Product Review:
By: Derek J. Allen
This weekend I received a Spider Brace to use with my HVX200. It’s a simple shoulder mount, constructed of PVC plastic, that quickly attaches to you camera with a twist of a screw. The 1.5lbs of the brace is so minor it’s virtually a non issue. It only takes a couple of minutes to assemble the device. Just screw on the shoulder extension, position the handles, and lock everything in place with little locking pins and you ready to go. (more…)
Filmtools offers a simple and very versatile camera/car mounting kit. By using 6 inch vacuum suction cups, steel rods, gobo heads, and a camera mounting platform, you can produce some very impressive driving shots. I’ve used this system and I was quite impressed with much flexibility it offers. Depending on your mechanical engineering sensibilities, you can devise a camera platform in any position for a camera of just about any weight. (approx. 50 lbs.)
Danish comapny UGRIP makes a wide variety of grips, handle, and clamps that work with a wide variety of cameras from DV/HDV to 35mm rigs. These products offer you a number of choice for how you hold you camera and attach all manner of wireless devices, disk recorders, zoom and focus controls. http://www.ugrip.dk/
So it looks like Sachtler has re-invented the HotPod into a multi-function camera support. The SOOM is a single device that can be used as a telescoping tripod, a traditional tripod, a hi-hat/baby tripod as well a monopod. The size of the head suggest that it’s meant for smaller format cameras. http://www.sachtler.com/index.php?id=1852
The indieSLIDERpro might be your answer to the need for just a little side to side motion when a dolly would just be to much. http://www.indifocus.com/
The BagPod is a run-bag and camera support in one. The bag is worn with the strap across your body and the soft neoprene cushion tucked under your camera arm. With your arm supported by the bag, the camera’s weight is distributed over more of your body as well as assisting with the stabilization of the camera. There are a few pockets that can hold tapes or a battery and a few other odds and ends. http://bagpod.com/products-urban.html
The Camera Comfort Cushion is designed to prevent shoulder pain caused by long periods of handheld shooting. Looks like it spreads out the load over a larger area to avoid uncomfortable pressure points. It’s available in fancy colors and styles too. http://www.cameracomfortcushion.com/home.htm