What the title says.

I'll post mine up (though it probably would just be a camera) as soon as I get mine.

Update: I just ordered my HC7 and it'll be arriving in 2 weeks.

Congrats, Jack! We'll be looking forward to some great posts from you then!

OK, here's the current "maxed out" configuration for my HC7 rig (can ya find the camera in there?!). I have very solid stable control of the camera with this set up, and it looks "hi-tech" enough to impress the average observer.

I usually run the bracket rig, as it folds and is easy to cart along, and helps stabilize handheld video well. I also can attach a Bogen QR so I can go on and off tripod rapidly... this seems to work as well as any stabilizer/steadicam type rig I've used along the way, with a little practice! Takes some concentration, but so do the steadi/glide setups... - and I can roll and re-orient the camera with more flexibility - high and low shots are a matter of how much I can stretch or bend <wink>!

Got the gun/zoom mic on the AIS shoe - haven't really had the time to compare the sound, but it looks cool, so for the pic it was mandatory!

HG0737y glass on the front - I also have the HG0737x glass, and it's lighter - have to adjust the brackets to get the big lens to balance well, but if looks count, that big black lens says "WOOF"

Got a Giottos LANC - the Sony one works a bit better for size, but this one has focus which is handy - still working on the best positioning... but his works pretty well (I can also use the spot focus with the left thumb - works really well with my abbreviated p-menu - very fast and easy access).

The 20DMA light w/diffuser isn't usually mounted - it tends to make the rig less balanced and more top heavy, but as you can see the two cold shoes on the brackets are available for wireless mic or lights as needed - you can also flip these brackets up so the light is horizontal. For a wedding reception "Jaywalking" style, this and a wireless would be mounted.

This same bracket rig works for my HV20, all except the mic and LANC of course, and a Raynox 43mm WA lens.

So there you have it... a tricked out HC7!

Hope that inspires you all with some ideas for your HC7/HV20 rig!

DB>)

Hi dave,

nice setup and really liked it. can you tell me from where you bought
the hand grip please.

regards

Paul

The folding grips are made by Siegelite/Stratos - not too many places carry them (google stratos flash bracket), and the new ones are slightly different - the grips are rubber instead of foam now, still quite comfortable, probably more durable - I have a backup set that are the new style - the folding flash brackets are around $20 @, and the flat bracket that I'm using as a bridge between them was around $10 on Ebay... so it's a cheap way to stabilize and add accessory mounts.

Since most of the professional stabilizers will tend to sway unless you're really careful and have balance just right (they all have to fight with inertia, some do it better than others), the bracket rig actually makes it easier to keep your horizon level. I'd rather have a tiny bit of bounce (most of that is taken out by the OIS and your arms though) than the seasick inducing swaying or the hassle of constantly calibrating the rig for perfect balance... I have an older (out of production VS1) small steadycam type rig (only rated to 4 pounds!) that flys this cam perfectly, but it takes time to balance, the brackets take a couple seconds to screw on and go.

Also this setup lowers the center of gravity just enough to help with that issue - you can change angle of the side brackets forward and back to offset any accessories. You don't need the extra weight that too many designs seem to use.


DB>)

Hi Dave.

Many thanks for your reply at such speed.

regards paul

This does not include the audio (Beachtek DXA-8, AT-835ST), but this is the kit I used to film on my mountain bike (posting a link shortly). The helmet is there, but still waiting for Bone Composites Dbox to attach. Addendum - I forgot that I also have a HCC, but not for the off-road kit.

U/W Setup - need to work on land setup...

Gates HC7 Underwater Housing
Gates ‘Fathom Signature’ Wide Angle Port – WP25
Gates Flat Port - FP25
NiteRider™ HID Pro 20 U/W Video Lights

Hey Dave, what mic is that? Also how much was it, and where did you get it?

Sony HGZ1 - stock Sony gun/zoom mic for their proprietary shoe. I got mine cheap on Ebay (patience pays off), but they run around $50+ average.

Seems to be an OK mic, but haven't had a lot of time to fiddle with it and see if it's really good sound wise - definitely improves directionality vs. the internal mics.

DB>)

Sounds good, thank you!

