A Cinematography Buyers Guide for HDSLR Users

Part 3 - Mobile / Shoulder Supports

While the hybrid / video Digital SLR is creating quite a stir in the world of filmmaking due to the larger image sensors and ability to accept 35mm lenses without adapters, the photographer also becomes another beneficiary of this new technology. Since these cameras also shoot incredible stills, you may already have the right equipment in your bag to take your product offerings or even just slideshows to the next level.

Yes, the HDSLR (Hybrid-DSLR) has incredible video capabilities, but they are not designed to replace a camcorder for casual, everyday use. Due to inherent limitations with auto focus and zooming you probably would not want to record Johnny's soccer game with it - at least without knowing how to get around some of the limitations. While many people, including myself at times, have promoted this new ability as the new dawn of video, there are also many out there that knock the video abilities of these cameras, touting the poor or nonexistent AF capabilities, editing skills and tools needed to put the footage together, and the issues with the "rolling-shutter" effect that is caused by the CMOS sensor not being to redraw each frame as quickly as we can move the camera (results in vertical lines leaning right or left during a pan). Truthfully, both are true. These camera's are no more a replacement for the camcorder as a race car would be a replacement for an everyday sedan. However, these 'race cars' of video have incredible capabilities that far exceed even professional camcorders when it comes to controlling depth-of-field, shooting in low light, and resolution.

They key to successfully using an HDSLR to capture video is to understand its limitations and to learn how to get around them and the tools that are available to help you. In part 3 of this Cinematographers Buyer's Guide I cover the different stabilizers available to help you get professional quality results while staying mobile with your HDSLR. This page does not cover tripods as supports as we feel that most of our readers are already familiar with them. We may do an article in the future on the differences between heads for video vs. the heads for still photography.

Shoulder Rigs / Supports

There is a growing industry centered around helping photographers and filmmakers use these new cameras to get more polished results. Enter the shoulder supports. Shoulder supports in their simplest form are just extensions that allow you to rest some of the weight of the camera on your shoulder. This helps to keep sway and vibration to a minimum, while still keeping you mobile. The more advanced shoulder rigs allow you to slide on other accessories as your needs grow and provide much more customization when it comes to positioning the camera exactly where you want it to be. There are also many new rigs hitting the market that use the front of your body as part of the support system, rather than using the shoulder. These tend to be a bit less cumbersome to use and also less expensive.

It is also important to keep in mind that while all of these rigs will be ideal for video use, not all will be ideal for hybrid use since shooting stills with the same camera typically will require totally different camera positioning.

Here are some of the more popular products on the market today listed in order of price. Since I personally have not used most of these I am using the manufacturer descriptions to help provide information.

Cavision DSLR Shoulder Mount with LCD Viewfinder ($493.50) Model: RS5DM2SET-S Available from B&H Photo Virtually transforms your DSLR camera (such as Canon 5D MII) into a professional HD camcorder Standard 15mm rods allow for use of additional accessories such as a matte box or a follow focus Quick release function allows the camera with viewfinder to be quickly and easily removed from the rods support system Shoulder support system greatly enhances handheld operation and vastly reduces camera jitter Includes: LCD Viewfinder (MHE52), Connection piece (MHE52-C2), Rubber adapter for 3.0" LCD (MHE52-R3), Mini-DV rods support with quick release (RS15IIMQ-R) - with 30cm long rods and no front bracket, Shoulder pad (RS15SP-2), Dual Handgrips (RHD1560)

Cavision DSLR Shoulder Mount with LCD Viewfinder & Mini Follow Focus ($849.95) Model: RS5DM2SET-F Available from B&H Photo The RS5DM2SET-F is identical to the above shoulder rig but with the addition of the Cavision Follow-Focus for HDSLR's. Follow-Focus allows the photographer to more easily control manual focus pulling and visually marking of start/stop points for the focus. You can read more on follow-focus in part 2 of this buyers guide. Virtually transforms your DSLR camera (such as Canon 5D MII) into a professional HD camcorder Standard 15mm rods allow for use of additional accessories such as a matte box or a follow focus Quick release function allows the camera with viewfinder to be quickly and easily removed from the rods support system Shoulder support system greatly enhances handheld operation and vastly reduces camera jitter Includes: LCD Viewfinder (MHE52), Connection piece (MHE52-C2), Rubber adapter for 3.0" LCD (MHE52-R3), Mini-DV rods support with quick release (RS15IIMQ-R) - with 30cm long rods and no front bracket, Shoulder pad (RS15SP-2), Dual Handgrips (RHD1560), and the Basic mini follow focus (RFD15B). * Additional gear rings required depending on size of lenses being used - follow focus includes fujinon gear type

