Problems with Varizoom Mediarig

ksteiger

ksteiger

Well-known member
I hope I did not just make a giant mistake. I will be shooting a very long (12 hours!) event this weekend, all hand held I have been using the Spider Brace but found it fatiguing in a short amount of time. So I sprung for the DV Media Rig from Varizoom for $600.
OK, so maybe I need to spend more time with it but I swear I can get less wobbly shots just holding the bare camera in my hands. It seems massive and unwieldy. The pivot point on the right never completely tightens so I always feel like it is about to flop down. And the support rod tied to the belt seems to make it prone to left-right horizontal movement instead of making it MORE stable.
Do I just need to spend more time with it? (I was able to adapt to the Merlin fairly quickly compared to this...go figure).

One issue seems to be that I have to move the camera so far back on the platform, (to not have to stick my neck out like a turkey when shooting) that it seems to be moving when walking.
There are no tutorials or "tips and tricks" on the web so I am in the dark.
If anyone has used this device successfully with thhe HVX I would love the feedback. This event will be broadcast next weekend so I want my footage to look great.
Thank you!
 
I have to giggle :laugh:because I see that 30 people have viewed this post but none have replied. I hope its because no one uses it not because its a particularly bad choice. I have been practicing with it today and feel much more comfortable now, especially with the support rod (which quite frankly could do some serious damage to certain body parts if the velcro harness slipped...but I digress) I may be asking too much as well because I have gotten quite used to the fluidity of the Merlin shots. Its just that I can not shoot for 12 hours holding a Merlin. (No I don't have the vest for it...should I)?
 
I too have the Media Rig Ken and agree it can be difficult. The height of the camera plate/ platform above the actual rig seems too great. Also when you attach the camera it can be quiet heavy. It does help steady the camera however and is good for handheld and small amounts of movements, walking pace etc. The trick is to balance the camera and work out your movements before shooting. I find with a fully loaded Media Rig, inc my Marshall monitor I need a second person to help balance. Once balanced however it does help with long shots and beats trying to shoot handheld.
 
Thank you, Ray. Uh, can I just "drop by" in Ireland to hang out for a while? Some day I will get there. My Dad's family was from County Cork.
Cheers!
 
DV Media Rig

DV Media Rig

Ken,

This is Tom from VariZoom. Kevin is our in house shooter and he would be happy to visit with you on using your Media rig. It is one of our best selling shoulder supports.

This of course is not a walking or running rig and we have stabilizers that are made for that too.

When I shoot with the Media Rig I use it when I am atleast semi static but when I am walking I use my shoulder and arms and do not rely on the shock.

Please call Kevin at VariZoom he just took one out to a music event Friday. He has every DV / HD camera at hand and can match your configuration and he walk you through it.

Best regards,

Tom




ksteiger said:
I hope I did not just make a giant mistake. I will be shooting a very long (12 hours!) event this weekend, all hand held I have been using the Spider Brace but found it fatiguing in a short amount of time. So I sprung for the DV Media Rig from Varizoom for $600.
OK, so maybe I need to spend more time with it but I swear I can get less wobbly shots just holding the bare camera in my hands. It seems massive and unwieldy. The pivot point on the right never completely tightens so I always feel like it is about to flop down. And the support rod tied to the belt seems to make it prone to left-right horizontal movement instead of making it MORE stable.
Do I just need to spend more time with it? (I was able to adapt to the Merlin fairly quickly compared to this...go figure).

One issue seems to be that I have to move the camera so far back on the platform, (to not have to stick my neck out like a turkey when shooting) that it seems to be moving when walking.
There are no tutorials or "tips and tricks" on the web so I am in the dark.
If anyone has used this device successfully with thhe HVX I would love the feedback. This event will be broadcast next weekend so I want my footage to look great.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
 
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