Wedding Video Shoulder Support at DVinfo.net

Patrick Pike · November 2nd, 2004, 12:40 PM

Im curious what all the event pros in here use for shoulder supports on the smaller cameras. For years, I've only used my trusty XL1, but I'm considering moving towards a smaller camera for receptions. The problem is I can not seem to get solid footage without a shouldermount. We use a monopod on one camera, but it can be difficult to move it through a tight reception hall in a hurry.

Thanks,
Patrick

Don Bloom · November 2nd, 2004, 01:10 PM

There are lots of posts about shoulder braces if you search thru the "support" forum I know I heve posted there a couple of time regarding this very subject.
However in a nutshell, depending on the camera you are going to use in many cases the shoulder support is really of little value IMO simply because it throw the center of balance of the camera way off. As an example, I use a PD150, front heavty to begin with. Add a WA lens attachment, on cam light with no battery as I use a battery belt, add a ME66 and then on occassion add a wireless receiver and then set the brace to carry the camera so you can use the LCD or the VF and ALL of the weight is out in front. Way out in front. It can make for a very heavy package. Even though you are carrying a bit of the weight on your shoulder most of the weight is carried by your left arm at least it is for me. There are certain times the brace can work wll but frankly I have stopped using it for receptions and rely either on my monopod OR my own 2 arms which seem to work the best. Now the 150 is a completely differnt shape and weight than the XL1 but with lots of practice you can not only hold steady but get some shots that are far mre creative than you can with the brace. It is however too each his own. Many years ago I was using a full size camera and frankly for steadiness (other than using a full blown steadicam rig) I feel it is still the best way to go, but the shoulder brace for the smaller cams IMO will in no way duplicate that.
Now for the types, there are many, some have the "belly bar" some don't. HabbyCam and Studio1store both carry the same brace. B&H has others Varizoom make one. I would search B&H and the Studio1store websites, perhaps AL-Art or Adamora as well. I think you'll find a large variety to choose from.
Good luck and happy hunting.
Don B

John DeLuca · November 2nd, 2004, 01:51 PM

A tripod, and glidecam with the forearm brace is the best combo ive found yet for weddings. I also have a mono pod/shoulder pod, but rarely use them at events.

John

Patrick Pike · November 2nd, 2004, 01:58 PM

We have a GL2 that I have hooked up to a VariZoom Flowpod, which is great at what it does. I have also tried a Habbycam shoulder mount, but I have not been able to get the weight off of my hands. It actually seems to impair good filming because it adds more weight and does not allow you to look through the viewfinder because of the horizontal position of the camera on the mount (using a GL2). I would think that the "belly bar" type brace would react too strongly to breathing, but I havent tried them. So far, the best solution that I have been able to use (with the smaller cameras) is the FlowPod.

Thanks for the input!

David Bermejo · November 4th, 2004, 07:06 PM

Try this, I built it.

Pic 1
http://img19.exs.cx/img19/9458/IM001639.jpg

Pic 2
http://img19.exs.cx/img19/4097/IM001640.jpg

Cosmin Rotaru · November 5th, 2004, 11:58 AM

Cool! I like DIY! I see you also added some weight on the back!

I did one of those myself. I have a heavy Pb accu at the back, for the on camera light:

[ur]http://w1.226.telia.com/~u22607422/CanonOnSupportSmall.jpg[/url]

Anyway, I only used it at ONE wedding. :)

I think a monopod is a better idea for weddings.

November 2nd, 2004, 12:40 PM	#1
Patrick Pike Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Mariposa, CA Posts: 200	Wedding Video Shoulder Support Im curious what all the event pros in here use for shoulder supports on the smaller cameras. For years, I've only used my trusty XL1, but I'm considering moving towards a smaller camera for receptions. The problem is I can not seem to get solid footage without a shouldermount. We use a monopod on one camera, but it can be difficult to move it through a tight reception hall in a hurry. Thanks, Patrick

November 4th, 2004, 07:06 PM	#5
David Bermejo Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Orlando, Florida Posts: 36	Try this, I built it. Pic 1 http://img19.exs.cx/img19/9458/IM001639.jpg Pic 2 http://img19.exs.cx/img19/4097/IM001640.jpg __________________ I love camera booms!! Never underestimate the power of a video camera!

November 5th, 2004, 11:58 AM	#6
Cosmin Rotaru Major Player Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Romania, Timisoara Posts: 453	Cool! I like DIY! I see you also added some weight on the back! I did one of those myself. I have a heavy Pb accu at the back, for the on camera light: [ur]http://w1.226.telia.com/~u22607422/CanonOnSupportSmall.jpg[/url] Anyway, I only used it at ONE wedding. :) I think a monopod is a better idea for weddings. __________________ Cosmin Rotaru

November 2nd, 2004, 01:10 PM	#2
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	There are lots of posts about shoulder braces if you search thru the "support" forum I know I heve posted there a couple of time regarding this very subject. However in a nutshell, depending on the camera you are going to use in many cases the shoulder support is really of little value IMO simply because it throw the center of balance of the camera way off. As an example, I use a PD150, front heavty to begin with. Add a WA lens attachment, on cam light with no battery as I use a battery belt, add a ME66 and then on occassion add a wireless receiver and then set the brace to carry the camera so you can use the LCD or the VF and ALL of the weight is out in front. Way out in front. It can make for a very heavy package. Even though you are carrying a bit of the weight on your shoulder most of the weight is carried by your left arm at least it is for me. There are certain times the brace can work wll but frankly I have stopped using it for receptions and rely either on my monopod OR my own 2 arms which seem to work the best. Now the 150 is a completely differnt shape and weight than the XL1 but with lots of practice you can not only hold steady but get some shots that are far mre creative than you can with the brace. It is however too each his own. Many years ago I was using a full size camera and frankly for steadiness (other than using a full blown steadicam rig) I feel it is still the best way to go, but the shoulder brace for the smaller cams IMO will in no way duplicate that. Now for the types, there are many, some have the "belly bar" some don't. HabbyCam and Studio1store both carry the same brace. B&H has others Varizoom make one. I would search B&H and the Studio1store websites, perhaps AL-Art or Adamora as well. I think you'll find a large variety to choose from. Good luck and happy hunting. Don B

November 2nd, 2004, 01:51 PM	#3
John DeLuca Major Player Join Date: May 2003 Location: Akron, Ohio Posts: 496	A tripod, and glidecam with the forearm brace is the best combo ive found yet for weddings. I also have a mono pod/shoulder pod, but rarely use them at events. John

November 2nd, 2004, 01:58 PM	#4
Patrick Pike Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Mariposa, CA Posts: 200	We have a GL2 that I have hooked up to a VariZoom Flowpod, which is great at what it does. I have also tried a Habbycam shoulder mount, but I have not been able to get the weight off of my hands. It actually seems to impair good filming because it adds more weight and does not allow you to look through the viewfinder because of the horizontal position of the camera on the mount (using a GL2). I would think that the "belly bar" type brace would react too strongly to breathing, but I havent tried them. So far, the best solution that I have been able to use (with the smaller cameras) is the FlowPod. Thanks for the input!