Cavision Single Handgrip Viewfinder For DSLR Cameras ($199.95) Model: RS5DM2-VSH Available from B&H Photo While the RS5DM2-VSH is not a shoulder rig, by placing the single handle below the camera it provides an more stable option than placing both hands on the camera itself. Your right hand would grasp the grip of the camera, while your left hand would grab this pistol-style grip. The LCD Viewfinder loupe also becomes another contact point for increased stabilization. Provides both an attachment method for LCD Viewfinder as well as a single handgrip system which greatly enhances handheld shots Ideal for Canon 5D Mark II (and other DSLR cameras) Viewfinder connector features both horizontal and forwards/backwards adjustment; handgrip offers full tilt adjustment Please note: height alignment is intended for Canon 5D MII, may not align properly with other cameras

Cavision Dual Handgrip Viewfinder For DSLR Cameras ($269.95) Model: RS5DM2-VSH Available from Buy from B&H Photo & Save Again, while the RS5DM2-VDH is not a shoulder rig, the dual hand grips placed below the DSLR will provide for increased stability when compared to hand holding the camera. The included LCD viewfinder loupe also becomes another contact point for increased stabilization. Provides both an attachment method for LCD Viewfinder as well as a dual handgrip system which greatly enhances handheld shots Ideal for Canon 5D Mark II (and other DSLR cameras) Viewfinder connector features both horizontal and forwards/backwards adjustment; handgrip offers full tilt adjustment Please note: height alignment is intended for Canon 5D MII, may not align properly with other cameras

Cinevate Cinevate Digital SLR shoot rig ($883) Buy from Cinevate With the arrival of various digital SLR cameras capable of HD video, we've been overwhelmed with requests to offer our Proteus carbon fiber rails systems in a DSLR shoot configuration. The rails are solid carbon fiber, and all the parts 100% CNC machined aluminum. The cage, shoulder mount and rails system have been configured as our shooters in the field prefer to use them. The good news is that if you already own our Proteus 45cm rails and our shoulder mount kit, you've got pretty much everything you need. Note that our highly regarded Durus follow focus, matte box and Proteus cage are not included. You'll find those duplicated in this catalog section in case you'd like to add them to your order. If you plan on replacing your DSLR system down the line, remember that this Proteus rails system can fully support every video camera from the tiny HV20 consumer camera, to the 2/3" Broadcast format HPX500. You will never need another rails system!

Zacuto Gorilla Kits Zacuto's DSLR Gunstock Gorilla kits are for shooters who are on the go, run'n'gun, gorilla shooters. They go from tripod to handheld in seconds and weight virtually nothing. Perfect for journalism, event and indie shooters looking for Zacuto quality, infinite adjustability as well as an affordable price. When shooting photographs holding the camera is possible, but when shooting HD video you need multiple points of contact to steady the camera. Get a Gorilla kit and become a steady Zacuto Gorilla shooter. Zacuto DSLR Rapid Fire ($551) Buy from B&H Photo & Save Rapid Fire is light and easy to handle and have no baseplate or rod platform. Everything is quick releasable. The user can quickly free the camera from the gunstock by flipping the lever on the quick release tripod plate. The Rapid Fire is our most basic gunstock shooter weighing only 1lb 6 oz. It has 2 points of contact by using the gunstock in your chest and your hand on the camera. You can add a third point of contact by adding our Z-finder to the kit when placing your order. Includes: Manfrotto Low Profile Quick Release adapter, Zicromount III with camera mounting pin, Z-mount II, 6.5" Female/Female Rod, 4.5" Female/Female Rod, Gunstock with 1/2" thread Please Note: The Z-finder shown is NOT included with the Quick Draw

