Fig Rig VS Shoulder Mount?

Z

zeroblank

Well-known member
Anybody have any ideas as to how the fig rig compares to a basic shoulder mount? We have a few short scenes to do hand held but definitely want to eliminate the shake as much as possible. The fig rig is what we are really looking into but does it really make sense to spend $300 for quick shots when we can get a something else for around $100? If any one has come across any comparison videos on this or has any input it would be greatly appreciated!
 
i worked on a short film with the fig rig. i felt like Pop-Eye the sailor man after the multiple weekend shoot. tell you what, walk around all day with something that weighs about 10 pounds held out in front of you and let me know how you feel at the end of the day. honestly, i can't believe those damn steering wheels are still selling.
 
Shooting with the Fig Rig is a workout but there are things that it can do that a shoulder rig cannot do. Your arms act as shock absorbers and you can boom up and down (as much as your arms will allow) fairly smoothly. This stuff only applies when you're not aching. Once you start getting tired, it's going to look like crap.

In short bursts, though, it's a blast. I shot a 15 minute short that consisted of 8 one-shot scenes. 6 of them were shot with the fig rig. We got some really nice stuff and I was happy shooting with it. That said, the second the director called cut, I immediately handed off the rig to a PA. If it was just me and I was shooting longer, it would have sucked.

Shoulder mount is different. It's more a part of you. You feel the operator more. That's not a bad thing. It's just different. if you want a traditional handheld feel, you'll get it with the shoulder mount. By traditional, I mean the sort of good handheld operating you'll see in film and TV.

Good luck.

~~Dave
 
Shoulder mount is better for stationary shots, slight movement, pans and some tilt action.

Fig Rig is better for moving shots, running, low angle, tilts and tracking shots.

Both tools are good, but neither one is enough by itself. You want to have both at your disposal.
 
I considered the Fig, and I decided against it for the reasons davdo gave. I love my DVrigProHD. It takes a little practice to use well, but you can actually float your camera off your shoulder and support it on the spring rod for a "steadi" feel and look. It's not a perfect steadi shot, but better that what you might expect. It also doubles as a Low angle tripod with about an 80 degree arc vertical (static)

The funny thing is, I made a mod for mine (added a tripod plate underneath to mount the rig on sticks), that now seems to come standard with the rig. Kind of cool.

If you want to see that rig in use: http://www.freewebs.com/stevenbernard/apps/photos/album?albumid=4315616

I am working on a feature right now with some USC grad students, and they love the shots I am able to get with that rig. We're about 60% done with principal, and I was on stick maybe 3 times. The rest is on the rig.
 
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another big thing is height. Few of the steadi devices are designed to place the lens at eye level.

Shoulder mount gives a different feel.
 
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