Dave how do you mount 2 brackets to the camera? Did the bracket you bought include 2 handles? I dont see how it would be possible to put 2 brackets into one screw-in hole on the bottom of the camera.

Hi Simon -

The trick is there's a flat bracket bridging between the other two - it has a tripod mount hole, and there's also a thread at the far end of the camera screw slot (most flat brackets have a hole, no threads... this one has threads).

So the way it works is the two folding brackets screw into the flat, and the flat into the camera with a normal mounting screw.

One plus to this is if you run big glass on the front of the cam (WA for instance), you can angle the two folding brackets on the flat one, and change the center of gravity, or move them outboard more if you want. Nice flexibility.

DB>)

Alright, thats what I figured you did, but I wasnt sure.

Do you know if they sell the flat bridging piece at B&H? I really dont know what to look for and I'm planning on ordering from there. (Basically I want a hot setup like yours :D ) lol

I'll keep searching though.

Hi Simon -
I got one off Ebay from a seller named gktex - haven't seen them listing lately - I'll try to take a picture so you know what to look for - the key is the threading in the far end of the camera screw slot.

I just happened to have one in a pile of brackets I bought as a lot, and saw someone else using one to extend a single bracket and the light bulb went on! I'd been trying to get two brackets to mate up with mixed results - the flat does the trick.

I've since bought a backup set - the flat from Ebay, brackets from another major online source (don't think B&H has the Stratos brackets, but non folding ones can work too, and they have some like that - I just like the folding ones so they fit in my kit - on the flip side, they can move about at awkward times, so fixed could be better in some circumstances!

Best thing about this is the flexibility of movement - sure it's not as stable as a full on gimballed rig, but then again the price is right, and it's probably 90+% with practice - and if you want to do any wacky tilts and tracking, it probably is better than a rig designed to keep your horizon level. I have a mini steadicam (handheld) that will fly the HC7 perfectly - cute little bugger, looks like you left a full size rig in the dryer and it shrunk - one of these days I'll probably mate it up with my old steady stick, but the brackets work so well, it's not a big hurry item!

DB>)

Haha alright man, I'll keep looking around.

If you find anything (dont go out of your way though) please let me know.

Thanks,

Simon Jones

Update - I now have the helmet cam done and posted it in the Support Your Local Camera section

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=97453

Hi Dave,
This is Paul have searched everywhere to buy a giottos lanc contoller like the one you use but with negative results .can you tell from were you had bought it.
regards

Paul

Can Any one can help me to buy the giotto lanc controller please'???

Thanks.

regards Paul

Hi Paul -
I emailed you - did it not go through? Adorama is the only place I found for the giottos LANC and the Stratos brackets...I don't think they're a sponsor (maybe they should be approached?), so I was reluctant to post, but if they are the only source... hope it will be forgiven.

WHOOPS, Just checked their site, and they no longer show the controller... looks like it may have been replaced by another model (B&H is showing the RC-2020 discontinued...) there was a Google link to markertek.com - they say they have it, but it looks different... might be worth a try anyway - I'm intrigued by the description that the focus acts as a temporary override if the cam is in auto... may have to try one! If you get one, post how it works - I'd like to know if the W/T is improved over the 2020! Again sorry for a non-sponsor link... but this is one of those hard to find items...

Dave

Thanks dave, I will check further with them.

Regards
Paul

Now I'd like to share a (sorta) rig I use to try to simulate a broadcast cam's movements...

A Manfrotto mini pro (190DX) tripod with only two legs extended out on my body (I have to be standing still though.)

I put my body inbetween the two extended legs (with the legs at minimum length, not maximum length.) and I lay it so that it's steady and then I have one hand on one of the legs of the tripod and one on the camera.

Most of the results and pans look very broadcast cam like. Hopefully I'll be able to share some of the footage soon. (The upload speed to North America is very slow here in China.)

I just went to places in Northern Sichuan in China that are UNESCO sites. I can't say them just yet.

here is my set up:

http://www.msnusers.com/sonywalkman/_homepage.msnw

U/W Setup - need to work on land setup...

