Compact Kit Idea

Graeme Hay · March 18th, 2013, 08:30 PM

I'm thinking of adding some accessories to my GH2 which until now has all be stick shots as handheld is a nightmare (and perhaps later camera but for SPC I'll stick with my smallest camera). Items with (*) means I haven't purchased them yet.

I'm basically looking for advice on if the equipment I have selected is the best for the job (assuming I'm not spending more than $1000 on any one item).

Run & Gun Set-up:
GH2
*Edelkrone Pocket Rig
*SmallHD Monitor (Still Debating 4" vs 7")

Controlled Pan:
*PB Pocket Dolly from Kessler Crane (3" version)
Manfrotto 502AH and Photo Tripod

Larger Pans:
8.5ft KC-Lite for Pans
*Tripod Spreader with Rubber-Air Wheels for Longer Dolly Shots.

Controlled Shoots:
* Mattbox (Lanparte or similar featured alternative)

*** I also have a GoPro Hero3 Black which I'm using on a small stabilizer for chase shots and slow-mo, etc ***

Craig Seeman · March 31st, 2013, 11:59 AM

Pocket Dolly is a good idea. The production value of motion is great and the pocket dolly is small although I believe they are smaller.

Event the "lite" Kessler Crane might be big for an SPC IMHO.

There are some very small steadycam devices well suited to a DSLR. It makes at least one form of handheld viable.

Jase Tanner · April 3rd, 2013, 09:35 AM

Graham

I've got the SmallHD DP4 with their EVF. Very happy with it. I don't have the Pocket rig yet but its on the list for when I get a GH3 in the near future. The EVF would provide another contact point for more stability. They also have a monitor holder which I think you'd want to get.

Mark Whittle · April 3rd, 2013, 11:30 PM

Hi Graeme,

I have a GH2 & yet to receive my GH3 which are used for weddings. I currently use a Manfrotto monopod with 701 video head which is used for everything but the ceremony & speeches, when I switch to tripods.

I am about to purchase a Steddiepod which I hope will replace the monopod and add steadicam-like stability while still being light and very user friendly. Best of all I can let it stand up on its own - something I can't do with the mono, so in effect it replaces a tripod as well.

Cheers,

Mark

March 18th, 2013, 08:30 PM	#1
Graeme Hay Major Player Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Posts: 202	Compact Kit Idea - Thoughts? I'm thinking of adding some accessories to my GH2 which until now has all be stick shots as handheld is a nightmare (and perhaps later camera but for SPC I'll stick with my smallest camera). Items with () means I haven't purchased them yet. I'm basically looking for advice on if the equipment I have selected is the best for the job (assuming I'm not spending more than $1000 on any one item). Run & Gun Set-up: GH2 Edelkrone Pocket Rig SmallHD Monitor (Still Debating 4" vs 7") Controlled Pan: PB Pocket Dolly from Kessler Crane (3" version) Manfrotto 502AH and Photo Tripod Larger Pans: 8.5ft KC-Lite for Pans Tripod Spreader with Rubber-Air Wheels for Longer Dolly Shots. Controlled Shoots: Mattbox (Lanparte or similar featured alternative) * I also have a GoPro Hero3 Black which I'm using on a small stabilizer for chase shots and slow-mo, etc * __________________ Independent Filmmaker in Canada's Capital

March 31st, 2013, 11:59 AM	#2
Craig Seeman Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA Posts: 3,841	Re: Compact Kit Idea - Thoughts? Pocket Dolly is a good idea. The production value of motion is great and the pocket dolly is small although I believe they are smaller. Event the "lite" Kessler Crane might be big for an SPC IMHO. There are some very small steadycam devices well suited to a DSLR. It makes at least one form of handheld viable.

April 3rd, 2013, 09:35 AM	#3
Jase Tanner Major Player Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 346	Re: Compact Kit Idea - Thoughts? Graham I've got the SmallHD DP4 with their EVF. Very happy with it. I don't have the Pocket rig yet but its on the list for when I get a GH3 in the near future. The EVF would provide another contact point for more stability. They also have a monitor holder which I think you'd want to get.

April 3rd, 2013, 11:30 PM	#4
Mark Whittle Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bunbury, Western Australia Posts: 153	Re: Compact Kit Idea - Thoughts? Hi Graeme, I have a GH2 & yet to receive my GH3 which are used for weddings. I currently use a Manfrotto monopod with 701 video head which is used for everything but the ceremony & speeches, when I switch to tripods. I am about to purchase a Steddiepod which I hope will replace the monopod and add steadicam-like stability while still being light and very user friendly. Best of all I can let it stand up on its own - something I can't do with the mono, so in effect it replaces a tripod as well. Cheers, Mark __________________ MW