You're right, most people won't be able to leave the camera attached when they put it in its case. The VSB1 and VSB3 are inexpensive and simple solutions to to make the cameras more user-friendly, but obviously they can't meet the needs of everyone.

Good question. I don't know why Sony chose to go with this particular design for the EX3, but I don't mind it. I wish the viewfinder would fold down, but that's my only complaint about the shape.

I stopped using my F350 because I like the picture quality of the EX3 better. I prefer a shoulder-mount camera and I prefer shooting on optical disc, but I was willing to give up those features of the F350 for the better picture quality.

BTW, I'm selling my F350 if anybody is interested. It's in mint condition with not a scratch or speck of dust on it.

Doug, in what way do you feel that the EX3 is better than your 350 when it comes to picture quality?

I could be interested in your camera. You can send me a PM and we can take it from there.

Thanks

Svein Rune

Cavision makes something similar with two handles: EX1 Accessories

I have been using the Century/Vocas mattebox on my EX1 which includes a flip-out shoulder brace. It's not perfect, but I'm learning to like it:

DVMB W/A KIT 15MM SUPPORT EX1 - Schneider Optics

It's hard to explain the difference in words, but, in my opinion, the EX3's picture is cleaner, brighter, and crisper looking than the F350. I also prefer shooting full 1920 instead of 1440 anamorphic.I'm not saying the F350 is bad, I'm just saying that for what I shoot, the EX3 looks better to me.

I'll PM you about the camera.
Thanks.

I too have never been impressed with handles. I don't know about anyone else. But I need two hands to operate the camera.

However, I'm plan on putting together something for my EX1 with this setup. With the Hoodman Hoodloupe setup I'm hoping I can mount the camera directly on the shoulder mount and not need the rails at all. It depends on how far forward I can get the camera.

Even if I need some short rails, I'm ditching the handles.

I'm afraid it won't work, Brett - with this shoulder mount, the camera is simply too high when put on your shoulder (for best balance), for its LCD to be usable (with or without a loupe).

The only way of using it with the EX1 is a separate monitor (and a remote on the handle).

If you're on the move, you need the quick release plate. I added an RRS QR plate as I already had their camcorder foot and another plate. If only their camcorder plate were longer ...

That does bring up a point - Doug can your shoulder mount be used while you have a quick release plate attached to the cam - I leave my Miller plate on as a default. As a doc maker, I have to move pretty fast sometimes.

It depends which model you are using. The VSB1 shoulder brace for the EX1, Z7U, Z1U, etc. will allow you to keep your tripod quick release plate attached at all times. No problem.

However, the VSB3 shoulder brace, which is designed only to be used with the EX3, does not allow you to keep your quick release plate attached -- unless you are able to find a screw that has the right length and the right head shape to go through the quick-release plate, through the shoulder brace, and into the camera. I have not been able to locate a screw that will work properly.

Vortex Media: VIDEO & PHOTO Tools and Training

In case anyone is wondering why there are two models, I'll explain.

The EX3's viewfinder is located on the side of the camera instead of at the rear as it is on the EX1. If the VSB1 did not shift the EX1 over so it sits in front of the cameraman's face, it would be in front of the shoulder instead your right eye. However, this shifting isn't needed on the EX3 because the viewfinder is already situated to the left of the camera body.

These two photos illustrate the difference better than I could say in words.

http://www.vortexmedia.com/images/VSB3_A_med.jpg
http://www.vortexmedia.com/images/VSB1_photo5L.jpg

The shoulder brace the Phil talks about in his blog does not seem to address this issue, and therefore, might not work too well with an EX1.

Like I said earlier, the VSB1 and VSB3 are inexpensive solutions for making the camera easier to hand-hold, but they wouldn't be the right choice for everyone.

Put me down for the RedRock
 

We've only had it out on three or four shoots - mostly run and gun documentary stuff - but so far I'm super impressed with the RedRock shoulder mount.

It's very solid on the shoulder, especially with a battery or monitor on the back, and the handles offer a very steady and comfortable feel. I was a little concerned at first about the ability to handle the set-up one-handed, so the other hand can be there for focus, zoom, white balance, etc., but the ability to move the camera front and back on the rails allows you to dial in a balance point, making it easy to operate the camera with either hand and support with the other. And when you don't need a hand on the camera, its rock solid and comfortable.

Added bonus, the quick releases make for super quick break down and all fits with room to spare in my Kata CC-196.

Sorry to sound like a RR commercial here. But $$ were tight and I was a little nervous about being sure we bought exactly what we needed. I did a lot of research and definitly feel like the RR gives us the best bang for the buck.

Really. Have you tried it? Look at the attached picture, it looks like I might have to tilt the LCD down a bit but I think it would work.

On second thought, with a tripod plate and receiver, I think it will get too high. The only way is if I could mount the tripod plate receiver directly to the shoulder mount baseplate without their plate. Hmmm. Looks like a call to Redrock.

With the camera approx. 3" above the shoulder and close enough to look through the HoodLoupe (LCD tilted down) my face was sort of squished next to the body of the camera (and I have a fairly thin face) and it was quite uncomfortable and never could get a proper seal of the eyecup with my eye (was just trying to see how it would be like with the Redrock Shoulder Mount).

I haven't got the Hoodman loupe, but I do have and use Redrock microShoulderMount - and I can tell you again, that you must put the camera much further back than on the photo you posted. Just look at the girl and her rig - where is she shooting? Certainly not level... The rig with camera as depicted, is much too front-heavy.

Now imagine the camera right over her shoulder, and add some QR plate in-between it and the shoulder mount post; to use the LCD she would have to look up at some 35-45 degrees.

If I find some time tomorrow, I'll post some pics of my rig to show you my point.