Redrock's new mini rig...
 

Here's the first article I've seen about Redrock's mini rig, the so-called Hybrid:
Redrock Hybrid Cinema Rig Aims dSLRs Right at Spielberg - Gizmodo Australia

-- peer

Redrock's New Mini Rig ...
 

Do we actually need this for $200 +?

Try a Hoodman Pro Loupe attached to camera body via 6 daisy chained rubber bands. Loop first & last band over neck of eyepiece, stretch the entire band east/west around camera body. Brace the camera/eyepiece on your face ( 35 mm film camera style, remember them!!) Additional stability for long lens, combine with video monopod. Brace your body and rig on pole, fence, table, another person, or sit on the turf.

Walking with this rig yields about the same result as a shoulder brace...we can't expect the impossible.

I tried the hoodman route and ended up sending it back. The glass in the hoodman was very inferior in my opinion.

Bruce

Re Hoodman Loupe
 

My tired old eyes have been around for 70+ years, in fact I wear contact lenses. Left eye set for reading, right eye distance. I find the Hoodman optical quality quite outstanding, featuring prime German optics. Tack sharp... after adjusting the diopter that covers the range found in most professional level cameras.

Hmmm maybe I missed something. Glad you are liking it though.

Bruce

So you suggest to replace this camera rig with some rubber bands and a loupe..?!
I don't get it.

-- peer

Brace Me.
 

If traveling light is a priority. I found this approach an advantage, and cost effective over a shoulder brace. Outlined in my original quote are a number of suggestions to add addition stability if required for a long lens.

I guess it's a matter of personal choice, after evaluation. Different strokes, for different folks.

Ron.

Peer do you have any idea when this product is going to be out?

Bruce

On the RedRock site it now lists the DSLR 2.0 range of products....

you pick and choose what and how you want to use with your camera...

I put in 2 rails, 2 handles, solder brace and camera block... it came in around $600

unless I'm missing something I don't think you can get a rig for ~$200

More detail in this video http://www.freshdv.com/2009/04/nab-2...rock-dslr.html

Dan

The base plate starts at $195, and then you add to that. But since a fully functional rig will run quite a bit higher than $195, to me their new "affordable" approach seems kind of deceiving.

-- peer

I find the website they have and trying to figure out what I need to put together a system is the most confusing thing I have ever seen. I mean, I probably would have ordered something by now if I knew what I was doing.

Bruce

They are supposed to have bundles of popular configurations although I see that you must click on the 'Buy Now' link before you find out the price:-) Presumably they thought that you would suffer extreme sticker shock if the prices were easier to find. Never mind thinking about a rig for $195 start thinking about having to spend 10x as much!

I mean the base plate alone is $195. Start adding the parts you need and it really piles up. I don't understand how they have made this affordable. You get all the parts you need and before you know it you might as well spend the 2K on the whole system.

Bruce

Here's some more info that shows some of the equipment that was shown at NAB...

Its a bit more complicated than I thought it was but its hard to get a full feel when
your watching video demo's versus having the piece parts in your hands and putting
the rig together for your needs...

Looks like a very nice setup,modular and adaptable as you go...

You have to really commit to using this style of camera for the price...

One of the good things is DSLR bodies dont' change much in size so this
type of system should be adaptable to any future DSLR cameras coming
down the pipe.. so the investment can at least be used for years to come.

DSLR Cinema Bundle Setup Tutorial on Vimeo