Vinten, Sachtler, Libec, Miller, Manfrotto Shootout

Warren Kawamoto · February 23rd, 2011, 02:59 PM

Chris, will your shootout be released before April? Just wondering because NAB is right around the corner. By the time you finally release your report, the information within may be "old news" already, with new products on the horizon.

Chris Soucy · February 23rd, 2011, 04:22 PM

Just heard from Chris this morning, he's been out of town almost non stop since the first tranche went up last weekend, he's promised to get it posted sometime this coming weekend.

The rest won't be too far behind.

Yes, having NAB looming in the rear view mirror is a bit of a spur, tho' major ground breaking support releases tend to be pretty few and far between, increments and tarting tending to be the norm.

Just to prove me wrong, someone will have totally re - invented the wheel and come out with a remote control support with double 360 degree servo pan/ tilt, gyros, capable of levitation and independent flight whilst running for over 12 hours on a pair of AA batteries, the entire thing weighing less than 3 pounds..

Or something.

I shall be peeved indeed that they didn't let me review it first!

CS

Chris Hurd · March 1st, 2011, 11:48 AM

Apologies for the delay -- I just had a spate of travel; to San Francisco,
then Las Vegas, then Orlando, pretty much all back-to-back. Have now
returned to the home office and Chris Soucy's Libec review is being
processed at this moment. I'll post the link here plus we'll have a new
thread going just for feedback on his article.

I didn't intend to be out for so long, but I had a rare opportunity in
Florida. Photos attached here to show you just what I mean. Back
to work now though.

Chris Hurd · March 3rd, 2011, 05:40 AM

Chris Soucy's Libec RS-250M review is up:

Part One: Review: Libec RS 250M Video Support System at DVInfo.net (1 of 2)

Part Two: Review: Libec RS 250M Video Support System at DVInfo.net (2 of 2)

I've started a separate discussion topic for it. Please post any feedback about the Libec review to this thread:

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/tripod-s...-feedback.html

See you there,

Roger Shealy · May 18th, 2011, 04:54 PM

Chris,

I didn't realize you were a Shuttle buff. My son and I got a very "behind the scenes" tour of the space shuttle training facility in Houston Texus several years ago, which I documented. No great videography here, it was shot with a Canon S3 (point and shoot), but you may enjoy what goes into such a program. My son was very fortunate to get a tour and be able to fly the simulator and see a lot of things most don't get to see first hand.

By the way, when will this thread continue with other tripod reviews?

Greg Kiger · May 23rd, 2011, 04:35 PM

Late to the party and wondering if I missed dinner ;) Did you post the shoot out results Chris, looks like the whole world wants to know the best dslr tripod - me included.

When I first moved over to video from photography I was taken aback by the cost of heads and sticks to support them but after owning a Manfrotto and 38 I now see why all the sage wisdom says " buy nice or buy twice" especially when it comes to video tripods / heads.

So now, money I don't have but will spend anyway is burning a whole in my pocket - just tell this lemming which to buy and off I will go ;)

Cheers,

Chris Soucy · May 23rd, 2011, 08:32 PM

Hi, Greg................

If you check out the very first thread on the index page (DVinfo.net Announcements) you'll see that Chris Hurd has taken the latest installment hostage along wiith the database that goes with all of them.

Not quite sure what ransom I'm going to have to pay to spring 'em but negotiations are continuing.

Once that's all settled I'll fire up the last of the reviews (Sachtler) and then the "shootout" with my take on the winners and also rans, though if you don't more or less pick 'em from the reviews I must be doing sommat wrong.

To date the VB is ahead by a couple of lengths, but horses for courses.

CS

Chris Soucy · June 5th, 2011, 09:36 PM

Manfotto Review Update

The Mummy's Curse seem to have touched this review - maybe Manfrotto called in the Mafia!

Still held hostage by Chris and no sign that negotiations over a ransom have gone anywhere.

No idea what is going on but keeping my fingers crossed, still have "Proof of Life" as it's sitting on my hard drive(s), not that it's doing anyone much good there.

More as and when.

CS

Wayne Zebzda · June 6th, 2011, 12:53 AM

We curoius videographers just want to stay informed, that's what this forum is about isn't it?...release the hounds man!

p.s Will Miller enters the fray?

Ethan Cooper · June 6th, 2011, 01:26 AM

with as long as it's been I'm guessing the delay is either legal or political

Ed Roo · June 6th, 2011, 08:00 AM

I have asked, gently, twice now, in the past month to have the Manfrotto 504 review published. If for some reason, people don't like the review Chris S has written, they have the right to submit a rebuttal to the forum.

