The Dolgin Engineering Power Brace PB-1000
a review by Don Palomaki

Dolgin Engineering has released several accessories for the Canon XL1 camcorder. This note examines their PB-1000, Power Brace, a combination shoulder brace and battery voltage adapter. The unit examined was for use with Panasonic BP20 size 12 volt batteries. It is also offered in a version of the Bescor Juice Box and BP-1, which was not reviewed.

The unit performs as advertised, is easy to install and use, and offers a useful alternative for both powering up and hand holding the XL1, especially for users who already have an investment in Panasonic BP20 batteries and/or who are not satisfied with the feel of the Canon standard or the MA-100 shoulder mount.

The Power Brace includes a DC voltage converter, the same converter available in the Power Mate that was reviewed in August 1998, and as a separate accessory. This converter allows powering the XL1 from virtually any 12-15 volt battery, and it works well. See the Power Mate review for details on the DC converter performance.

The Power Brace comes with a short cable for connecting the DC converter to a Panasonic BP20 size battery, and you can also connect it to 12-15 volt power packs using an optional 4-pin XLR connector. It uses the XL1's DC-900 DC coupler cord to connect to the camcorder, but you can order a shorter cord from Dolgin Engineering if you would like less cord to dress. The DC converter has three lights that monitor the output voltage of the battery, and will give warning as you near the end of available charge on your battery.

Beyond the 12 volt power option, which I feel is the strongest point in this product, it also offers a shoulder mounting for the XL1. While the camera remains in the same relative eye position for shooting, the brace transfers more of the weight to your shoulder and provides an improved balance (less front heavy) by virtue of placing the battery weight at your back.

The Power Brace attaches to the XL1 using the same mounting hole and slot as the standard XL1 shoulder piece and the Canon MA-100. It includes a bracket that can be used to mount a MA-100 (with its brackets) onto the shoulder brace so that its XLR input capability can be used. You have lots of room to hang stuff. This leaves the tripod socket free, a good point, because the Power Brace's battery holder extends below the camcorder base preventing setting the camcorder down flat on its base. (Well, you can set it down balanced on the lens hood and battery holder, but this is not very stable.)

So how is the feel when shooting? The Power Brace has a soft contoured pad where it sits on the shoulder, which is an aid in leveling the camcorder, and for normal and low angle shooting is comfortable. However, if you are making a high angle shot, the battery holder will press into your back, requiring that you bend backward or take the camera off your shoulder.

OK so, should you buy one? Good question. In my opinion if you are using the MA-100 and satisfied with its feel, then go for the Power Mate or the DC Converter as a way of powering your XL1 from an alternative DC source. If you want a bit more of the weight on you shoulder, want an alternative to the feel of the MA-100, and do not mind the projection below the cameras base, the Power Brace is an interesting and usable alternative.

Dolgin Engineering offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee (provided you don't mess the unit up of course). For more information and pricing, contact:

Alex Dolgin
Dolgin Engineering
Lexington, Massachusetts
dolgin@alexvideo.com

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