Zacuto DSLR Quick Draw ($680) Buy from B&H Photo & Save Zacuto's Product Page Quick Draw is light and easy to handle and has no baseplate or rod platform. Everything is quick releasable. The user can quickly free the camera from the gunstock by flipping the lever on the quick release tripod plate. The Quick Draw is similar to our Rapid Fire but uses a handgrip instead of the chest as a point of contact. Weighing in at only 1lb 3 oz, it is our lightest gunstock shooter. It has 2 points of contact by using the handgrip in one hand and your other hand on the camera. You can add a third point of contact by adding our Z-finder to the kit when placing your order. Includes: Manfrotto Low Profile Quick Release adapter, Zicromount III with camera mounting pin, Zgrip Z-Mount II, Z-mount II, 8" Female/Female Rod Please Note: The Z-finder shown is NOT included with the Quick Draw

Zacuto DSLR Tactical Shooter ($1176) Save at B&H Photo Zacuto's Product Page Tactical Shooter is light and easy to handle and have no baseplate or rod platform. Everything is quick releasable. The user can quickly free the camera from the gunstock by flipping the lever on the quick release tripod plate. The Tactical Shooter weighs only 1lb 8 oz but has three points of contact by having a one hand on the handgrip, the gunstock in your chest and your focusing hand presses up against the rod. You can add a fourth point of contact by adding our Z-finder to the kit when placing your order. Includes: Manfrotto Low Profile Quick Release adapter, Zicromount III with camera mounting pin, (3) Z-mount II, Zgrip Handle, (2) 4.5" Female/Female Rod, Gunstock with 1/2" thread, 6.5" Female/Female Rod, 8" Female/Female Rod Please Note: The Z-finder shown is NOT included with the Quick Draw

Zacuto Gunstock Shooters Zacuto's DSLR Gunstock Shooters are locked, loaded, and ready to fire! After six months of using DSLR's, Zacuto has made the next evolutionary leap by changing the way DSLR cameras will be used from this point forward. These Shooters are universal, quick-releasable, extremely lightweight and great for run'n'gun type shooting, as well as indie filmmaking. They also create the correct form factor for filmmaking by utilizing Zacuto's Optical Viewfinder (Z-Finder) for precision focus. All kits are light and easy to handle, which is critical for smooth movement and less user fatigue in both tripod and handheld use. The Gunstock Shooters come equipped with a shoulder strap for all day carrying, allowing users to go from ready position to shooting position within seconds. This also enables users to effortlessly move from tripod to handheld without a cut or interruption. The Shooters can be used with any 15mm lightweight accessories, follow focuses & matte boxes. They can also be used with or without counterbalance. Zacuto DSLR Sharp Shooter ($1806.90) Buy from B&H Photo & Save Zacuto's Product Page The Zacuto Sharp Shooter is their entry level Gunstock shooter. It uses their height adjustable Mini Baseplate and the Manfrotto quick release plate, allowing users to quickly get the camera off the baseplate. It also uses the Zacuto shoulder pad and the Z-finder, 3x magnification, Optical Diopter, allowing users to quickly get their eye in the viewfinder and the kit on their shoulder. The Sharp Shooter weighs 6.5 lbs and offers four points of physical contact. Includes: Mini Baseplate with 6" rod and 8" rod, Quick Release Adapter, Zgrip Z-Mount, Shoulder Pad with 12" rod and 8" rod, Studio 15mm Minimount, Minimount, Z-Finder, Strap

Zacuto Marksmen ($2,216.35) Buy from B&H Photo & Save Zacuto's Product Page The Zacuto Marksmen has one added feature over the Sharp Shooter: the Gunstock. The Gunstock gives users another point of contact, making this kit more stable. Just like the Sharp Shooter, the Marksmen uses the Zacuto shoulder pad and the Z-finder, allowing users to quickly get their eye in the viewfinder and the kit on their shoulder. The Marksmen weighs 7 lbs and offers five points of physical contact. Includes: Mini Baseplate with 6" rod and 8" rod, Quick Release Adapter, Zgrip Z-Mount, Shoulder Pad with 12" rod and 8" rod, Studio 15mm Minimount, (2) Minimount, Z-Finder, Strap, Gunstock with 1/2" thread, and 1" Rod Extension.

