Video DSLR Rigs: Ideas, Thoughts, Theories

[Abstract Photog]

Quick preview of my rig in one of its many configurations:

Ill have more pictures and a write-up soon...might start a thread for it since iv
got a lot to cover. Basically, its a custom modified Cine Rail System + Redrock
accessories. The set up your looking at here is for low to the ground, hand
held shots.

My other main configuration is a shoulder mount/brace with these same parts.
The whole thing can be mounted to a tripod too, just like in the picture

 

[Kholi]

Nice.

Isn't the center of balance off though for low mode?

The handheld rig I cobbled together can be configured like that as well, it's the best of both worlds you must havveeee.

GH1.. I miss it so.

 

[Abstract Photog]

Nice.

Isn't the center of balance off though for low mode?

The handheld rig I cobbled together can be configured like that as well, it's the best of both worlds you must havveeee.

GH1.. I miss it so.

it is off...but not as much as it looks, and thats what the handle near the lens
is for. the way I have the top handle configured with the arm and extension rods
creates a counter balance. it works well. despite how it looks, the whole
set up is very light. the camera plate is aluminum, and the rods are CF

a top handle for low shots was my first concern when i decided on the GH1.
I used to shoot this style all the time with a DVX, so i had to have it rogar-BigGrin(DBG)

 

[Ben_B]

Made some major modifications to my (totally off the shelf DIY) rig (page 8, the other pipe on), first thing I tried was adding more and making both shoulder mount (+ two handles) and gunstock (plus two handles) configurations. It was somewhat heavy and uncomfortable. Then I remembered KISS! I stripped out like half of the parts and am left with something much lighter, with many more configurations, all of which can be done with torque you can generate yourself with different parts and maybe a flat surface, hopefully with an edge. The result is lightweight, comfortable, and can be used in a ton of different configurations. I am still posting them all. I will be adding a third elbow for more options but here is what the parts are, there are, of course, some limitations to the configurations you can do and have the threads be tight, and not all require that they be fully tight. (but as I said they can all be tightened and loosened without a clamp using the parts included.) My personal favorite configuration right now uses one vertical handle on the left, with the camera mount (the flange) on the right, and the screen flipping out into the middle. You hold the handle and below the camera mount. The flange the camera or rods go on has four holes in it, all of which are usable, and it can be rotated around to proper position if needed. Sorry about the lack of scale and action shots, the handle piece from end of threads to handle end is almoooooost 7 inches.

Does it work as well as professionally made ones? No. Was it cheap as nothin' and get the job done? Yes.

The parts:

Sort of one handle, in the back. One of several with a familiar shape for trekkies out there.

Classic Shape, recognize it from poor-mans steadicam (only mini and minus the weight...works nicely though for holding the camera.)

Another Trekkie shape that works decently although I don't like it too well.

 

[Ben_B]

Weird shape that can be flipped at least 3 different ways and used, sort of an example of all the weird different kinds of things you can do with it, there are a million like this one.


My personal favorite described above, although backwards.

 

[dsankey]

My first post after weeks of lurking & absorbing GH1 knowledge! (thanks to all for posting their findings, this site is an amazing resource.)

My question - has anyone used the Manfrotto Modosteady? Amazon has it for cheap right now ($87 US), and with the dual purpose shoulder-stabilizer action, it seems too good to be true. What's the catch?

 

[Abstract Photog]

My first post after weeks of lurking & absorbing GH1 knowledge! (thanks to all for posting their findings, this site is an amazing resource.)

My question - has anyone used the Manfrotto Modosteady? Amazon has it for cheap right now ($87 US), and with the dual purpose shoulder-stabilizer action, it seems too good to be true. What's the catch?

i was checkin those out for a while. i say the catch would be that the GH1 + kit lens
might be too heavy for it in steady cam mode. What's the weight limit suggested? b/c
the kit lens is a monster piece of glass. i really wasnt expecting it to be so big and heavy
when I got my stuff. i think maybe it would work with an alternative lens, but would
be too front heavy with the kit.

then again, the GH1 + kit lens does work with the Merlin...

 

[dsankey]

Ya, you're right - the GH1 & lens puts it at 2.03lbs / 920g, and the upper limit listed for the modosteady is 1.7lbs / 750g. It might still work though, or perhaps it would need extra weights...

 

[dmoreno]

I was also thinking on buying the ModoSteady for my GH1. Has anyone tried it recently?
I was thinking on using it on the shoulder-support mode, but would be great if the "steady-cam" mode would work too!

 

[JB_frenchy]

what do you think of this?
http://www.cinema5d.com/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=4606

it seems very versatile for the price,
and can work as a poor-mans steadicam too i think

 

[Martti Ekstrand]

Magic arms are great to have around for anything that needs a quick rig so getting one isn't wrong anyway you look at it. I got the Manfrotto 361 monopod shoulder brace and it's excellent for stabilizing a light camera as GH1 for semi-hand held work.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...Bogen_Imaging_361_361_Shoulder_Brace_for.html

 

[gdfoto]

I submit article B for review. A quick preview of a variation on the Magic Arm mount that I made this weekend for the GH1. Based on a Manfrotto 2935 arm and with custom grips. I'll be posting a detailed write up on my blog by the end of the week. Granted "SteadiCam" mode doesn't work so well, but shoulder/arm pit mode lets me shoot all day.

 

[Ben_B]

Do you like the Rode videomic? thinking of getting one.

 

[gdfoto]

I've had it in my arsenal for several years now. It is head and shoulders above the built in mic, specifically as it records what is actually infront of the camera, vs the built in, which only seems to record me fumbling about and talking. Quality wise, I know an H4N and boom mic will get better sound, but that doesn't fit into my camera bag =)

 

[mtan]

this cavision seems nice for only $175

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...S1580S_SPE_RS1580S_SPE_Shoulder_Pad_with.html

 

[senomar]

i have a glidecam 4000 and vest that i used with the hvx... does anyone think putting rails/follow focus/matte box/etc on this or something similar with the GH1 will work? mainly, i'm concerned about operating the camera and focusing at the same time... i figured another person would have to be close to pull it... thoughts?

 

[gmoe]

gdfoto-- very cool, love that creative thinking.

I'm working on a doc where I'm sending the GH1 around the country in a small kit Joby gorillapod SLR and a heavy duty noga arm which has the flexibility to do some of the same things as your rig.

You can see it here: Skip to the middle section to see the demo of the "Gorillapod / Noga Arm Steadicam"

http://www.vimeo.com/6107606


Here's just a quick tutorial that I put together for the subjects who will be using the camera. Most of the users don't know how to use a camera so please forgive the dumbed down information concerning use of auto mode, etc. I just needed to create something simple that the most technically challenged could figure out.

 

[Mike@AF]

I was also thinking on buying the ModoSteady for my GH1. Has anyone tried it recently?
I was thinking on using it on the shoulder-support mode, but would be great if the "steady-cam" mode would work too!

I have one, but could not get it to balance. Works well for steadying hand held work a little bit or for a really quick shoulder mount.

 

[Easom Aerospace]

DSLR RIG by EASOM

DSLR RIG by EASOM

My verson. :2vrolijk_08:Cory

 

[muntus]

My verson. :2vrolijk_08:Cory

I actually bought one of the Easom cages and it is really built well. I might have to order some new pieces, in fact. When my Redrock DSLR mount comes in, I'll be able to see how well it works.