DvRigPro

A

adaml

Well-known member
Based on what I've read (mostly here) I'm close to purchasing one of these, but since money is tight and I'm tired of purchasing things only to resell them soon after, I thought I'd throw out a feeler and see if any of you DvRigPro users have further comment now that you've been using it awhile. I'm mostly shooting documentary stuff, fluid interviews where the subject is likely to get up and go somewhere else without notice. I will also be shooting a fair amount in a car, sitting in the passenger seat interviewing the driver. Curious how well the DvRigPro works in that situation. However, my primary hope is that using it with stationary interviews I'll be able to focus more on the subject (I'm a one-man-band, doing the shooting and interviewing) while more easily and intuitively keeping good framing than I can handheld or with a tripod. Based on your experiences, is this what I should get?
Thanks,
Adam
 
Re: DvRigPro

I will make it easy for you.

Get your self a DvRigPro. From our US dealer, Use it for a munth, If you are not happy with it, Return it for full refund.

Condition: Send me a cassate of your work when finished.

Mail me if you like my proposal.

Danny Natovich
DvTec
 
Re: DvRigPro

I have used mine quite a bit. I did a shoot very much like Extreme Makeover Home Edition recently when I had to be on the go all around this house. I shot with my DVrig Pro and the footage looks really clean! Almost like it was shot on Stedicam.
 
Re: DvRigPro

Hi Adam

yes - your expectations are about right. I have already used the DvRig in exactly the situation you describe and my experience tells me I made the right choice.

The only thing is not to be seduced by 'almost' like a steadicam claims. It's certailny smoother than handheld when you start moving about but there's no way you'll get the 'float' of true gimballed support. And that's not to denegrate the rig in any way. The best way to describe the effect of the rig is to say that results look like they've been shot on a HEAVY shoulder-mounted cam - ie. rock-steady while stationary but a bit rock 'n roll on the move. The huge winning difference is that you can wear this thing all day without fatigue. When you're balanced properly it's even possible to take your hands away, though I don't recommend it.

I don't think it'll be ideal for the in-car shots, though. It's an awkward mother in tight spaces - you'd be better off hand-held - perhaps resting the cam on a cushion on your lap or something.

All the best

Michael
 
Re: DvRigPro

Years ago, I had to shoot handheld tracking shots with a 16mm Bolex. I learned how to get pretty smooth shots by walking like Groucho. I'd imagine with a DVRP, it would be even smoother.
 
Re: DvRigPro

i found in car shots are pretty clean if you jam the cam between the dash and the windshield.
You can practice steady movements by holding a hot cup of coffee and trying not to spill it and place a book on your head and keep it on there. Teaches you to use your legs like shocks and keep your body "floating".
 
Re: DvRigPro

For doc stuff where you'll be following the subject around, DVRig Pro doesn't have much in the way of competition. It's not like you're going to be able to use any kind of traditional Stedi rig for any extended period of time. Shooting in a car can be a bit cramped, and you may be better off with no rig at all, but if you do have the room, the DVRig Pro will work well. A wideangle lens is extremely useful for car interiors and will make it easier to use a rig and shoot in general.
 
Re: DvRigPro

Let me chime in with praise for using the DVRP for documentaries. I just wrapped production for a doc in which I shot about 65 hours of footage one-man-band style. About 70% of it was using the DVRP.

I'm a fit guy in my 20s, but there is no way physically I would have been able to shoot as much as I did without the DVRP. I often shot 3 or 4 hours at a time, and one day I shot 9 hours of footage. The footage is cleaner than it would have been handheld, and my back is in much better shape than it would have been.

I'd also like to ditto the comments that (a) it isn't a steadicam, and (b) it's too bulky to use in a car and in tight spaces. The final night of my production I was shooting backstage at a pageant. The dressing rooms were a warren of tiny hallways and small rooms packed with people, and I had to go handheld because there was no way I could have fit the DVRP back there.
 
Re: DvRigPro

It is great to read all this, Thank you.

For those of you who need a more compact support that will never be on the way even in cars and small or crowded locations we now have the DvRig Junior, It is basically a tilt
head supported by the same suspension pod as is used in the
DvRigPro. But it will be fully lockbale, and it has two spring settings. We will supply it with a detachble clip holster a standard belt, and a safty strap.

Before you ask, The list price will be - 290 $

I will upload detailed photos next week.

www.dvtec.tv

Danny Natovich
DvTec
 
Re: DvRigPro

I have a bogen 577 type quick release - is it compatible with the DV Rig pro? Or will I need to change out my tripod quick release to match the DV Rig Pro?
 
Re: DvRigPro

Get your self a Quick Release 357 base screw it on your 577
camera plate and you will have the same base on your tripod and on the DvRigPro.

The 577 system camera plate is too short for fast sliding from LCD to View finder position, It can be inserted from one end only, and if you are not carfull with the arrows, It can "fly away" with your camera.

The 357 is perfect. Both sides insrt, long enough for balancing and changing positions.

Danny Natovich
DvTec
 
Re: DvRigPro

Thanks Danny.

I was looking for the 537 Quick Release at BH - but didn't find it. Do you have a source for that or online reference?
 
Re: DvRigPro

Thanks everyone for taking the time to respond. I'm just wondering, though, can I set the cup of coffee down if I need to focus or adjust exposure? Also, what if the book falls in the coffee and it splashes on the DVX? :P

Sound like the DVRP is the best thing for my needs. Danny, thanks for the offer. I'll send you an email.
 
Re: DvRigPro

I'm a little late throwing my two cents in, but I echo everything said here. The DVRP rocks! I did a one-mile walk with a local rock DJ playing guitar (rock & roll olympics) and the footage is clean. It isn't rock solid as a steadycam, but it's not $5,000 either.

I've done 8-hour shoots with it, and it was a little hard on my lower-back (Danny, we need suspenders on the belt) I was in good shape. Actually, it's kinda funny, because my feet start to hurt before my arms or back do thanks to the DVRP.

I'm shooting a mocumentary series with it in Apri, and I can't wait. I'll use the DVRP for 95% of shots (+ 3% tripod + 2% car mount).

Justin
www.beyondtimemedia.com
 
Re: DvRigPro

The only complaint and its not much of a complaint but I have my belt for the support rod pretty snug around my waist. I have worn it for about 2 hours straight once. Its not the greatest feeling having that thing super snug around your waist.
 
Re: DvRigPro

Got my DVRP. Thanks everybody for recommending it. Based on my preliminary tests, this is just what I need. My only complaints (and please take these in context, I think the overall design and execution are brilliant): The belt looks dorky with the big orange trimmed oval, and fits like it was designed for someone with a belly (slants outward). No offense to those of you with bellies. And more importantly, the support rod could use some rebound damping. I realize that part of the beauty of the thing is it's relative low cost and simplicity, and introducing damping might blow the budget, but it sure would be nice for walking shots. I think it would remove a lot of the rock 'n roll that Michael mentioned. Also it would be nice if the useful r.o.m. of the rod was extended. Probably that would require another telescoping section.
 
Re: DvRigPro

Hi Adaml,

Glad you like the DvRigPro. How tall and what weight are you ?

Thanks for the inputs, Need some clarifications:

"rebound damping" - Tell me more on what you have in mind.

"Extended useful r.o.m. of the rod" - Why, and how much.

"...dorky with the big orange trimmed oval" - Any design ideas ?

Regards,

Danny Natovich
DvTec
 
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