Zacuto DSLR Precision Shooter ($5,239.25) Buy from B&H Photo & Save Zacuto's Product Page The Precision Shooter allows users to quickly go from run'n'gun type shooting to studio shooting. It includes all the components of the Sniper, plus it gives users the ability to mount and power an on-board monitor. With the Precision Shooter, users can go from tripod to handheld in seconds. It weighs 7.5 Ibs and offers five points of physical contact. Includes: Mini Baseplate with 6" rod and 8" rod, Quick Release adapter, Zgrip Z-mount, Shoulder Pad with 12" rod and 8" rod, Studio 15mm Minimount, (2) Minimount, Z-Finder, Strap, Z-Focus with .8 pitch gear, (1) Zip Gear Universal, Zround Mount, Gunstock with 1" rod, Doublemount, Red Plate, Battery Plate, Wireless Plate, Zamerican V3 Large 12" Arm, Zicromount III, (2) V-Mount batteries and dual charger

Redrock Micro The award-winning DSLR 2.0 hybrid support rigs recognize that video DSLR's change the game when it comes to shooting styles and situations. No longer encumbered by large heavy cameras, DSLR cinema can shoot anytime, any place, discreetly and without drawing attention. Switching between motion and still photography is a snap, and your support rig needs to quickly adapt to the various shooting styles enabled by these small cameras. The Redrock DSLR 2.0 hybrid support rigs meet the need by providing cinema-quality. All DSLR bundles now ship with carbon fiber rods. Redrock's unique process results in precision, incredibly strong rods that are 66% lighter than comparable stainless steel rods. Redrock Micro Ultraport ($440) Buy from Adorama The UltraPort is a lot of fun on its own, and with additions, it can turn into something customized and even more useful. The two-grip configuration minimizes rotation while you shoot, and it's easy to remove the camera from the rods with the dSLR baseplate's quick release system. Shoot with just the camera. Shoot handheld with grips. Build a custom beast to rival that restored 1969 Mustang your dad still won't let you drive. Includes: Redrock Micro DSLR Baseplate, Handlebar Clamp, 2 x 4" Handlebar Rods, 2 x Blue Hand Grips, 2 x 4" 15mm Stainless Steel Rods, Redrock Micro 1 Year Warranty

Redrock theEvent ($640) Buy from Redrock Micro Designed for extra stability while maintaining the freedom of handheld shooting, theEvent is designed with wedding/event and photojournalists in mind. theEvent sports two rugged handgrips and the microFinder loupe accessory, and adds our new microBrace body pad for and additional point of contact. Lightweight 6" carbon fiber rods keep the rig light and compact, and still allow enough room to add a microFollowFocus if desired. Includes: DSLR baseplate, 2x 6" 15mm carbon fiber rods, microBrace body pad accessory kit, handlebar rod clamp, 2x 4" handlebar rods, microFinder loupe accessory (loupe not included).

Redrock Captain stubling wth Follow Focus ($975) Buy from Adorama We don't really have the authority to hand out military ranks, but we're making an exception. Like Captains of other things (ships, space ships, industry), this rig goes where others wouldn't dare, and leads by example. The Stubling gets its name from its designer, DV Rebel and VFX guru Stu Maschwitz (www.prolost.com) T and the functionality of the design reflects Stu's philosphy on shooting - put the camera everywhere, stay light, and do it all yourself." The Captain Stubling builds off the UltraPort by incorporating the microFollowFocus for precise focus control, and moving one of the handgrips back on a 4" grip rod so the rig can be steadied in both hands while the thumb and forefinger of the left hand control focus. Includes: Redrock Micro DSLR Baseplate, Handlebar Clamp, 1 x 4" Handlebar Rod, 1 x 4" Rod Grip, 2 x Blue Hand Grips, 2 x 9" 15mm Stainless Steel Rods, microFollowFocus v2, 1 x microLensGear, Redrock Micro 1 Year Warranty

