I just bought a 7D to replace my old, reliable HVX200A, which had proven a war horse over the last couple years. I figured it was time to move into the new DSLR wave, and after shooting a music video on a GH-1 and being so happy with the results, I dove in, knowing there would be some trade offs.
The latest tradeoff I’m attempting to address is stabilization and compatibility with accessories. So, I’d like to get a shoulder mount rig, but my main concern aside from being able to afford it is compatibility with accessories I’d like to add. In general, I’d love to semi-approximate what I had with the HVX. I’m trying to keep this as condensed as possible - big, flowery rigs kind of freak me out. Functional, but low key as possible is my aim.
I have these accessories so far:
- shotgun mic
- mini-LED light
- 7” monitor
- Zoom H4N
Down the road I’ll consider a follow focus, matte box, z-finder, etc., but this is what I sense I’ll need to get started.
I like the idea of the Zoom H4N somewhere near the back so I can access/control gain levels as I run and gun. Mic is anywhere out of the way, and monitor is adjacent to the 7D, right in front of me. Light could be on top of the 7D, I suppose.
The two rigs that have appealed to me the most so far are, in this order:
- Redrock microshoulderMount (little parts and clamps seem to add up though!)
- Cavision Shoulder Pad Package (I’ve tried it and am comfortable with it, but wonder about compatibility)
$500 is my ideal ballpark price point, but I’m willing to go over if it meets all my needs and is upgradeable/adjustable with different cameras and accessories.
Does anyone here have experience with these (or other rigs) and these specific accessories?
How possible is it to mix and match, and upgrade? I’m totally prepared for the 9000D to come out next month - whatever the next big thing is - so I don’t mind selling the camera body down the line and upgrading. I’m hoping these other parts will still be usable though (just like my Panasonic shotgun mic is still totally relevant/valuable to me after selling my last camera, and as I assume my Canon primes will be).
Oh, last question... I’ve also been thinking about a Zacuto Z-Finder/Jr., but, I’ve heard the 7D is an either/or as far as viewing that and an external monitor. Would it be a pain to use both, primarily the monitor and then switching to the viewfinder possibly in very bright circumstances where glare made the monitor tough to see? That strikes me as nice flexibility but maybe it’s overkill? Would a Z-Finder be compatible with any of these rigs, and would it painful to arch your neck over to use it?
The latest tradeoff I’m attempting to address is stabilization and compatibility with accessories. So, I’d like to get a shoulder mount rig, but my main concern aside from being able to afford it is compatibility with accessories I’d like to add. In general, I’d love to semi-approximate what I had with the HVX. I’m trying to keep this as condensed as possible - big, flowery rigs kind of freak me out. Functional, but low key as possible is my aim.
I have these accessories so far:
- shotgun mic
- mini-LED light
- 7” monitor
- Zoom H4N
Down the road I’ll consider a follow focus, matte box, z-finder, etc., but this is what I sense I’ll need to get started.
I like the idea of the Zoom H4N somewhere near the back so I can access/control gain levels as I run and gun. Mic is anywhere out of the way, and monitor is adjacent to the 7D, right in front of me. Light could be on top of the 7D, I suppose.
The two rigs that have appealed to me the most so far are, in this order:
- Redrock microshoulderMount (little parts and clamps seem to add up though!)
- Cavision Shoulder Pad Package (I’ve tried it and am comfortable with it, but wonder about compatibility)
$500 is my ideal ballpark price point, but I’m willing to go over if it meets all my needs and is upgradeable/adjustable with different cameras and accessories.
Does anyone here have experience with these (or other rigs) and these specific accessories?
How possible is it to mix and match, and upgrade? I’m totally prepared for the 9000D to come out next month - whatever the next big thing is - so I don’t mind selling the camera body down the line and upgrading. I’m hoping these other parts will still be usable though (just like my Panasonic shotgun mic is still totally relevant/valuable to me after selling my last camera, and as I assume my Canon primes will be).
Oh, last question... I’ve also been thinking about a Zacuto Z-Finder/Jr., but, I’ve heard the 7D is an either/or as far as viewing that and an external monitor. Would it be a pain to use both, primarily the monitor and then switching to the viewfinder possibly in very bright circumstances where glare made the monitor tough to see? That strikes me as nice flexibility but maybe it’s overkill? Would a Z-Finder be compatible with any of these rigs, and would it painful to arch your neck over to use it?
