Using a Gorillapod with GH2 as stabilization

N

noam

Well-known member
I was just shooting some test footage with my GH2 and a Gorillapod.. I decided to try bending the legs of the gorillapod into the shape of a shoulder mount.. I formed two "handles" at the front with two legs. The remaining leg piece went straight back and rested on my shoulder. It worked VERY well..

I tested out walking through a long hallway with and without the gorillapod.. I'll post some test footage soon but the results were very surprising. I own a RedRock shoulder mount that I have been using for 2 years now, and I honestly think I get the same level of stability from this (with my tiny GH2 on it that is)... Obviously it has its huge limitations and downsides to a professional shoulder rig... But in a pinch it could prove to be a great solution!

And it's under $40..
http://www.buy.com/prod/joby-gorill...ht/q/sellerid/10001650/loc/101/204055180.html
 
Hehe, i also use a gorillapod focus with my gh2, i use also a manfrotto 486 Ball Head in combination with my gorillapod, one leg on my left shoulder, the other one on the other side and the third to the front because so i can use my left hand to focus my nokton 25mm. :D
 
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I'd LOVE to see some test footage of walking shots with it/without it guys. It would suit my needs for a compact, light, off-tripod solution - and one that could be used to mount a camera light, etc when needed.

Also, I notice you have different models - SLR and Focus. Isn't the focus only slightly larger but double the price? Any reason that the extra expense is worth it?

Cheers
 
I'll be interested to see some footage, I just got the DSLR Zoom w/ ball head and love it. I've played around a little bit with it as a support rig for video, but haven't shot anything worthwhile or done tests yet.

I put one leg in each hand, and one straight into my chest. If I tried to put it over my shoulder, the camera was to close to my face. I don't have any real rigs other than the cheap Cowboy Studios "hands free" rig, which I'd like to try to merge with the gorillapod just for fun.
 
been using it alot with my gh1. quite versatile for on the go. i sometime set it up machine gun style with lcd screen, one leg in shoulder, one on chest and the other a handle pistol grip, leaving you with a free hand for focus.

there is only so much weight the legs can take also if you start loading it up.
 
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MR Fanny said:
been using it alot with my gh1. quite versatile for on the go. i sometime set it up machine gun style with lcd screen, one leg in shoulder, one on chest and the other a handle pistol grip, leaving you with a free hand for focus.

there is only so much weight the legs can take also if you start loading it up.
Click to expand...

Right! I use the largest Gpod all the time over shoulder and the bendy legs get a bit soft with the larger lenses and gear. Perfect for GH1 and lens and sliding plate. I use it up to my eyepiece and can bend it to fit my shoulder up to my eye. I've wrapped the legs in gaffer tape to grip better.
 
after having tried various shoulder mount solutions, i have been using gorilla pod based "rig" for almost a year now in my run n gun scenarios..
yesterday i finished my latest version, need to paint it now.
it's a steel plate pre dilled , had to thread a couple of holes, then i put metal handle that belonged to a Crown 8mm film camera, my Manfrotto ball head with quick release, and the gorillapod focus. I highly recommend using the focus, the zoom version will go soft after a while or in very hot situations.
thanks to the ball head, i can get those low down shots on the ground i need often very quickly; trying to to get correct level horizon only with gorillapod is a nightmare..
i use two legs on shoulder and the third leg i can bend it and press it against my chest, it takes away a lot of weight from handle
i threaded a couple of extra holes so i can attach a flash bracket when need , so it extendes on my right side and i can stick the my zoom h2 and/or led light.
imho this is the best/cheapest solution for extreme run n gun situations..
here is a pic
http://img600.imageshack.us/i/imag0085cu.jpg/
 
I have a cheap plastic version (DSLR? bought for $3 at a thrift store) that I use, but in a different way: I lay the legs out flat along the length of my left forearm. That, plus handholding with the right and the EVF to my eye makes for a fairly stable platform.
 
henryciullo said:
after having tried various shoulder mount solutions, i have been using gorilla pod based "rig" for almost a year now in my run n gun scenarios..
yesterday i finished my latest version, need to paint it now.
it's a steel plate pre dilled , had to thread a couple of holes, then i put metal handle that belonged to a Crown 8mm film camera, my Manfrotto ball head with quick release, and the gorillapod focus. I highly recommend using the focus, the zoom version will go soft after a while or in very hot situations.
thanks to the ball head, i can get those low down shots on the ground i need often very quickly; trying to to get correct level horizon only with gorillapod is a nightmare..
i use two legs on shoulder and the third leg i can bend it and press it against my chest, it takes away a lot of weight from handle
i threaded a couple of extra holes so i can attach a flash bracket when need , so it extendes on my right side and i can stick the my zoom h2 and/or led light.
imho this is the best/cheapest solution for extreme run n gun situations..
here is a pic
http://img600.imageshack.us/i/imag0085cu.jpg/
Click to expand...

I have both - get the big metal one (the focus). I'd say it's safe up until my 57mm Hexanon. 85mm requires luck and a flip of a coin for a lot of shots depending how anal you are.
 
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