Well I shot with my new XL1s today. I was invited to attend the press confrence for Houston's bid for the 2012 Olympics. The camera setup was as follows:

- XL1s
- 16x Manual Servo Lens
- Color Viewfinder

The camera was hand held for about an hour. My first impression is that I wish that I would have bought the Black and White Viewfinder (FU-1000). The color viewfinder is cool, but the black and white one would make focusing that much more easy. As for the 16x Manual Servo Lens, man this thing is amazing. Several network news guys were amazed at the lens. They all like the image that it produced and were surprised at the compactness of the camera.

After just about an hour of shooting, my arm was getting very tired. Plus, I am sure that a lot of my footage was unsteady due to getting used to the camera. There has got to be a better way to shoot (sans tripod) than carrying it around on your shoulder. Over course maybe I just need to get in shape!

I should have tapped into the mixer, but did not have time to do this. So I am interested in hearing the sound. A media friend of mine recorded the press confrence on DAT, so I am going to get a copy from him.

So all in all it was fun shooting with the new rig. As I mentioned, I need to find a better shooting/carrying solution. If you have any recommendations, please let me know.

Paul

You are right, it is a heavy piggy to be carrying. I use a tripod whenever possible. But, I also know that it isn't very quick for transporting. So, the next item I get will be a monopod. That should do the trick.
Keith

And the built in shoulder mount that comes with the camera doesnt help much, I had one on my shoulder for a total of about 7-8 hours on July 4th covering a parade and philharmonic concert, and I was ready for a chiropractic appointment. I appreciate the weight of the camera, it goes a long way in helping to stabilize the image when shooting handheld.

One thing that peaked my interest recently was the Image 2000 shoulder mount that Birns and Sawyer has on their website at

http://www.birnsandsawyer.com/cdva-shouldersupportandsteadicam-image2000.htm

I believe there was a thread that discussed this peice of equipment within the past month. I haven't gotten my hands on one so don't take my word, but just a suggestion. =)

The stock shoulder mount is useful only for stabilizing the camera. It doesn't place any real weight on your shoulder.
Classification: MOSTLY USELESS
I don't think the MA-100 is much better.

I applaud you for holding it up for an hour, I'm in half decent shape and I can't keep it up for 20 minutes! (Of course, there's Viagra, but... nevermind).

Anyway, I agree with Keith, it's hard to beat the compact size and versitility of a monopod. Especially if you can mount some weights to the bottom and make it a quickie Glidecam on the spot (as was suggested in a different post).

The first thing you do when you unpack a brand new XL1S out of the box is throw away that useless SP-100 shoulder pad. I guess I need to put this in the FAQ.

> Over course maybe I just need to get in shape!

Yes. The first time you shoot the XL1 you put your arms in a new position and they can tire quickly. Working with it helps build endurance.

The shoulder pad with the MA-100/200 is a significant improvement, not so much in weight distribution as in overall comfort. There are some third party shoulder rigs that improve balance by adding/shifting some weight to the rear (e.g., battery packs)

What Don said. The XL1 is built front-heavy, so your arms are continually working to hold it in place and steady. Even though adding ballast to the rear will increase the overall weight, if you can get the system so that it perches on your shoulder in a horizontal position with no hands, you will be able to shoot for extended periods (and able to make more subtle camera moves, too).

I appreciate all of the advice! The three things that I need to be able to do (in the future) are hand carry the camera, mount it on a tripod, and mount it in a car. I've got the tripod part taken care of, now I just need to figure out how to mount this little beast in a car.

The goal of the car shot is to track a triathlete as he is on his bike and while he is running. Living in Texas of cousre I have a truck (ok my wife does), that is probably how it will be shot.

Casey - I liked that Image 2000 device. That just might be the ticket for the hand carry situation. From what I recall, it offered a remote zoom option which would be handy.

Paul

I've got the image 2000 and it is very effective at transferring the weight to your shoulder and eliminating arm fatigue...it has some issues with the joint between the shoulder pad and camera bracket (it has a springy bounce if you don't walk carefully), but otherwize it adds a good amount of comfort to long recording sessions....I also use it sometimes as a two handed steadicam device...holding the xl1s handle with one hand and the shoulder pad with the other can help to isolate operator movement during walking, running sequences (it doesn't replace my glidecam, but is sure a lot lighter.)


there are several variants of the image 2000 available on the web including the habbycam (by the original designer of the image 2000). Bhphoto.com sells the image 2000 for a few bucks less than birns and sawyer.

