Video DSLR Rigs: Ideas, Thoughts, Theories

K

Kholi

Section Moderator
If there's a thread for rigs already, sorry. I'm starting this one if there isn't so we can all begin to post our rig setups and what's been working for us in various situations.

Rigs are not limited to handheld, but filters, tripods, low mode, even vehicle mount solutions! You guys realize that you can invest in those cheap suction cup car mounts and get incredible results!?

I'll kick it off, though. I've got a lot of stuff that I want to put out there. Had a nice long weekend with my D90 and boy I can't wait for the next gen of Video DSLRs. GH-1, come on!

First off, let me share with you the handheld rig I've been using.

SUPPORT RIG

I posted a pic of this a long time ago but lost interest in the D90. I've also tweaked it a bit.

D90RR.jpg

D90RR2.jpg


What this rig basically consists of are cannibalized parts from the Redrock Shoulder Support V1.

- 15mm Shoulder Support Mount w/Standard Bolt Holes
- 15mm Handles and Support Bar

Just that deluxe kit stuff. I've taken it and assembled it so that I have free reign over the handles. Not only can I dutch the camera, I can turn it completely upside down, turn the handles so that one is above the camera for low mode, flip the handles downward in case I have to hold it up high and tilted, etc. etc.

It's complete free, but the best part is that it's stable for handheld. You've got a lot of freedom to shift here and there, rest it, turn it on it's axis with both hands, etc. I like the Gunstock Shooter that Zacuto has, but mostly for the shoulder support for pulling focus.

There's also plenty of room to mount a follow focus and a monitor on the handle's cross bar.

I got so comfy with it that I decided to hit the streets with it. Literally.

http://www.vimeo.com/4123963 -- Out of the Window on the highway and streets in low mode. Dutched some as well!

Sweet.

ADD (april 12, 2009) -- mattsand (mattias) uses this baby. Hauge (http://www.b-hague.co.uk/hague_mini_motion_cam_steadicam_type_camcorder_stabilizer.htm). Looks pretty awesome to me! Great for work that you won't really need to have a follow focus etc. Or, might work with!

You might be wondering why I don't have a place for a mattebox though.

LIGHT CONTROL (Matteboxes and Filters)


Here's my issue with strapping matteboxes on these things, or actually, much more than what I've concocted: it removes the ENTIRE DISCREET FACTOR that we all want and are going to come to cherish. If this thing looks like you're doing more with it than the standard photographer, then it's going to cause issues.

But let's face it, you really should have filters. Polarizers, NDs, even softies if you really want that look in-camera. So what do you do?

Here's my solution: http://www.amazon.com/Dolica-CF3-ND67-Neutral-Density-Filter/dp/B001MYKZNA

Circular NDs. First thing that comes to mind is "I don't want to buy those for EVERY lens!". So, don't.

What you do is grab an adapter for each of your lens to fit the largest diameter ND that you need. For instance, the one that I'm showing is a 67mm Diameter, fits the D90 kit lens. What you would do for your primes is find an adapter that'll get you to 67mm and then you can use your filters between cameras.

Might be a case where you have specialty ND's for certain lenses, but I think it's liveable.

The important thing is that you probably should have these to get the maximum range out of your system without sacrificing your Ninja Cloaking Skills aka Discreet DSLR shooting abilities.

Tiffen makes some, I'm sure that Hoya does as well. As these things start dropping en masse I suspect to see some comparison tests for what you get paying 50.00+ for an ND versus this cheaper 18.00 ND.

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.


Monitoring/External Monitoring

ADD (april 12, 2009) -- Car30 says: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=1607491&postcount=4

I can see that for stable usage. Any monitor with DVI/HDMI in will do. I had a 19" Dynex that worked pretty swell! And they're cheap, like 150 or less at Best Buy.

What are we gonna do about mobile situations?


Tripods/Heads/Sticks

Coming soon... thoughts?

Audio Inputs/Options

Coming soon... thoughts?

CarMounts/Vehicle Support and stabilization

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Please, add your rig pics, your thoughts and suggestions to this thread. Looking forward to the advancements in VDSLR technology!
 
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i use mine on a dvtec shoulder rig. i've also tried mounting the camera on rails i use for my hv20+adapter but since i don't use a follow focus nor a matte box i never actually used it for anything. the other rig i use is a hague mini stabilizer, which performs better than any other steadicam rig i've tried with this camera, and at only $100 it's a must have.
 
Man that Hague (http://www.b-hague.co.uk/hague_mini_motion_cam_steadicam_type_camcorder_stabilizer.htm) looks bad-ass. Going to the top of the thread!

I wonder if they ship to the US? This would be great for wide angle steadicamesque shots.