Redrock Micro eyeSpy Shoulder Mount Rigs Sometimes the shoot requires a little more direct connection with the eyeball and camera. For a more traditional shoulder mount shooting style we offer the EyeSpy rigs. EyeSpy starts with the shoulder pad, 18" 15mm carbon fiber rods, and single rubberized handgrip from the popular microShoulderMount. We've added an additional rod extension to center the camera for viewfinder use, and topped it off with the DSLR baseplate, and microFinder loupe accessory. You can also select versions that include the microFollowFocus v2 with microLensGears and the microBalance counterbalance weights for added stability and ease of use. The EyeSpy rig comes in three configurations: Redrock Micro eyeSpy Standard ($620) Buy from Adorama and Save The eyeSpy Standard Bundle is an economical solution for shoulder-mounted DSLR rigs, and can always be upgraded to any other eyeSpy bundle with additional Redrock products. Includes: 2x 18" 15mm carbon fiber rods, 2x 9" 15mm carbon fiber rods, padded shoulder pad with rod clamp, rod offset kit (for centering the camera for viewfinder use), microHandGrip, DSLR baseplate, microFinder loupe accessory for optical viewfinder. Note: The microFinder loupe accessory is for attaching 3" loupe securely to the back of the DSLR. Loupe is sold separately (currently we recommend the Hoodman Hoodloupe 3.0)

Redrock Micro eyeSpy Balance ($735) Buy from Adorama Buy Direct & Save The eyeSpy Balance Bundle builds on the Standard Bundle by adding counter balance weights for a perfectly balanced, on-the-go, shoulder-mounted DSLR rig. Includes: 2x 18" 15mm carbon fiber rods, 2x 9" 15mm carbon fiber rods, padded shoulder pad with rod clamp, rod offset kit (for centering the camera for viewfinder use), microHandGrip, DSLR baseplate, microFinder loupe accessory for optical viewfinder, microBalance counterbalance starter kit + one extra weight (weights approx 2 lbs each - only one counter balance weight shown). Note: The microFinder loupe accessory is for attaching 3" loupe securely to the back of the DSLR. Loupe is sold separately (currently we recommend the Hoodman Hoodloupe 3.0)

Redrock Micro eyeSpy Deluxe with Follow Focus ($1,470) Buy from Adorama Buy Direct & Save The eyeSpy Deluxe Bundle is a comprehensive solution for on-the-go, shoulder-mounted DSLR rigs. The eyeSpy Bundle is also the most feature-complete of all the eyeSpy bundles. Includes:2x 18" 15mm carbon fiber rods, 2x 9" 15mm carbon fiber rods, padded shoulder pad with rod clamp, rod offset kit (for centering the camera for viewfinder use), microHandGrip, DSLR baseplate, microFinder loupe accessory for optical viewfinder, microBalance counterbalance starter kit + one extra weight (weights approx 2 lbs each - only one counter balance weight shown), microFollowFocus v2, (not shown) 4x microLensGears in sizes A, B, C, and D. Note: The microFinder loupe accessory is for attaching 3" loupe securely to the back of the DSLR. Loupe is sold separately (currently we recommend the Hoodman Hoodloupe 3.0)

Redrock Micro DSLR Field Cinema Bundle ($1,995) Buy from Adorama The DSLR Field Cinema Bundle is a robust shoulder-mounted rig designed for maximum stability and ruggedness. This bundle includes the support cage and top handle for protection and added weight to keep the rig steady. The configuration of this bundle lends itself to use with an external video monitor. If you prefer a shoulder mount rig with eyepiece/viewfinder, consider the eyeSpy line of rigs. Includes: DSLR baseplate, 2x 12" 15mm carbon fiber rods (lightweight configuration 60mm center to center), microShoulderMount Deluxe Bundle, microFollowFocus v2 Unit, 4 microLensGears for gearing 35mm still lenses (sizes A B C and D), microHandle top handle for carrying, and low mode shooting, microSupport Cage, including 3x 15mm arms, 1 pr 12" 15mm carbon fiber side rods, and 1 pr 9" 15mm carbon fiber top rods, access to video setup tutorials. Note: The Redrock DSLR Field Cinema Bundle does not include external monitor, articulating arm, or 35mm lenses.

