mount Illya sells is designed for M4/3.

 

[Ben_B]

but ben the original indifocus shoulder mount has precisely what you are suggesting - a crossbar with two grips that you can orient in whatever position you want (in the vertical plane)...

usually of course they are pointing downwards - but you can make them point up and position the crossbar right under the camera...

nick

You need them to be offset from one another for focusing. Also to mount where I like the handles to go (at least the right handle) would totally preclude using a follow focus because you'd be hogging the rods right there.

 

[nickybee]

you know you can flip the follow focus around...and I don't mean from left to side to right side - I mean from front to back of the L-bracket...that repositions the rod mount...if you look at my pictures that's exactly what I had to do for that same reason

 

[RieniO]

Hi Illya,

Thanks for the suggestion but honestly, even as a pro I wouldn't spend $700 on a camera-support with two handles. I could build something similar for $25 or so. I agree that time is money and therefor I would be willing to pay $200 for something like that, but not $700.

Also what I like about the fig rig (apart from it being affordable) is that it has much more space for mounting mikes, lights, lcd-screen. The fig can be mounted on tripod as well and for frog perspective shots it can be put on the floor and positioned by hand (this is what I mainly want to use it for).

umm... http://www.hotrodcameras.com/products/hot-rod-csh/

 

[RieniO]

$99, or with 12" carbon fiber rod system: $129.

http://www.indifocus.com/products_indirailsprodslr.htm

 

[Illya Friedman]

Thanks for the suggestion but honestly, even as a pro I wouldn't spend $700 on a camera-support with two handles. I could build something similar for $25 or so. I agree that time is money and therefor I would be willing to pay $200 for something like that, but not $700.

Also what I like about the fig rig (apart from it being affordable) is that it has much more space for mounting mikes, lights, lcd-screen. The fig can be mounted on tripod as well and for frog perspective shots it can be put on the floor and positioned by hand (this is what I mainly want to use it for).

Umm ok. Similar shape, and similar purpose does not equal similar performance or experience.

A bicycle and BMW may both get you from A to B, but one is worlds better than the other if you have to be there in a hurry and free of sweat.

My equipment is still a fraction of the cost of some other brands, and I can say with out question that mine has the highest build quality. That may not matter to you, but it matters to a lot of professionals, especially business that rent equipment to major productions, and those people need to be certain that the equipment will not fail.

I have several more testimonials I'll be posting over the next few weeks, so you don't have to take my word for it.

 

[damonw@photoinduced.com]

Some helpful videos on the subject from real life workers

Some helpful videos on the subject from real life workers

Just posted a new video on a photog named Chris Weeks, who has built his DSLR HD shooting system. This is from a series we do called "What's in the Bag"
Also on the site are 3 videos he did called "Street Photography" using the rig.
Tomorrow I'll post the full rig out of the bag and setup for use.
http://photoinduced.com
Hope y'all like them and find them useful.
We do.

 

[MutePrint]

Has anyone tried the indiRAILSpro MP? Though I'm extremely skeptical of the built-in FF, this appears to be a solid hand-held solution for relatively cheap ($400). It's targeted at the "live event shooter," though it seems pretty well suited to narrative work as well. Any thoughts?

 

[mikezip007]

Does anyone know if the Captain Stubling can be mounted to a quick release plate to be put onto a tripod?

 

[arroway]

Has anyone tried the indiRAILSpro MP? Though I'm extremely skeptical of the built-in FF, this appears to be a solid hand-held solution for relatively cheap ($400). It's targeted at the "live event shooter," though it seems pretty well suited to narrative work as well. Any thoughts?

I'm also interested in this.

Has anyone else noticed the (quite frankly) appalling lack of photos on almost EVERY SINGLE manufacturer website listed in this thread? Some of them have one photo (literally) of the gear and expect people to be comfortable handing over hundreds or thousands of dollars for it. Others have ridiculously unclear shots, ridiculously small shots, or neglect to show anyone actually handling the product. How hard is it to take a handful of clear photos? How hard is it to make a short video that explains why your product is better than the competition and worth the money you're asking for it?

 

[Illya Friedman]

How hard is it to make a short video that explains why your product is better than the competition and worth the money you're asking for it?

Hi Arroway,

I hear you loud and clear, as a customer I feel the same way.

I can't speak for every manufacturer, but personally I'm working on trying to improve all my products shot. I've held off as a couple new projects are also very close to being ready for photographs and I'd like to photograph them all at once.

To answer your question, it's not difficult to get great photos, just time consuming. I imagine it's doubly a pain for the manufacturers that need to hire someone to get professional results.

I've had offers from pros to shoot new shots for me for free, and I plan to take at leat one up on the offer in the next couple weeks. I was also literally handed a DVD full of BTS shots/video from a production using one of my kits just on Thursday, but to edit something together from this will take a little time and effort. My goal is new pics for everything before the end of October (and hopefully much sooner). Until that time I'll just keep emailing pics to those individuals that request them.

If you're not happy with the photos from any manufacturer you can always email a request for more photos, what's the worst that could happen? I send them, I imagine others would too.