Video DSLR Rigs: Ideas, Thoughts, Theories

Didn't see a Cavision DSLR rig. My bad.

GH-1, though. It's got the fold out LCD. It'll solve most of my issues in one swivel.
 
The difference is going to be actually USING them. That's when people will begin to learn what's viable. Speculation goes too many ways.

That thing just looks so freaking obvious.
 
Well there is the rig you use for legal shots and then there is the rig you use for borrowed shots if you can't run fast.
 
squig said:
I'm curious why an old filmmaking fart like you doesn't use a follow focus?
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aside from cost, which is huge issue, so far we've worked in stealth mode and without a puller. if i would build a serious rig and/or use a puller i'd get a follow focus for sure.

/matt
 
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Have you put any extra weights on the hague? The D90 reaches it's recommended weight limit without a lens. It's perfectly weighted for a GH1 with a nikkor ai lens though.
 
Kholi said:
The issue with a single handled (you have to try it to realize it) is that you don't have a place to balance your body with the camera. It's not just about the camera, it's about how you interact with it and creating a bridge between operator and tool.
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Actually I agree with you your right, I wonder if the eyepiece could serve as that for many. When I trained in Video production I was told if you don't use the eyepiece then your not professional as the lcd can never be 100% trusted. I learnt that the steadiest shots where with the eyepiece jammed into my eye and my arms pushing against my chest. So maybe a hand grip and eye piece would be an adequate product for many, so someone make one please.

I'm not really knocking the zacuto and sure there will be some who need it but I would argue it's a bit elborate for many people.

Another point I don't hear much about people using small cheap steady cams the type used for small camcorders, is a DSLR form tricky for this kind of thing I wonder.
 
my D90 video rig

my D90 video rig

- rod support
- ProDOF top handle
- ProDOF mattebox

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http://www.myspace.com/prodof
 
Letus leftover Rails.
Homemade railholders,
zigview screen (sunshade McGyver´d from the SB600 bag)
chrosziel Mattebox

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rodent_f_001.jpg
 
jamesmallonuk said:
This is what I was talking about. http://www.kirkphoto.com/supports.html#AG-1

Keep it simple!

The bean bag thing lower down is also a good thing to have though I was told when I was training, top tip...always have a bean bag with you costs about 1$.....unless you get a zacuto, red rock, etc bean bag and probably it will cost about $400.
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lol... See I love the new Zacuto shotgun rig, but a rig like this does bring up an interesting point. Obviously a shotgun brace is going to give you the most stability, but I wonder if you're losing some of what makes these DSLRs unique if you just strap them into, essentially, a shoulder mount. Once jacked in, this tiny camera suddenly becomes part of a much larger piece -- you!

I guess the question is, at what point does a rig provide enough stability so as to move it from the visual representation of "hand held".

If the Zacuto stuff is like turning the DSLR into a shoulder-mount camera, what are these rigs (and the original rig that started this posting) considered? Steadicam?

Would these rigs be closer to steadicam or handheld? Or is there a term inbetween that I'm missing?
 
As we all know who have grown to 'love' the d90, the small hand-held shakes give the d90 a terrible case of jello. The need for a much more stable platform for hand-held shooting cries out for weight and heft. I don't think that physics will allow a small/light/unobtrusive device to provide the smoothness necessary for this camera.

I find the 'jello' of hand-held shots to be the worst part of many of the videos on vimeo. Softness can work. I am used to seeing so many compression artifacts on cable that those don't even bother me as much. But jello (skew)--never acceptable in my view.

I use a larger shoulder mount (indiSytems), with a matte box/rails/FF. It works--but it certainly makes a dSLR unstealthy. Of course in some settings you are taken more seriously with a larger setup tricked out with rails/mattebox/etc., so that can be an advantage as well!
 
Update:

Update: April 16, 2009 -- COKIN Filter Solutions

http://www.cokin.com/kits.html

Saw this while I was hunting for some filters. A great alternative that can be used with existing filters. Say you have to cross-pollinate with your larger format camera, then you can still use your 4x4's on your DSLR. However, the validity of the application will depend on the user.

Just looking at it, it's going to definitely have it's uses, I'm still in favor of Circular applications because you can use your lens hoods to guard from flares and reflections instead of having to rely on matteboxes, etc.

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Added to the first post. Thoughts
 
Sweet, we're moved.

Will be reporting back on some new toys soon as well! And of course replacing the D90 photos with GH-1 pics.
 
Don't forget El Cheapo... I think this could be an interesting item for...18 bucks...mine is now out of the closet...preparing for GH1 work...as of tomorrow
Camcorder-Shoulder-Pad-KHSP-1-.jpg
 
I was in a camera store the other day and saw this little box of goodies, a touring set including universal clamp, suction clamp, ground spike! and mini pod. Cullman is a name I'd always associated with cheapo tripods, but this little set looked quite nice and could serve some uses.
http://www.cullmann-foto.de/en/products/tripods/special/index.htm


I'll second the bean bag as the most versatile piece of kit you can own!
 
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