If there is/are actual/perceived problems with the device reviewed, the forum serves the manufacturer to improve the product or dispel the perception. The review forum seems like a much better source of feedback for a manufacturer than having critical posts about a products shortcomings seeded randomly throughout the comments.

Mike Beckett · June 6th, 2011, 10:12 AM

Probably more likely that the guv'nor (CH) is just really busy and hasn't had the time to polish off the review yet!

Sabyasachi Patra · June 6th, 2011, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Beckett

Probably more likely that the guv'nor (CH) is just really busy and hasn't had the time to polish off the review yet!

A fly in the wall informed that Chris Soucy has submitted a handwritten manuscript and Chris Hurd is searching for someone to decipher it. :D Any volunteers to help Chris?

Chris Soucy · June 7th, 2011, 11:21 PM

I feel the answer to this hold up is a little simpler than many would think.

Those in touch with the Forums will have noticed a decided lack of CH input over the last couple of months, which implies issues elsewhere requiring his attention.

What they have been / are is irrevelant, if he's not available, he's not.

A sudden flurry of CH input (to the Forums) in the last couple of days has given me hope that we shall see the light at the end of this tunnel very shortly.

Keep your fingers crossed guys.

CS

PS: There's nothing in the review that strays from observable/ demonstrable/ measurable fact, thus rendering the conspiracy theory redundant BTW. If it's in there, it's true. Pretty, maybe not, true, definately.

Mike Beckett · June 8th, 2011, 02:50 AM

Chris,

Any chance you could add the Velbon CX480 to your reviews, please?

February 23rd, 2011, 02:59 PM	#166
Warren Kawamoto Trustee Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 1,435	Re: Vinten, Sachtler, Libec, Miller, Manfrotto Shootout Chris, will your shootout be released before April? Just wondering because NAB is right around the corner. By the time you finally release your report, the information within may be "old news" already, with new products on the horizon.

February 23rd, 2011, 04:22 PM	#167
Chris Soucy Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand Posts: 3,691 Images: 18	Re: Vinten, Sachtler, Libec, Miller, Manfrotto Shootout Just heard from Chris this morning, he's been out of town almost non stop since the first tranche went up last weekend, he's promised to get it posted sometime this coming weekend. The rest won't be too far behind. Yes, having NAB looming in the rear view mirror is a bit of a spur, tho' major ground breaking support releases tend to be pretty few and far between, increments and tarting tending to be the norm. Just to prove me wrong, someone will have totally re - invented the wheel and come out with a remote control support with double 360 degree servo pan/ tilt, gyros, capable of levitation and independent flight whilst running for over 12 hours on a pair of AA batteries, the entire thing weighing less than 3 pounds.. Or something. I shall be peeved indeed that they didn't let me review it first! CS

March 1st, 2011, 11:48 AM	#168
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	Re: Vinten, Sachtler, Libec, Miller, Manfrotto Shootout Apologies for the delay -- I just had a spate of travel; to San Francisco, then Las Vegas, then Orlando, pretty much all back-to-back. Have now returned to the home office and Chris Soucy's Libec review is being processed at this moment. I'll post the link here plus we'll have a new thread going just for feedback on his article. I didn't intend to be out for so long, but I had a rare opportunity in Florida. Photos attached here to show you just what I mean. Back to work now though. Attached Thumbnails __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

March 3rd, 2011, 05:40 AM	#169
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	Re: Vinten, Sachtler, Libec, Miller, Manfrotto Shootout Chris Soucy's Libec RS-250M review is up: Part One: Review: Libec RS 250M Video Support System at DVInfo.net (1 of 2) Part Two: Review: Libec RS 250M Video Support System at DVInfo.net (2 of 2) I've started a separate discussion topic for it. Please post any feedback about the Libec review to this thread: http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/tripod-s...-feedback.html See you there, __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

May 18th, 2011, 04:54 PM	#170
Roger Shealy Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: Fayetteville, GA Posts: 772	Re: Vinten, Sachtler, Libec, Miller, Manfrotto Shootout Chris, I didn't realize you were a Shuttle buff. My son and I got a very "behind the scenes" tour of the space shuttle training facility in Houston Texus several years ago, which I documented. No great videography here, it was shot with a Canon S3 (point and shoot), but you may enjoy what goes into such a program. My son was very fortunate to get a tour and be able to fly the simulator and see a lot of things most don't get to see first hand. 20080625 Jim visits NASA @ Houston TX on Vimeo By the way, when will this thread continue with other tripod reviews? Last edited by Roger Shealy; May 18th, 2011 at 06:38 PM.

