Video University: Video University Forums: Wedding & Event Videography: HELP......Equipment advise needed

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Home: Video University Forums: Wedding & Event Videography:
HELP......Equipment advise needed

burzuc
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Feb 23, 2008, 4:23 PM

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HELP......Equipment advise needed	Can't Post

Hi,

I started switching to HD and bought a new EX1 that arrived last Friday. Although the image is outstanding, it came with three problems (is this a real SONY?), reasons for which I think I will have to return it next week.

The problem I am facing is that I used to have "on shoulder" JVC GY-DV500 cameras, but now with the new EX1 camera relying totally on my hands, I need some kind of bracket to help rest the camera's weight on my belt or shoulder or anything as I just played with it around for 1/2 hr and felt my back hurting. I noticed there are lots of them out there at B&H but need your advice as what would be the best for a wedding videographer like me.

Thank you guys.

glimmer
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Feb 23, 2008, 4:39 PM

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Re: [burzuc] HELP......Equipment advise needed [In reply to]	Can't Post

There are so many options with this. I don't use too many of these things anymore, but the DV Multirig is a popular one...I can't think of the other names offhand, but check out that one. I used to own one and it really is decent.

brucecleveland
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Feb 23, 2008, 5:25 PM

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Re: [glimmer] HELP......Equipment advise needed [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

I got a DV Rig at Video 08 and it works great with my Z7.

Bruce
"Always over my head, but not quite deep enough to drown."

MLiebergot
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Feb 23, 2008, 5:52 PM

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Re: [burzuc] HELP......Equipment advise needed [In reply to]	Can't Post

I am an avid supporter of the DVTec products.

I used to use and loved the DVRig Pro.

But I have since moved on to the DvMulti Rig and swear by it. It's just s much more versatile than the DVRig Pro.

You can shoot in endless configurations, handheld, fig rig style, shoulder support, low mode, pod or non pod supported, and eve mount your entire rig on a tripod (which I rarely do these days) in a matter of seconds.

I shoot with it the entire day. the only thing that hurts on me are my feet. My FX1 is loaded up with Sony LVP-LBP LED light (and it's big) shotgun mic, and wireless receiver. And a LANC remote goes on the left grip (as it's the only grip that never changes configuration.

As I said the DVRig Pro is a great support also, but it's much larger and not nearly as versatile if you ask me. If you are shooting with a rail system, then the DVRig Pro is the way to go. If your just using the EX1 then I would say DVMulti Rig all the way.

Oh and BTW after you are don shooting, just fold it up (while still attached to your camera) and pace it back in the camera bag. Try that with any other shoulder support.

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

scotthayes
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Feb 23, 2008, 6:33 PM

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Re: [MLiebergot] HELP......Equipment advise needed [In reply to]	Can't Post

get a monopod for $100. the new bogens are designed for video.
it will be the best $100 you have spent.

If your gear is paid for, KEEP IT!

Mark Von Lanken
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Feb 23, 2008, 7:29 PM

Post #6 of 20 (872 views)
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Re: [burzuc] HELP......Equipment advise needed [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi burzuc,

I can feel your pain. Almost a year ago I made the move from a DSR-250, shoulder mount style, to a Sony Z1. My answer for getting shoulder mount stability from a smaller handheld camera, the DV Tec Multi Rig.

For preceremony I go all handheld and I'm usually on a tripod for 90-100% of the ceremony. I use the Multi Rig for about 90% of the reception. I tried a monopod, but it just restricted me too much. I was just too used to the freedom and stability of a shoulder mount camera. Now that I have made the switch, I am even less fatigued at the end of a reception using the Multi Rig than I was with my DSR-250.

I just did an indepth review of the Multi Rig for a magazine, so while I can't release the article, I can answer any specific questions you may have about the Multi Rig. I believe in the Multi Rig so much that I actually sell them.

All My Best,
Mark Von Lanken
www.VonWeddingFilms.com

Joel
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Feb 23, 2008, 8:23 PM

Post #7 of 20 (854 views)
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Re: [scotthayes] HELP......Equipment advise needed [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

get a monopod for $100. the new bogens are designed for video.
it will be the best $100 you have spent.

Ditto that. I've used a monopod since the linear edit days and can't do without it. I reviewed the Manfortto/Bogen 560B monopod for the same column as Mark. Not sure when its due out, but in the same way I can answer any questions you may have.

http://www.bogenimaging.us/...equest=productDetail

Joel

"Think of this business as a room with a huge table and a bunch of chairs around the table. There is a big pie on the table. Your mission is to take your place at the table, pick up your fork, and eat your pie. Do not look to the left and do not look to the right. Just eat your pie. There is plenty of pie for everyone."

starting | perfectionists

DGates
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Feb 23, 2008, 9:48 PM

Post #8 of 20 (842 views)
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Re: [Joel] HELP......Equipment advise needed [In reply to]	Can't Post

Joel, what does 172 mean?

Joel
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Feb 23, 2008, 10:33 PM

Post #9 of 20 (829 views)
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Re: [DGates] HELP......Equipment advise needed [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Joel, what does 172 mean?

172 is my current mass x's the acceleration of earth's gravity expressed in the international avoirdupois pound, itself based on the weight of 7000 grains as measured by London merchants dating back to 1303.

Crazy

Joel

"Think of this business as a room with a huge table and a bunch of chairs around the table. There is a big pie on the table. Your mission is to take your place at the table, pick up your fork, and eat your pie. Do not look to the left and do not look to the right. Just eat your pie. There is plenty of pie for everyone."

starting | perfectionists

(This post was edited by Joel on Feb 23, 2008, 10:34 PM)

DGates
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Feb 23, 2008, 11:44 PM

Post #10 of 20 (814 views)
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Re: [Joel] HELP......Equipment advise needed [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks. I now must reboot my brain.