Barry

I use the XL1 alot during long wedding ceremonies and speeches.
I usually don't use the tripod unless it's a 2 camera shoot. I have to be very mobile all the time to get everything on tape. I tried a mono pod but but footage I noticed latter was "swaying" back & forth! (no I wasn't drunk...yet). I rely on holding my right elbow with my left hand close to my waist. This seems the most comfortable. Once in a while I grab the camera with my left hand and drop my right "working hand" for a rest. Of course this is during long, non-stop shoots. The longest I had was 60 min. Surprising the footage wasn't too bad, even near the end of it. But like you all, I still search for a "comfortable" way to hold the XL1 for long periods of time while being mobile.

Adam,

Casey pointed out a pretty cool device. I have been looking into it as a possible solution. Man I could not imagine 60 minutes of non stop shooting. I would have needed a drink after that little camera holding stint!

How do you handle shooting a wedding with one camera? I would expect that you preplan with the bride and groom (and respective family members) exactly what they want shot. Since I have never actually seen a wedding being taped, I am very curious as to the process.

I offer a less expensive package that only uses one camera. I think 2 cameras looks alot better but some people would rather save their money for other things. No problem, so I use just one camera and save them money!

I have to try to edit on the spot and "pretend" there is 2 cameras and move around alot. "Continuity" is so important otherwise it's hard to edit latter. I try to edit as much as I can so I do it while taping. It's alot harder during a live ceremony shoot as you don't want to miss anything. If there is chance to pause the camera I do and then zoom into a "cut away" type shot and that usually covers and continuity problems. I have to listen to the dialog while doing it as well. Sometimes that camera takes it's time going into record mode though! At the reception speeches I do alot of live panning (eg: Speaker...go wide and then pan to bride... all in one sweep live) (2 cameras are way better as one would be on the podium and the other would be looking around for reactions etc. ..but more work editing).
I've learned to become very creative with one camera to save me less work latter! After my first single camera wedding I knew what "NOT" to do during the editing! People are "so predictable" so it's pretty easy to be ready for what will happen next.

Sorry for being off track here....

Adam,

Thanks for the explenation! I am trying to discover ways to make money with my new gear. Not sure if I am ready to tackle this type of assignment just quite yet.

Excellent info and I appreciate the response.

<<<-- Originally posted by Chris Hurd : The first thing you do when you unpack a brand new XL1S out of the box is throw away that useless SP-100 shoulder pad. I guess I need to put this in the FAQ. -->>>

Amen on trashing the SP-100. The MA-100 offers more comfort, especially if you have the dual battery holder/charger and a wireless transmitter on it.

Shot the ceremonies at the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial while it was in Belleville, Illinois, which meant hauling the XL1S around for five hours (along with a Nikon D1 with a zoom lens for the still work) and my right arm was numb at the end. I had my GL-1 locked down on a tripod to capture the podium stuff and sound (through two aux mikes) and I started wondering about halfway through the shoot why I had the GL-1 on the pod and handholding the GL1.

If you're used to shooting with a Betacam, the XL1 feels awkward at first but I've found handling it becomes second nature (and shoulde be better once the muscles adapt to the shooting style).

Looking at the images in post, I'm continually amazed at the images this thing produces. Maybe if I'd get into shape my arms would feel better.

Doug

I agree about being in shape! I work-out at home a little bit and it makes such a difference since I started to. Bicep and forearm exercises really help but so does working out you back as it takes the worst beating!

Heck I am a triathlete and this camera flat wore me out! I guess I need to train with my XL1s in hand on my long runs. :)

Hit those weights hard! Dead lifts!! YA! :)

I think an XL1 boot camp is in order?

Well, there is a very specific type of muscle fatigue going on with camera operating. It's usually not so much the dead weight of the system (couldn't really be, considering how light the camera actually is) but the fact that you are usually attempting to hold it as still as possible when shooting handheld. The demands this places on the arms and shoulder are to hold this somewhat awkward object, remain virtually motionless and/or make minute, subtle movements with the same muscles that are holding the thing up. Add to that the assymetric configuration (holding the camera on one shoulder) and the potentially awkward position that your hands may be in (ever find your right hand cramping from the pressure from the handgrip?).

It used to be popular for camera operators to practice Tai Chi to learn how to move the body as smoothly as possible, since your every movement translates into the frame. There is certainly a zen involved, controlling breathing and conserving energy and all that. Being as relaxed as possible helps with the stamina issues; tensing against the camera body will lead to "the shakes" much sooner.

I had mine out for 4 hours of non continuous shooting on Sunday. By then end of the day, I had some nasty lower back pain from arching my back slightly backwards to maintain my shooting position and help balance the camera better.

I got my new shoulder mount on Monday. :)

I don't really see a lot of difference between the SP-100 and the MA-100. They're both junk. My two cents.

Hey, switch to Sony VX2000 or JVC Streamcoder, how much shoulder support do they offer? ;-)

Dylan...

How is the new shoulder mount? Try it out yet? I'm curious as I like comfort! And I also agree that both shoulder mounts that are for the XL1 both suck! Mounts like the SP7 are excellent but who can afford them? I will save that money and suffer once in a while.

So far it feels like a 10x improvment over the SP-100.
Wait, 10 x zero is still zero... :)
Anyway, it's a lot better. I'll get a good workout with it this weekend hopefully.
In terms of stability, there is no question, it's much more stable. More comfortable too, but I think I will be adding some extra foam.

Glad I got one with one handle, not two, as I can adjust the lens and settings while maintaining balance with one hand. Also makes the rig look a lot more professional than it already is.

Dylan, what was the type you bought?

Adam, I assume he is talking about the Image 2000...but if not then please ignore my next question...

i've been debating over the one handle or two handle version...it seems to me the two handle would be a lot more stable, and less fatiguing, as the weight is distributed more evenly to both arms.

So how is that one handle vs two?

What happened to our friend the SP7 MediaPro? Granted I still haven't gotten mine yet (I ordered it three weeks or so ago from ZGC -- sounds like Chris needs to spank them).

I bought a Mightywondercam!
It is the one that was advertized in the classified section here. I had bought it earlier, but it showed up on Monday.

Apologies to anyone I beat out on Ebay. :)

Anyway, one hand on the handle and one on the camera handhold distributes the weight between both hands. I think if you had a two handle unit, and you wanted to only use one hand, so the other could hit the focus button or adjust any other settings, you might have some wobbly video as the horizon tilt would be off balance. I could be wrong, but that's just what I see. If you planned on not adjusting anything, and had a remote zoom, a two handled one would be the superior choice.

The Wondercam support bracket gave me an idea! (not necessarily better but no cost for me as I already have the parts)

I have an old article on this site regarding a flip out LCD monitor for the XL1. (in "Electronic View Finder/add an LCD to your XL1" section) Notice the last picture of the camera and bracket attatched. Move the bracket to the tripod thread instead and then remove the LCD! Now screw a handle to the bottom of the same hole where the LCD was. (I used the top handle part of my Mono Pod that I had cut down to the end of the hand grip). Now I basically have a "similar" "Wondercam" type bracket! I'm still using the XL1 shoulder mount. The handle/bracket are adjustable forward or back and takes all the pressure off my right hand in the handle/zoom area! I can still use my left hand on other buttons or the lens and I don't notice the bracket and short handle. It works great! Fortunately, I already had these parts and I don't know if you can still buy them anywhere. (only negative thing is that I have to disconnect if I want to connect to a tripod). I'll try to make a picture of it connected and post it somewhere.

My homemade support bracket worked great at a long wedding ceremony! I think I'll keep it! :)

I gave the Mightywondercam a 4 hour workout on Sunday in 15 minute intervals. It was definitely better, but the weight imbalance is still there and takes its toll. Still, a great improvement.

I admit it really felt nice when I tried it out with your camera. I'll put it on the list of things I need.

Did a little of that in Panama which have to be close to the worse roads in the world (but 19 to 20 FEET of rain a year will do that to a road)

I put one tripod leg on the front passenger seat floor and two legs adjusted down on the passenger seat with a strip of 3/8 inch plywood under the feet so that it did not damage the seat.

I have a bunch of bungie cords so I used several on the legs down to the seat belt bolts and to what else I could find. Tie a knot in the bungie cord to make it shorter.

Don't bungie it down too well and compress the seat all the way. Try to compress it about half way if you can. This gives a bit of extra cushion on those back legs and a bit of spring when you go over those real rough bumps.

Oh, yeah... drive SLOW!

Not the professional way but the whole thing has zero added expense... which fit nicely in my budget.

Has anyone had any luck with that poor man's steadicam: a monopod with weights? I remember someone saying they tried it and it swayed too much, or something.