C100 and handholding
 

I'd like to try shooting handheld using my C100. What's the best way to go about it, shoulder mount? Or something else?

Re: C100 and handholding
 

the best rig to have is simply a monopod, Manfrotto 561 BHDV has been my weapon of choice for years, this thing beats any shoulder rig or any handheld setup, especially with the tilt and pan features.

otherwise i would suggest using 24-105 with IS on, installing an eyecup on the c100 and shooting with the eyecup pressed against your face.

Re: C100 and handholding
 

Thanks, I do have a monopod and love it. I wasn't sure if there was a better way of doing this. What if I wanted follow focus?

Re: C100 and handholding
 

A monopod doesn't help much if you are walking around, it's only good stationary..... might just as well use a tripod.

I took a monopod with me to India this year..... I had a hellava time using the follow focus, and zoom together while trying to hold the monopod still. When I got to Thailand I left the damn thing in the hotel room so I didn't have to bring it home with me.

Other than that, Phillip Bloom had a nice set up in his revere of the C100.

Re: C100 and handholding
 

The weight and the vertical inertia of the monopod makes it much steadier than handheld while walking ,most of time when I use it it's fully closed and standing n my thigh im able to zoom and focus with my left hand very easily and fast , I find a follow focus is usless while runing and guning handheld.

Re: C100 and handholding
 

P+S Technik recently had a go at redefining the monopod:

ProShot DSLR Rig 1192

The trouble with this is, and monopods in general, is that with a C100 it's going to be top-heavy.

A super-light monopod stuffed into a shoulder-strap 'ceremonial flag holder' thing is still an oldie but a goodie that's worth considering. You can, with a stiff enough monopod, do some faux crane stuff and just about squeeze off a few high shots by shooting almost blind.

However, getting an extra 1 meter of height makes such a difference - hence the press-shooter's favourite: the small ultralight step-ladder. LOL

Re: C100 and handholding
 

For me even holding it still trying balance it, and operating the zoom and focus was more than I could bare..... if I had one extra arm then it would have worked for me..... but I only have two.

I learned a trick with my 5D3........ put the strap on around your neck, then pull it tight using the camera..... the strap pulled tight around your neck helps stabilize the camera to an amazing degree...... however you still can;t do much with the zoom and follow focus.

Re: C100 and handholding
 

I disagree with this. Ever since getting my monopod I don't even touch my tripod (unless I am shooting an interview or something that I don't need to move around). It's easy to move around (no legs collapsing, fits everywhere, I can get a variety of shots). Not sure what kind of tripod you are using but I think what makes it so great is the little three legs on the bottom. I almost never zoom while shooting, though.

Re: C100 and handholding
 

Mine didn't have the three feet at the bottom it was strictly a pole. B&H through it in the deal when I bought my 5D3 last year. It was at the bottom of the pole when it comes to monopods.

I seems as you said you already have a monopod so your question is obviously about something else. Phillip Bloom has a great solution at 13:30 into the video. Don't know the cost, but I hope it's more affordable than Matt Davies $1200 wonder-pod!

Re: C100 and handholding
 

Well, he says "zacuto" and while their products are of excellent quality they are also covered with a layer of gold, must be at these prizes they charge :)

Re: C100 and handholding
 

Well that's when you should hit ebay and find a Chinese made alternative, but at least it gives you an idea.

Re: C100 and handholding
 

I'm back asking the same question. Let's say you are not allowed to use a monopod or a tripod what's the best stabilization method for hand holding the C100? Any other new ideas?

Re: C100 and handholding
 

Shoulder/stock type brace on a basic rail system?

Re: C100 and handholding
 

This has been my personal favorite solution for the last year or more. It's light weight, super flexible, gets the grip in the right spot. Zacuto has just come out with the 3rd generation Recoil stuff too. The plates are a little bigger but allow for even more flexibility. What do you think of the rig in the video? Do you think it might meet your needs?

Eric Petrie
provideoandtape.com
Lease the Canon C100 for $129 a month
Lease the Sony FS7 for $248 a month

Re: C100 and handholding
 

Thank you, that Zacuto recoil looks great except the price tag, haha.