Scott S
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Feb 24, 2008, 8:00 PM

Post #11 of 20 (737 views)
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Re: [Mark Von Lanken] HELP......Equipment advise needed [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hey Mark,

I bet I can guess the magazine...! Tongue

Anyway, so my question about the multi (having used it for over a year now..) if you use it fig rig style or even shoulder mount...do the arm shift on you slightly? I notice that I'm shooting level then if I try to go dutch, the arms shift slightly and it adds a slight jerk to the footage.. so do you and michael experience this or do I have a bad one?

Thanks,
Scott

(This post was edited by Scott S on Feb 24, 2008, 9:50 PM)

Mark Von Lanken
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Feb 25, 2008, 12:20 AM

Post #12 of 20 (712 views)
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Re: [Scott S] HELP......Equipment advise needed [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Scott,

You don't think it starts with E and ends with V do you?

If you are referring to one of the two front arms, then the answer is to use the supplied allen rench and tighten it up a little. I can see how that would cause a problem.

If I have not described the problem you are facing or my solution did not work, let me know.

All My Best,
Mark Von Lanken
www.VonWeddingFilms.com

Scott S
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Feb 25, 2008, 12:52 AM

Post #13 of 20 (705 views)
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Re: [Mark Von Lanken] HELP......Equipment advise needed [In reply to]	Can't Post

I sent you a PM so I didn't derail this thread with my problems too much...
Thanks,
Scott

Mark Foley
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Feb 25, 2008, 7:53 AM

Post #14 of 20 (664 views)
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Re: [Scott S] HELP......Equipment advise needed [In reply to]	Can't Post

I wouldn't see it as derailing the thread....
Having just purchased one, I would like to hear what is causing it/or what needs to be done/adjusted to prevent this...

_________________________
Mark

Scott S
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Feb 25, 2008, 1:23 PM

Post #15 of 20 (632 views)
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Re: [Mark Foley] HELP......Equipment advise needed [In reply to]	Can't Post

Quote

I wouldn't see it as derailing the thread....
Having just purchased one, I would like to hear what is causing it/or what needs to be done/adjusted to prevent this...

Oh...Ok, well from talking to mark offline it apears that mine might be defective.. Essentially the the brass pin that you push so you can rotate the handle grips is what locks them in place at the different positions...once they are "locked" in on mine, the grip portion still has some wiggle or shift in it.. basically if I start out shooting level then try to dutch or do a pan, the grips shift a little adding a noticeable little camera jerk to the footage. Especially brutal when using it figrig style. It has caused me to use this thing less and less even though I love the idea of it. The guy who makes them is very nice though and typically has great customer service so I have an email out to him to see if he can do something to fix it... I can keep you updated if you want.

Cheers,
Scott

David L
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Feb 25, 2008, 1:48 PM

Post #16 of 20 (626 views)
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Re: [Mark Von Lanken] HELP......Equipment advise needed [In reply to]	Can't Post

Mark: what magazine will be printing your article?

In the meantime, I have a few questions for you:

Does the DV multirig provide some 'steadicam" type capabilities? I'm not expecting it to be as good as a steadicam for extended floating shots, for instance, but is it better than a monopod in this respect?

And I'm picturing that it would allow me to keep my camera (FX1) in front of me for long periods of time without much fatigue, is that correct? I'm especially picturing those receptions with multiple long speeches, where you need a cam that you can steadily bring around the room for various shots ...

Thanks and I look forward to reading your article.

(This post was edited by David L on Feb 25, 2008, 1:50 PM)

MLiebergot
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Feb 25, 2008, 2:16 PM

Post #17 of 20 (614 views)
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Re: [David L] HELP......Equipment advise needed [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

David take it from a long time (maybe first U.S. user) of the DVMulti Rig. you can achieve some decent gliding camera shots with practice (mainly the walk). While not Glidecam quality, it will work nice for most.

But you will get phenomenal moving camera shots, as well as being able to shot ALL DAY LONG with no fatigue, except for the feet.

What I have been doing for speeches now, if possible, is to pull up a chair and shoot the speech from down in front. I just compact my DVMR, and sit down, out of everyone way. Or you can mount the entire rig on your tripod if you like.

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

(This post was edited by MLiebergot on Feb 25, 2008, 2:42 PM)

Mark Von Lanken
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Feb 25, 2008, 2:20 PM

Post #18 of 20 (613 views)
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Re: [David L] HELP......Equipment advise needed [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Hi David,

Event DV. Do you have a subscription?

In my opinion the Multi Rig does not let me get the same quality of "stedicam" type of shots that I get with my Glidecam. Many advertisers claim to provide stedicam like footage, but outside of the Stedicam, Glidecam, Merlin and similar products, I have not found the "stedicam" type of footage I'm looking for with products like the steddiepod, flowpod or even the Multi Rig. Using the Multi Rig for walking footage does look better than just going handheld, but it is not "stedicam" quality.

Yes, I can shoot for long periods of time with my Z1 on the Multi Rig in front of me, especially for long speeches at the reception or even during the rehearsal dinner.

All My Best,
Mark Von Lanken
www.VonWeddingFilms.com

David L
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Feb 25, 2008, 4:39 PM

Post #19 of 20 (592 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] HELP......Equipment advise needed [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks guys, may have to give one a whirl.

burzuc
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Feb 26, 2008, 7:56 PM

Post #20 of 20 (492 views)
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Re: [Mark Von Lanken] HELP......Equipment advise needed [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thank you guys. A Multi Rig it is.