Gates HC7 Underwater Housing
Gates ‘Fathom Signature’ Wide Angle Port – WP25
Gates Flat Port - FP25
NiteRider™ HID Pro 20 U/W Video Lights

Hi
I just ordered a HDR-HC7 as a backup to my HVR-Z1U,
I am planning to buy a UW housing for this, How do you like the Gates, and which port would you buy if you only wanted 1 port.
I cuurently shoot stills UW, used to used a F100 film in a Sea & Sea housing, now I switched to a D200 digital in a Sea & Sea housing, so I thought I would play with video.
I do have 2 HID cannister UW lights, but they are not for video, just for handheld light for diving, think of making a bracket to use as video lights.
Here's my outdated website, have done much with it lately
Still sorting out slides to upload.

http://clubweb.interbaun.com/yhmah

Hi
I just ordered a HDR-HC7 as a backup to my HVR-Z1U,
I am planning to buy a UW housing for this, How do you like the Gates, and which port would you buy if you only wanted 1 port.
I cuurently shoot stills UW, used to used a F100 film in a Sea & Sea housing, now I switched to a D200 digital in a Sea & Sea housing, so I thought I would play with video.
I do have 2 HID cannister UW lights, but they are not for video, just for handheld light for diving, think of making a bracket to use as video lights.
Here's my outdated website, have done much with it lately
Still sorting out slides to upload.

http://clubweb.interbaun.com/yhmah

Nice F100 shots - I especially like the Hermit Crab.
Wow - congrats on the D200 setup - would love to see some of your shots. I've been really impressed with the results I've seen from that camera U/W.

I really like my Gates housing. It's hard for me to compare, as I've only used Gates over the last 8 years (for Sony PC-100, JVC HD10US, and now HC7) but I really think that you can't go wrong with the Gates. There's a lot more info about the various housings options for the HC7 on the following sites (and I'm sure others - but I would definately check these):
http://wetpixel.com/forums/
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/underwater-videography/

I guess if I had to pick one port (and had an unlimitted budget) I'd go with the Fathom "Super Wide Port– SWP25". This would give you 110 FOV full zoom through for macro. That being said, I don't like shooting macro with a W/A port, and I mainly use the flat port (and starting to use diopters as I had with my previous setup). You may want to check with some people who use the SWP to see how macro is.

As for the HID lights, those may get you by for starters, if you are able to find adjustable arms for them. You will probably want to use filters/diffusers to soften the lights.

I have posted some of my local Southern California videos here:
www.mydivinglife.com/ScubaBob

I also have other videos posted on the sites above.

Please let me know what you decide!

Nice F100 shots - I especially like the Hermit Crab.
Wow - congrats on the D200 setup - would love to see some of your shots. I've been really impressed with the results I've seen from that camera U/W.

I really like my Gates housing. It's hard for me to compare, as I've only used Gates over the last 8 years (for Sony PC-100, JVC HD10US, and now HC7) but I really think that you can't go wrong with the Gates. There's a lot more info about the various housings options for the HC7 on the following sites (and I'm sure others - but I would definately check these):
http://wetpixel.com/forums/
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/underwater-videography/

I guess if I had to pick one port (and had an unlimitted budget) I'd go with the Fathom "Super Wide Port– SWP25". This would give you 110 FOV full zoom through for macro. That being said, I don't like shooting macro with a W/A port, and I mainly use the flat port (and starting to use diopters as I had with my previous setup). You may want to check with some people who use the SWP to see how macro is.

As for the HID lights, those may get you by for starters, if you are able to find adjustable arms for them. You will probably want to use filters/diffusers to soften the lights.

I have posted some of my local Southern California videos here:
www.mydivinglife.com/ScubaBob

I also have other videos posted on the sites above.

Please let me know what you decide!

Someone recommended going with Amphibico housing since it's electronic rather than mechanical.
What is the differnce between an mechanical and electronic housing, my first thoughts was the Gates because of the optional ports.

Thanks

Electronic housings are said to be easier to use then mechanical. Electronic controls also have a higher chance of failing in the field then mechanical controls (then what do you do?). Make sure the housing you pick as full access to the controls you want to use (Manual White Balance, Iris, Photo, etc.)

Manual White Balance is far more important on video then still photography. Amphibico makes some great housings - but not having manual white balance, especially on an HDV camera - would be a waste IMO.