GH4 Shoulder rig for gh4

S

scottfs

Well-known member
I am enjoying my gh4. My next project will be shooting a short documentary. I need a shoulder rig to shoot it.

What is the best shoulder rig for the gh4?
 
I cobbled my shoulder rig together as I already had rails for the follow focus and matte box. Got a z-riser and shoulder pad, (already had extra rods), and added a 2 lbs weight, and then handles for the front. What really made a difference though was getting one of these-- https://www.amazon.com/Neewer®-Retr...qid=1468528743&sr=8-1&keywords=waist+rod+dslr. With this attached I can hold the camera all day and not get tired, and it helps keep your hand held work more solid. Also, I could hold the camera with one hand and adjust focus with the other more easily. Only negative is that I didn't like the spring the camera sits on, so I removed it (it unscrews) and attached a ball head instead.
 
scottfs said:
I am enjoying my gh4. My next project will be shooting a short documentary. I need a shoulder rig to shoot it.

What is the best shoulder rig for the gh4?
Click to expand...

Just in case you haven't have considered a Monopod this video shows the best ones for video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvf-UuCdeYg I ordered a Sirui P-324S and am very pleased. I'll be using it with both my Panasonic DVX200 and GH4's. Monopods are excellent for Run & Gun and documentary work.
 
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Well, I ordered a Came-TV rig designed for the gh4, with shoulder pad. As much as I love shopping, ha ha, I have a doc that is starting shooting at the end of the month, so I can't wait.

It seems to be a mid-priced rig. I'll see how it works out. With everything, It's $500. I'd love a Wooden camera rig or a Shape, but I'm not going to spend $2500 on a rig for a $1200 camera.
 
I think even $500 is insane for a shoulder rig for a camera as small as a GH4.. $250 should be more than enough.

Check this video I did covering all kinds of really inexpensive support gear that works great.

You'll still need a cage with a riser-base for the rods to go into, but there are a ton of GH4 cages out there that will work fine and don't cost too much.

I wouldn't hesitate to get this one for $150 - then just add the few custom fit extras that I show in the video.
https://proaim.com/filmcity-camera-cage-389.html


https://vimeo.com/156506740
 
Batutta said:
I cobbled my shoulder rig together as I already had rails for the follow focus and matte box. Got a z-riser and shoulder pad, (already had extra rods), and added a 2 lbs weight, and then handles for the front. What really made a difference though was getting one of these-- https://www.amazon.com/Neewer®-Retr...qid=1468528743&sr=8-1&keywords=waist+rod+dslr. With this attached I can hold the camera all day and not get tired, and it helps keep your hand held work more solid. Also, I could hold the camera with one hand and adjust focus with the other more easily. Only negative is that I didn't like the spring the camera sits on, so I removed it (it unscrews) and attached a ball head instead.
Click to expand...

I have one of these too and don't have a damn clue how to attach the end of it to my rails? I literally just find a spot that I can sit it on but it's never solid.
 
That's a great option Batutta, thanks! But i'm a little confused how the guys who sell the support system expect people to attach it to their rods?
 
PaPa said:
That's a great option Batutta, thanks! But i'm a little confused how the guys who sell the support system expect people to attach it to their rods?
Click to expand...

Well, presumably you'd remove the quick release plate that you use to mount your rails on a tripod and use that 1/4" or 3/8" hole, but that's a bit of a hassle to take off any time you do handheld work.
 
Got the Came-TV cage and shoulder rig. Just OK

The cage is pretty good, solid, beefy. I ordered the two wooden grips that fit on either side of the camera. They are fairly comfortable, but I think they won't be that comfortable after a while.

Rails are fine. The clamp for the HDMI plugs, though, are so long you can't fully open the LCD screen, which is a real problem.

The shoulder pads are an option, and a disappointment. It needs to be offset, so you can actually see what you are shooting.

This is a close miss. You'd think they'd solve these problems with minor fixes. I could if I had a decent machine shop.

bottom line...Meh...
 
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