This is my review of the "Hands Free Shoulder Pad for Camcorders". I bought it from CowboyStudio/Amazon for a total of $26.99.
http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Shoulder-Support-Camcorder-Camera/dp/B0036NMQ7S
http://photography.shop.ebay.com/Ca...rt+pad&_catref=1&_fln=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m282
I bought it just looking for some sort of cheap stabilizer or shoulder mount. After comparing test footage the 'Shoulder Pad' the camera is a bit more stable, but there is no night and day difference compared to just handheld.
Just dicking around with it right out of the box inside:
It still has the same feel as a handheld, except less jerk's from when your arms are getting tired or your body needs to adjust. I could see it being used for street interviews, weddings, and other events that you need to stand up and hold the camera. You can operate this hands free which is pretty comfortable if you are just standing there with a shot.
The other thing I could see this rig being useful for is if you have gear (mics, audio device, lcd screen, etc) that you are trying to keep all attached. It feels like it supports the camera well and you would be able to keep it on for long periods of time with not too much stress. If you have a 'Shoulder Support Mount' type then one of your arms is still holding it up between takes. With this the lower arm on your stomach is helping take the weight off of your arms.
This is essentially the same thing as a 'shoulder support mount' except you don't have the same amount of range since the arm of the 'Pad' is pretty much a fixed point on your body. Where as the 'shoulder support mount' you can move up and down without needing to move your back. If you are getting anything but eye level you really have to strain to get a comfortable shot.
I've seen people build 'shoulder support mounts' out of PVC and materials so I'd be interested to see the difference. I'm assuming its still close, just easier to handle.
http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Shoulder-Support-Camcorder-Camera/dp/B0036NMQ7S
http://photography.shop.ebay.com/Ca...rt+pad&_catref=1&_fln=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m282
I bought it just looking for some sort of cheap stabilizer or shoulder mount. After comparing test footage the 'Shoulder Pad' the camera is a bit more stable, but there is no night and day difference compared to just handheld.
Just dicking around with it right out of the box inside:
It still has the same feel as a handheld, except less jerk's from when your arms are getting tired or your body needs to adjust. I could see it being used for street interviews, weddings, and other events that you need to stand up and hold the camera. You can operate this hands free which is pretty comfortable if you are just standing there with a shot.
The other thing I could see this rig being useful for is if you have gear (mics, audio device, lcd screen, etc) that you are trying to keep all attached. It feels like it supports the camera well and you would be able to keep it on for long periods of time with not too much stress. If you have a 'Shoulder Support Mount' type then one of your arms is still holding it up between takes. With this the lower arm on your stomach is helping take the weight off of your arms.
This is essentially the same thing as a 'shoulder support mount' except you don't have the same amount of range since the arm of the 'Pad' is pretty much a fixed point on your body. Where as the 'shoulder support mount' you can move up and down without needing to move your back. If you are getting anything but eye level you really have to strain to get a comfortable shot.
I've seen people build 'shoulder support mounts' out of PVC and materials so I'd be interested to see the difference. I'm assuming its still close, just easier to handle.