May 23rd, 2011, 04:35 PM	#171
Greg Kiger Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 134	Re: Vinten, Sachtler, Libec, Miller, Manfrotto Shootout Late to the party and wondering if I missed dinner ;) Did you post the shoot out results Chris, looks like the whole world wants to know the best dslr tripod - me included. When I first moved over to video from photography I was taken aback by the cost of heads and sticks to support them but after owning a Manfrotto and 38 I now see why all the sage wisdom says " buy nice or buy twice" especially when it comes to video tripods / heads. So now, money I don't have but will spend anyway is burning a whole in my pocket - just tell this lemming which to buy and off I will go ;) Cheers, __________________ Greg Kiger St Louis Mo www.GreenBridgeFilms.com Sony EX1 / Canon 5Dm2 / Cool Lights / DP1x / Marshall / Oktava / Sanken / Kessler

May 23rd, 2011, 08:32 PM	#172
Chris Soucy Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand Posts: 3,691 Images: 18	Re: Vinten, Sachtler, Libec, Miller, Manfrotto Shootout Hi, Greg................ If you check out the very first thread on the index page (DVinfo.net Announcements) you'll see that Chris Hurd has taken the latest installment hostage along wiith the database that goes with all of them. Not quite sure what ransom I'm going to have to pay to spring 'em but negotiations are continuing. Once that's all settled I'll fire up the last of the reviews (Sachtler) and then the "shootout" with my take on the winners and also rans, though if you don't more or less pick 'em from the reviews I must be doing sommat wrong. To date the VB is ahead by a couple of lengths, but horses for courses. CS

June 5th, 2011, 09:36 PM	#173
Chris Soucy Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand Posts: 3,691 Images: 18	Re: Vinten, Sachtler, Libec, Miller, Manfrotto Shootout Manfotto Review Update The Mummy's Curse seem to have touched this review - maybe Manfrotto called in the Mafia! Still held hostage by Chris and no sign that negotiations over a ransom have gone anywhere. No idea what is going on but keeping my fingers crossed, still have "Proof of Life" as it's sitting on my hard drive(s), not that it's doing anyone much good there. More as and when. CS

June 6th, 2011, 12:53 AM	#174
Wayne Zebzda Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Kauai, Hawaii Posts: 86	Re: Vinten, Sachtler, Libec, Miller, Manfrotto Shootout We curoius videographers just want to stay informed, that's what this forum is about isn't it?...release the hounds man! p.s Will Miller enters the fray? __________________ Wayne Zebzda LookLookTV.com

June 6th, 2011, 01:26 AM	#175
Ethan Cooper Trustee Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Houma, La. Posts: 1,400 Images: 5	Re: Vinten, Sachtler, Libec, Miller, Manfrotto Shootout with as long as it's been I'm guessing the delay is either legal or political __________________ ∅ -Ethan Cooper

June 6th, 2011, 08:00 AM	#176
Ed Roo Major Player Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Columbus USA Posts: 312	Re: Vinten, Sachtler, Libec, Miller, Manfrotto Shootout I have asked, gently, twice now, in the past month to have the Manfrotto 504 review published. If for some reason, people don't like the review Chris S has written, they have the right to submit a rebuttal to the forum. If there is/are actual/perceived problems with the device reviewed, the forum serves the manufacturer to improve the product or dispel the perception. The review forum seems like a much better source of feedback for a manufacturer than having critical posts about a products shortcomings seeded randomly throughout the comments.

June 6th, 2011, 10:12 AM	#177
Mike Beckett Trustee Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Antrim, Northern Ireland Posts: 1,569	Re: Vinten, Sachtler, Libec, Miller, Manfrotto Shootout Probably more likely that the guv'nor (CH) is just really busy and hasn't had the time to polish off the review yet!

June 7th, 2011, 11:21 PM	#179
Chris Soucy Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand Posts: 3,691 Images: 18	Re: Vinten, Sachtler, Libec, Miller, Manfrotto Shootout I feel the answer to this hold up is a little simpler than many would think. Those in touch with the Forums will have noticed a decided lack of CH input over the last couple of months, which implies issues elsewhere requiring his attention. What they have been / are is irrevelant, if he's not available, he's not. A sudden flurry of CH input (to the Forums) in the last couple of days has given me hope that we shall see the light at the end of this tunnel very shortly. Keep your fingers crossed guys. CS PS: There's nothing in the review that strays from observable/ demonstrable/ measurable fact, thus rendering the conspiracy theory redundant BTW. If it's in there, it's true. Pretty, maybe not, true, definately.

June 8th, 2011, 02:50 AM	#180
Mike Beckett Trustee Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Antrim, Northern Ireland Posts: 1,569	Re: Vinten, Sachtler, Libec, Miller, Manfrotto Shootout Chris, Any chance you could add the Velbon CX480 to your reviews, please?