HMC40 on Monopod

[ggrantly]

I was out doing some run and gun with the HMC....well actually, I don't run well so let's call it walk and gun.

Ordinarily, I wouldn't think much of a larger cam like a DVX or HPX on a monopod. The other day, I mounted my HMC on a little Manfrotto 701 head on top of a monopod. I was shocked at how well it worked, very very stable. With the light HMC mounted, the monopod was like a walking stick. The springs in the 701 are stiff enough to hold the cam without a complete lockdown. When I stopped to shoot, I braced the pan bar between my body and arm, adding to the stability.

I suck hand held, so finding an alternative to a conspicuous tripod was very welcome. I know this seems so simple stupid, but give it a try. The size and weight of the HMC can really create some different shooting options.

 

[Alejo_NIN]

i have been looking into this after seeing someone with a bigger camera do it on a monopod, but always thought that the HMC would be way to light to work

 

[David Saraceno]

Grant:

We've been doing this for two years with our 170.

It works surprisingly well.

 

[Mister Stocks]

Monpopods are the most underrated tool in videography. I've been using mine with a DVX for years. Once you start, its hard to go back to regular handheld,

 

[BobDiaz]

Given a choice, a tripod works the best; I can lock it down and remove my hands from the camera and it holds the shot. However, in real world shooting, I don't always have the luxury of being able to use a tripod.

The mono-pod has proven itself as easy to run with and easy to use. I've found that shots are much steadier than without one.


Bob Diaz

 

[Alejo_NIN]

what's a good cheap monopod?

 

[ggrantly]

Bob,

What I was surprised about was how well it worked with a small head for panning in all directions.

Alejo,

Not that there aren't other good brands, but Manfrotto has a large selection of models with features to suit. Gitzo has a similar line, and I think they are a Manfrotto company.

Grant

 

[Fljournalist]

I use my HMC-40 with a Manfrotto 561 monopod. I shoot breaking news video so I run and gun quite a bit. Wouldn't be without it.

 

[MadHMC150]

Totally agree typically a monopod is underused and highly effective. We found mounting a Halo Rig Mini (for small cams like the 40) to the top of your setup can give you added balance and 2 hand control - increasing your overall stability. You can easily go from a set down ground support to a 'flying' setup without removing the monopod.

Quick examples: