I am on the fence as to whether to get this camera (AF101 for me) or a Sony EX3. One of my concerns is handheld shooting.

The majority of my workload will be locked-off, but some will require handheld during events (backstage stuff is a requirement of an upcoming project, where a lot will be going on).

How does the AF10X handle being handled? Is it fine for on-the-shoulder or is a rig a good idea? If a rig is a good idea, does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks

MC

I put together this blog with a handheld / shoulder mounted rig we came up with.

AF100 Rigging: PL Mount Configuration | CineTechnica (http://blog.abelcine.com/2011/01/21/af100-rigging-pl-mount-configuration/)

I think it does much better on your shoulder.

That looks amazing but unfortunately totally out of my price range.

Does anyone have any options for a few hundred £s, that will enhance or make handheld a feasible option?

I still don't quite understand how some of these accessories can cost so much. I'm not saying they shouldn't, I'd just like to know why.. Take, for instance, the o-grips mentioned in the blog post:

OConnor O-Grips Double Jointed Set C1244-0002 B&H Photo Video

Why do they cost twice what my first car did?

Thanks for your reply

MC

I have already made a NanoFlash and wireless mic bracket for the AF100.

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/panasonic-avccam-ag-af100-camcorder/490294-nanoflash-brackets-af100-stock-now.html#post1608405

I am just finishing up a shoulder brace that attaches to the same bracket. It will be available next week.

I also have a AF100 specific rod system that will be available in February, with handles and lens support, that will work with any 15mm follow focus matte box etc.

These systems are locally made here in New England in my studio, and in a local CNC shop, even the anodizer is in a neighboring town, and I sell direct so pricing will be very reasonable. I design all these kits for myself. So they are rugged and ergonomically correct. My day job is as a shooter. I started making my kits because I saw a need for affordable quality gear, and by request from fellow shooters. I have been making my own gear for decades. And I just happen to have a machine/wood shop.

Contact me if you are interested.

I also plan to make custom wooden handles for the AF100.

I really like this camera.

How does the AF10X handle being handled? Is it fine for on-the-shoulder or is a rig a good idea?
This has all been discused in relation to Sonys F3, and the AF101 has exactly the same issues in this respect, Yes, you can add extras, but (as Mike points out) they are either very expensive relative to the cost of the camera, or still leave problems.

The biggest single issue to be overcome is viewfinder placement. Unless you start adding an external viewfinder (as in Andy Shipsides example), the mount has to put the entire bulk of the camera in front of the cameraman. That makes the weight balancing more difficult to hold, and means a lot of bulk out in front - a nightmare in confined spaces.

The EX3 may not be ideal, but with the viewfinder further forward it does ease some of these issues. The real USP of the AF100 is the large sensor, and it's shallow depth of field, and you have to work out how important that is to you. Against that, the EX3 has a better onboard codec, and a full servo zoom with good manual controls

Have to agree with Heath, I have an EX-3 and just got a AF101. The EX is ok for handheld ( I shot hours of TV shows with it), I´m still trying to figure out how to handheld the AF.
I would go for the EX if I were you.
I got the AF because the producers want it for the next TV docu I´m doing, I would have prefered to use my EX for the "reality" part AND the AF for interviews, stock shots etc.

Not sure I can convince them to comply

I now have a $225.00 shoulder kit for the AF100.

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/panasonic-avccam-ag-af100-camcorder/490851-affordable-simple-af-100-shoulder-bracket-battery-plate.html#post1612333

You want cheap? Check out SpiderBrace although Olof's design seems more appropriate to the camera.

Olof, the rig looks good and well done for making something fast.

I don't think it's right for me as I'm not initially using any extra recording units or batteries and would prefer not to be holding the lens, rather I would like dual handles or similar.

William - I wondered if there was something cheap and cheerful, thanks for the tip. It does look like it would do a job, at least get your money's worth.

I'm still not decided on which camera, but EX3 is winning right now.

Joachim - I am with you, I'd love to have that set-up for the different situations, might be something a work towards. Especially when the AF101 has been out for a period and might have more solutions (lenses, mounting, recorders) available to it.

Thanks everybody - feel free to throw in other ideas if you have any, I'd still be interested to hear.

MC