Redrock Micro DSLR Cinema Bundle ($2,445) Buy from Adorama The DSLR Cinema Bundle is the premier solution for true cinema-style features, weight, and stability. This bundle provides a full size microMatteBox and microFollowFocus, all designed to current cinema specifications. the microSupport cage provides protection and side rods for mounting, and the top microHandle delivers a convenient place to hold the rig, and use for low mode shooting (handle is attached to the cage for strength. It is not attached to the camera's hot shoe). These same accessories can be used with any video camera and even the Red Digital Cinema cameras with minor updates. The DSLR Cinema Bundle is perfect for anyone shooting primarily with tripod, and wants to emulate the film style results found in big screen motion pictures. Includes: 2x pair 12" 15mm carbon fiber rods (60mm spacing), DSLR baseplate, microSupport cheeseplate and rod clamp for tripod mounting, microMatteBox (Deluxe Bundle including eyebrow and side wings), microFollowFocus Unit, 4 microLensGears for gearing 35mm still lenses (sizes A B C and D), microHandle top handle for carrying, and low mode shooting, microSupport Cage, including 3x 15mm arms and 1 pair 9" 15mm carbon fiber top rods, access to video setup tutorials. Note: The Redrock DSLR Cinema Bundle does not include external monitor, articulating (isreali) arm, or 35mm lenses.

IDC Photography IDC U-Boat Commander ($170) Buy from IDC Photography The U-Boat Commander by iDC Photography is a video capture camera rig for attaching accessories to your HD Capturing DSLR Camera. By adding a top Bridge Plate & Balancing Block and an additional Grip Handle, Kit II makes under-slung video capture a snap with this kit. Kit III then adds on an adjustable-length shoulder brace for rock-solid hand-held coverage. All U-Boat Commander kits quickly disassemble for compact packing. The Quick Release means that your camera as well as your iDC Accessories (Such as the iDC Viewfinder, the iDC Follow-Focus, and the iDC Follow-Focus XL) all mount to a Quick-Release plate so that the camera can be quickly removed from the U-Boat Commander. When using our Gun & Run setup (The iDC Follow-Focus and the iDC Viewfinder), you will have greater flexibility in your shooting styles as the demands of your work occur. Important: The iDC System Mount is MANDATORY in order to use the iDC Follow-Focus and the iDC Follow-Focus XL. If you already purchased an iDC Viewfinder from us, no worries - the iDC System Mount is part of the iDC Viewfinder. Here is a breakdown of your options: If you want an iDC Viewfinder and an iDC Follow-Focus, use the Accessory: iDC Follow-Focus & Viewfinder Option If you already have a Viewfinder and just want an iDC Follow-Focus, use the Accessory: Follow-Focus Purchase Option for use Without iDC Viewfinder If you don't have an iDC Viewfinder and don't want one, but want the iDC Follow-Focus, use the Accessory: Follow-Focus Options for use without iDC Viewfinder option

Switronix DSLR-PRO ($279 and Up) More Information from Switronix Keeping up with Industry changes and listening to clients demands, Switronix has created a line of DSLR Stablizers to assist those using Canon 5D/7D, Nikon, and Panasonic lumix cameras to aquire HD video footage. The stabilizer will steady your shot, and is light and compact to reduce fatigue for smooth and fluid shooting. Features Include: 3 Axis movement to position the camera. Elevated Platform to raise the DSLR's viewfinder to eye level. Shorter Slide Channel so the bracket doesn't show in Wide shots. Conforming aircraft aluminum shoulder bracket.

Part 1 of 3 - LCD Viewfinder Loupes
Part 2 of 3 - Follow Focus Units
Part 3 of 3 - Mobile / Shoulder Supports (x)
Part 4 of 4 - Steadicams / Stabilizers