Shoulder Support

Maureen Futtner · March 3rd, 2004, 01:12 PM

Hi, all.

AM about to purchase a trv-950 (relatively small sony camcorder), and want a stabilizing unit of some kind, but certainly can't go for steadicams, etc. Was looking to buy a simple shoulder support (saw something at B&H for $50). Can anyone recommend what I should look for in this type of support? Was also considering the DVCaddie, Jr. (less pricey).

ANy comments, suggestions welcome.
THanks

Ken Tanaka · March 3rd, 2004, 02:04 PM

Hello Maureen,
I think this thread will be of interest to you.

Shoulder braces are a mixed bag. They're really designed more from an operator comfort perspective than an image stabilization perspective. They actually can produce a shakier image for low-mass cameras such as the 950, as they transmit foot-fall vibrations directly through your shoulder to the camera. (Your arm normally absorbs much of this vibration during handheld shooting.)

If (relatively) inexpensive image stabilization is your primary goal you might look at something like a Steady Stick. I have a Varizoom shoulder brace I occasionally use with an XL1s. It's comfortable but is not really a stabilizer for motion shots.

Patricia Kim · March 4th, 2004, 02:58 PM

Maureen, I just purchased and have used the dvcaddie jr. I'm strictly amateur, so take my thoughts with a box of salt. I would say, however, that if you're considering it, spend the extra money to get the dvcaddie as opposed to the jr. The jr works fine for me, but it's not adjustable in length. The best part about the dvcaddie (IMO) is being able to rest it on your hip (you can breathe while shooting that way). If you're long-waisted, there may not be enough length in the jr to permit that. It's even a little short for me, and I fall into the vertically challenged category.

March 3rd, 2004, 01:12 PM	#1
Maureen Futtner New Boot Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 11	Shoulder Support - what to look for Hi, all. AM about to purchase a trv-950 (relatively small sony camcorder), and want a stabilizing unit of some kind, but certainly can't go for steadicams, etc. Was looking to buy a simple shoulder support (saw something at B&H for $50). Can anyone recommend what I should look for in this type of support? Was also considering the DVCaddie, Jr. (less pricey). ANy comments, suggestions welcome. THanks

March 3rd, 2004, 02:04 PM	#2
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Hello Maureen, I think this thread will be of interest to you. Shoulder braces are a mixed bag. They're really designed more from an operator comfort perspective than an image stabilization perspective. They actually can produce a shakier image for low-mass cameras such as the 950, as they transmit foot-fall vibrations directly through your shoulder to the camera. (Your arm normally absorbs much of this vibration during handheld shooting.) If (relatively) inexpensive image stabilization is your primary goal you might look at something like a Steady Stick. I have a Varizoom shoulder brace I occasionally use with an XL1s. It's comfortable but is not really a stabilizer for motion shots. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

March 4th, 2004, 02:58 PM	#3
Patricia Kim Major Player Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Posts: 453	Maureen, I just purchased and have used the dvcaddie jr. I'm strictly amateur, so take my thoughts with a box of salt. I would say, however, that if you're considering it, spend the extra money to get the dvcaddie as opposed to the jr. The jr works fine for me, but it's not adjustable in length. The best part about the dvcaddie (IMO) is being able to rest it on your hip (you can breathe while shooting that way). If you're long-waisted, there may not be enough length in the jr to permit that. It's even a little short for me, and I fall into the vertically challenged category.