Shooting miniDV Handheld at DVinfo.net

David Hurdon · April 30th, 2003, 08:03 AM

Some time ago I saw a post from a veteran in which he insisted that it was necessary to learn how to shoot a miniDV camcorder handheld. I have worked up a routine for practising this:

Mount the camcorder (vx2k in mycase) to a miniRover. Support it with your right hand, your left on the miniRover post. Open the LCD. Run full tilt, kicking a soccer ball in front of you while keeping it centred in the frame. Yes, I've had a few painful accidents, including one nasty encounter with the curb around a children's pool, and frequent replacements of the camcorder are getting expensive, but I think I'm getting the hang of it. Hope this helps.

David Hurdon

Bryan Beasleigh · April 30th, 2003, 10:25 AM

The mini rover or any L grip works well to stabilize the camera. The grip gives you something to hang onto with your left hand. You can grasp the camera firmly and hold it tightly and close to your chest, elbows locked , the camera will become part of your upper torso and not prone to shake. I'm an old guy and believe me I'd be shaky without it.

The mini Rover is a very well made piece of gear and has an optional accessory plate that you can hang a radio mic to. I mount my shotgun on the pistol grip, as well. If you don't want to spend the $50 on the mini Rover then any L bracket will do the job. You can find a cheapy folding bracket for around $12 at just about any camera store.

Bruce A. Christenson · April 30th, 2003, 11:08 AM

Does the mini-rover have a mount in the bottom, so it could be attached to a tripod/monopod?

Thanks
[bac]

Bryan Beasleigh · April 30th, 2003, 11:24 AM

Yes, the bottom plate is fairly thick aluminum and has a secondary thread as well as an alignment hole for a tripod .

If you fly, pack it in checked baggage, although very light , the aluminum is heavy guage (It has lightening holes) and could be considered a weapon. I mount a quick release plate to the mini Rover . The grip is extremely handy.I know it sounds silly to go on about an L bracket but this thing is worth the money. I like well made stuff.

Check the link that i attached. The pictures show a lot.

Barry Rivadue · April 30th, 2003, 01:07 PM

Sounds interesting--has anyone used a mini-Rover with a DVX100???

Bryan Beasleigh · April 30th, 2003, 07:29 PM

A Mini Rover will fit any mini DV hand held. GL2, PD150, VX2K, DVX100, JVC300U. The XL1S maybe a problem. Look at the pictures on the link, then you'll understand.

Mike Rehmus · April 30th, 2003, 09:39 PM

Although I do use an L bracket from time to time, I find holding the camera as you would a baby, to work the best. That is, I cradle the front of the camera in my left hand and use my right hand in the strap. That way I can steady the camera and operate the focus and zoom rings (PD150).

Cradle is a bit misleading. I make an arc of my thumb and forefinger with the forefinger under the lens hood and the thumb curled under the Steadyshot housing.

It seems to work for me.

I keep wondering about placing a 45 degree first surface mirror in front of the lens so I can hold the camera vertically and close to the body. Much more stable.

I prefer to hold the camera across my body and use the LCD screen for framing when I'm in a moving vehicle (including a wheelchair used for a dolly). Much steadier shots that way.

David Hurdon · May 1st, 2003, 05:03 AM

Tustin Larson posted this URL on using the miniRover:

http://image1ex.villagephotos.com/2231890.jpg

I started using the hold and have so far been impressed by how it smooths out roll in particular for me. It seems that a small amount of side to side motion in the frame is sometimes forgiveable but rolling even slightly off the horizontal gives away inexperience and the absence of a shoulder mount - or so it seems to me.

David Hurdon

PS My thread-opening "practise routine" was just a passing giddiness. No running with the camcorder.

April 30th, 2003, 08:03 AM	#1
David Hurdon Major Player Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 484	Shooting miniDV Handheld Some time ago I saw a post from a veteran in which he insisted that it was necessary to learn how to shoot a miniDV camcorder handheld. I have worked up a routine for practising this: Mount the camcorder (vx2k in mycase) to a miniRover. Support it with your right hand, your left on the miniRover post. Open the LCD. Run full tilt, kicking a soccer ball in front of you while keeping it centred in the frame. Yes, I've had a few painful accidents, including one nasty encounter with the curb around a children's pool, and frequent replacements of the camcorder are getting expensive, but I think I'm getting the hang of it. Hope this helps. David Hurdon __________________ Site:http://www.faceliftmarketing.ca Blog:http://www.websitevideo.blogspot.com

April 30th, 2003, 09:39 PM	#7
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	Although I do use an L bracket from time to time, I find holding the camera as you would a baby, to work the best. That is, I cradle the front of the camera in my left hand and use my right hand in the strap. That way I can steady the camera and operate the focus and zoom rings (PD150). Cradle is a bit misleading. I make an arc of my thumb and forefinger with the forefinger under the lens hood and the thumb curled under the Steadyshot housing. It seems to work for me. I keep wondering about placing a 45 degree first surface mirror in front of the lens so I can hold the camera vertically and close to the body. Much more stable. I prefer to hold the camera across my body and use the LCD screen for framing when I'm in a moving vehicle (including a wheelchair used for a dolly). Much steadier shots that way. __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

May 1st, 2003, 05:03 AM	#8
David Hurdon Major Player Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 484	Shooting miniDV Handheld Tustin Larson posted this URL on using the miniRover: http://image1ex.villagephotos.com/2231890.jpg I started using the hold and have so far been impressed by how it smooths out roll in particular for me. It seems that a small amount of side to side motion in the frame is sometimes forgiveable but rolling even slightly off the horizontal gives away inexperience and the absence of a shoulder mount - or so it seems to me. David Hurdon PS My thread-opening "practise routine" was just a passing giddiness. No running with the camcorder. __________________ Site:http://www.faceliftmarketing.ca Blog:http://www.websitevideo.blogspot.com

April 30th, 2003, 10:25 AM	#2
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	The mini rover or any L grip works well to stabilize the camera. The grip gives you something to hang onto with your left hand. You can grasp the camera firmly and hold it tightly and close to your chest, elbows locked , the camera will become part of your upper torso and not prone to shake. I'm an old guy and believe me I'd be shaky without it. The mini Rover is a very well made piece of gear and has an optional accessory plate that you can hang a radio mic to. I mount my shotgun on the pistol grip, as well. If you don't want to spend the $50 on the mini Rover then any L bracket will do the job. You can find a cheapy folding bracket for around $12 at just about any camera store.

April 30th, 2003, 11:08 AM	#3
Bruce A. Christenson Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Forest Grove, OR Posts: 122	Does the mini-rover have a mount in the bottom, so it could be attached to a tripod/monopod? Thanks [bac]

April 30th, 2003, 11:24 AM	#4
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	Yes, the bottom plate is fairly thick aluminum and has a secondary thread as well as an alignment hole for a tripod . If you fly, pack it in checked baggage, although very light , the aluminum is heavy guage (It has lightening holes) and could be considered a weapon. I mount a quick release plate to the mini Rover . The grip is extremely handy.I know it sounds silly to go on about an L bracket but this thing is worth the money. I like well made stuff. Check the link that i attached. The pictures show a lot.

April 30th, 2003, 01:07 PM	#5
Barry Rivadue Major Player Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 508	Sounds interesting--has anyone used a mini-Rover with a DVX100???

April 30th, 2003, 07:29 PM	#6
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	A Mini Rover will fit any mini DV hand held. GL2, PD150, VX2K, DVX100, JVC300U. The XL1S maybe a problem. Look at the pictures on the link, then you'll understand.