The problem with shoulder rigs, though, is that it defeats the entire purpose of the concept if it's not balanced. And there is no balancing this thing on the front. So your arms will probably tire out. Then again everyone's different.

How's it on your arms, mattias?
 
i use a regular 17 inch dvi monitor, it's cheap and gets framing and focusing done. get a dvi to mini hdmi and good to go. out in the field, which i don't even know what's consider "in the field", it might not do you guys much. though out in the field for me is narrative filmmaking and there's always going to be power or source to one. i'll always have the cameras lcd if i can't use the monitor.
 
Looks good Kholi. Thanks for sharing. Great idea about the adapter for the threaded lens filters. Could you tell me how much the Redrock stuff you are using cost? It looks like a sweet set up. I'd love to buy the whole Zacuto Gunstock support system, but right now I'd rather find a more affordable alternative until the whole VDSLR thing matures another year or so.

mattsand, that hague mini stabilizer looks awesome. I checked out their site too. Can't argue with the price. Once I decide what VDSLR I am going to eventually get (leaning heavily towards the Pany GH-1) I'll also plan on that stabilizer.

Edit:

As for external LCD monitors, I've seen quite a few at Best Buy that have an HDMI input, and not only a DVI input. Might be a tad more expensive though.

These shoulder mounts look interesting to me -- http://www.steadybrace.com/OnlineStore/tabid/64/List/1/CategoryID/0/Level/a/Default.aspx

They look a lot like the Spider Brace, so maybe not too much difference there but worth a look none the less.
 
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the dvtec rig has both a counterweight behind your shoulder and a spring loaded rod that mounts to a belt. very steady and very easy on your arms.

/matt
 
seems like the price went up more than just a bit on the hague, too bad, but lucky for me i got it before they knew how great it was. :-) still worth the money.

/matt
 
Vizio 22" 1080P LCD TV $300 from Costco = Best friend

Very good LCD for monitoring on set and it's surprisingly lightweight too. Again, there's always the same problem with power but for a lightweight $300 LCD and 1080P resolution, it's a steal.

As far as support goes, I'm pretty fine with the camera by itself but I can always add my little L bracket stabilizers to it if I want extra smoothness.
 
Nektonic said:
Looks good Kholi. Thanks for sharing. Great idea about the adapter for the threaded lens filters. Could you tell me how much the Redrock stuff you are using cost? It looks like a sweet set up. I'd love to buy the whole Zacuto Gunstock support system, but right now I'd rather find a more affordable alternative until the whole VDSLR thing matures another year or so.

mattsand, that hague mini stabilizer looks awesome. I checked out their site too. Can't argue with the price. Once I decide what VDSLR I am going to eventually get (leaning heavily towards the Pany GH-1) I'll also plan on that stabilizer.

These shoulder mounts look interesting to me -- http://www.steadybrace.com/OnlineStore/tabid/64/List/1/CategoryID/0/Level/a/Default.aspx

They look a lot like the Spider Brace, so maybe not too much difference there but worth a look none the less.
Click to expand...

The Shoulder Mount kit was about 250.00. I'm gonna show this to Brian V over at Redrock to see if there's a possibility that we can get a Redrock support setup just like this, without the extra mattebox odds and ends.

You could get the standard for less than 250.00 I think, but check for the Redrock Shoulder Support with grips. That's all I'm using, minuse the actual shoulder pad.

I may add the shoulder pad to get the system to behave similar to the arm brace that the Gunstock Shooter has. It's definitely NO match for an actual piece like Zacuto has for the shoulder, but it may do for now.

I'm also interested in that stabilizer. That sucker is smooth!
 
Thanks Kholi. I was expecting it to be more so that is good news.

I have a hunch that as the video DSLR movement grows, companies like Redrock, Brevis, etc... will come up with their own specialized DSLR rigs.

The Zacuto Gunstock looks like a really solid setup, but I think we'll be able to make things work well enough with a more affordable rig.
 
Nektonic said:
Thanks Kholi. I was expecting it to be more so that is good news.

I have a hunch that as the video DSLR movement grows, companies like Redrock, Brevis, etc... will come up with their own specialized DSLR rigs.

The Zacuto Gunstock looks like a really solid setup, but I think we'll be able to make things work well enough with a more affordable rig.
Click to expand...

Don't be surprised if some crazy DVXuser that's suddenly thinking more about DSLRs doesn't design one and jump into the rig game.

HMMM.
 
Well it's still a work in progress.....and will continue to evolve.

So far-

D90, 2 batteries, 8 and 4gb sandisk extreme III cards
Steadytracker extreme
Rode NTG-1 mic with hotshoe shockmount
Zoom H4 - just sold it and upgrading to the H4n
Nikkor ai primes- 24mm f/2, 28mm f/2, 35mm f/2, 50mm f/1.4, 105mm f/2.5, 135mm f/2.8.
67mm Hoya ND8 filter, 52mm-67mm step up ring, various hoods
17" 2.5ghz macbook pro with 2 gig of ram
final cut studio 2
a few cfl work lights
bob sport utility jogging stroller dolly

still to arrive-
16mm f/2.8 fisheye, 50mm f/1.2, 85mm f/1.4 and maybe a 20mm f/2.8 to complete the collection.
Mathews M25 tripod
Hoya polarizing filter
21" Sony bravia
made in bollywood follow focus/whip
Cavision rods
Cavision eye piece
Hasselblad bellows
Twixtor
Rode boom
suction car mounts
more cfl, tungsten and led lights
f-stop camera backpack
a couple of 500Gb 2.5" 7200rpm FW800 hard drives
low mode bracket for steadytracker

future upgrades-
A DSLR that works properly
some wireless mics
magic bullet looks

total cost around 10k US

The suction car mounts are great, not only for mounting DSLR to cars but for lighting indoors in tight spaces too.

I've chosen the Mathews tripod after reading many good reviews from HV20 users. It's cheap and has a good fluid action for lightweight camera's. Most pro fluid heads are designed for much heavier cams.

It won't look very stealthy in it's full setup but I can easily break it down when I need to.

I'm also interested in making a diy indieslider http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=145701&highlight=dolly+rails
 
mattsand said:
i use mine on a dvtec shoulder rig. as much as i hate using israeli equipment these days it's actually great, art is more important than politics i guess and since a lot of the palestinian children are killed with swedish weapons who am i to judge a private company based on nationality. i've also tried mounting the camera on rails i use for my hv20+adapter but since i don't use a follow focus nor a matte box i never actually used it for anything. the other rig i use is a hague mini stabilizer, which performs better than any other steadicam rig i've tried with this camera, and at only $100 it's a must have.
Click to expand...

We just turn a blind eye which is just as bad.

I'm curious why an old filmmaking fart like you doesn't use a follow focus? I've personally never used one and I'm wondering how much more control it's going to give me for my $500
 
I think the great thing about these cameras are their run and gun abilities, so apart from when you want static shots these big ass zacuto things are most people unessecary 'in my opinion'. I want the stabilisation to be happening in the camera or the lens if possible Or a think a simple development of the grip with some stabilisation in the lens would be helpful. I like the idea of the OP's handles on each side but maybe really all you need is a development of the grip on one side like a scarlet http://www.freshdv.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/red_scarlet_smart_accessory_handle_sm.jpg

or just a added grip on the right screwed into the baseplate, I think a far simpler and cheaper solution is need rather than the robocop zacuto. If you need ENG then get a Z1 the nightly news doesn't need to have a shallow depth of field. I am wanting a good dslr for documenatry work if you walked around with the zacuto you would just shoot lots of scared faces!
 
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i've been able to resolve all mounting with redrock items, from shoulder to steadicam low mode mount. quality is very good and looks cool
 
I'm not sure a rifle stock mount is such a good idea in an age when you can get shot for running through a subway with a backpack.
 
jamesmallonuk said:
I think the great thing about these cameras are their run and gun abilities, so apart from when you want static shots these big ass zacuto things are most people unessecary 'in my opinion'. I want the stabilisation to be happening in the camera or the lens if possible Or a think a simple development of the grip with some stabilisation in the lens would be helpful. I like the idea of the OP's handles on each side but maybe really all you need is a development of the grip on one side like a scarlet http://www.freshdv.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/red_scarlet_smart_accessory_handle_sm.jpg

or just a added grip on the right screwed into the baseplate, I think a far simpler and cheaper solution is need rather than the robocop zacuto. If you need ENG then get a Z1 the nightly news doesn't need to have a shallow depth of field. I am wanting a good dslr for documenatry work if you walked around with the zacuto you would just shoot lots of scared faces!
Click to expand...

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.

The grips on either side still allow you to reach around for a focus pull, and to get comfy in the highest reach and lowest. Say if you've got a slight disposition to where your left hand wants to be lower than the right to be comfy. Then you tilt the camera on it's single rail a bit and allow your body to do as it pleases.

This gets you smoother operation in long bursts, as opposed to killing yourself trying to be what the camera setup wants you to be.


These aren't Prosumer cameras or 35mm adapter rigs. They've got to be handled with a bit more intuitiveness and respect for the kind of tools they are: Ninja Swords. Don't knock the Zacuto rig, though. It's going to serve a purpose to those that want the shoulder mounted form factor that they're used to and trust, and there are a LOT of those.

And they're the first ones to incorporate an eye-piece into the mix.
 
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