Coming from a 'stills' photography background, I found researching video
recording rigs for using with a Canon DSLR a whole new ball game and
quite complicated.
When you go beyond the idea of simply holding a DSLR and making a video
clip to purchasing all the extras that make up a semi-professional rig
it becomes somewhat of a nightmare. There are so many options that you
can add to your camera and the prices vary enormously.
I wanted to explore a video rig set-up that was affordable, not cheap
but well made and reliable. I honed in on the videos of
Half Inch Rails and settled on two
of their rig choices. Half Inch Rails now offer optional 'slide on'
shoulder pads for the larger rig.
A couple of pictures followed by a short video of each rig in use -
I have broken down
the rigs into components parts, the rigs themselves are complete units
and both can be purchased directly from
Half Inch Railsalso the smaller rig from
Robert Whitein the UK.
The items that are not included in either rig purchase are -
1st and
Smaller Rig -
The
Genus loupe viewfinder that attaches to the back of the DSLR
LCD -
used on the smaller rig
2nd and
Larger Rig -
The DSLR
camera on the larger rig
The
small video monitor on the larger rig
The
magic 'swivel' arm that holds the video monitor to the larger rig
The
larger rig shoulder pads (not shown in the larger rig picture)
The Okii
USB Focus Unit and the
1/4 thumbnut and stud
that
bolts it to the larger rig handle bars
A
microphone not
shown in the larger rig picture)
Crane Rig
- I have also included a section on a Crane Rig at the foot of
this article.
The Rig Accessories
I have
listed the extra accessories for each rig with as much information as I
have on each item plus some images of them -
The
Genus Loupe Viewfinderis the
ultimate tool for use with 3-inch LCD screens. With a 2.5X magnifying
lens, the G-LV allows you to clearly see your images on
a larger scale. It is ideal for using with a small rig and a DSLR. You
fit the loupe to the rear of the camera and use it as the viewer.
Easy to install and adjust, the Genus Loupe Viewfinder Kit comes with
one black hood, one translucent hood, a mounting frame, magnifying lens
and a convenient lanyard.
The
Okii USB Focus Controller
is secured to the rig
handle bar frame by a 1/4 thumbnut and stud and is connected to the DSLR USB port.
It interacts with the camera directly through the camera USB port to
allow the user to apply focus control and other changes whilst
recording.
The FC1 USB Focus Controller gives the photo and video enthusiast a
compact yet powerful device that enhances the capabilities of HD
video enabled Canon EOS Digital SLR cameras. Like Canon's EOS
Utility, the FC1 uses Canon's USB protocol to allow control of a
wide range of functions, but without the limitations and bulk of
being tethered to a computer. The device is handheld, weighing under
5 oz. including batteries, and less than 3" in diameter. It is
connected to your camera with a standard mini-B to A USB cable, and
can be used as a remote control or attached to a rig using a 1/4"-20
mount located on the back of the anodized aluminum enclosure.
The FC1 uses the auto focus motor in lenses to control focus,
even while recording video.
This also works in any Live View modes, which can be useful for
photography. The HDMI output can still be used in tandem with the
controller, as well. The nine other switches located around the
central focus knob can be used to access important camera functions,
such as video start/stop, digital zoom, saving focus points, and
adjusting camera settings. If your intended use is as a remote
control for a camera mounted on a crane or jib, the FC1 has been
successfully tested with non-powered USB extension cables past 25
meters in length.
The
Vibesta Magic Arm
is a 'swivel'
leg secured to the rig with the other end supporting a video screen that
serves as a view point for the user, rather than using the LCD screen on
the DSLR.
The
SmallHD DP6 Video Screenis used as an external viewing device other
than using the LCD on the rear of the DSLR. It is connected on the
Vibesta swivel arm to the rig handle bars.
The large rig can have Optional Shoulder Pads
fitted and these can be purchased individually or in packs of five. For
more information - visit
The external microphone which fits the hot shoe or
can be mounted on the rig's 'handle bars' is a
Rode Videomic direction condenser
type with 200 ohms impedance, 40hz to 20khz frequency and includes
windshield. A Rode 'Deadcat Furry' windjammer is also an optional extra.
The
DSLR
Cranewas designed with today's fast growing, ever mobile DSLR
videographers in mind and it always helps to get even better and
smoother shots with interesting and sometimes subtle movements of
perspective. Space and weight are precious when travelling around. With
no tool and a rapid assembly, the crane provides the freedom you need.
The FC1 USB Focus Controller gives the photo and video enthusiast a
compact yet powerful device that enhances the capabilities of HD
video enabled Canon EOS Digital SLR cameras. Like Canon's EOS
Utility, the FC1 uses Canon's USB protocol to allow control of a
wide range of functions, but without the limitations and bulk of
being tethered to a computer. The device is handheld, weighing under
5 oz. including batteries, and less than 3" in diameter. It is
connected to your camera with a standard mini-B to A USB cable, and
can be used as a remote control or attached to a rig using a 1/4"-20
mount located on the back of the anodized aluminum enclosure.
The FC1 uses the auto focus motor in lenses to control focus,
even while recording video.
This also works in any Live View modes, which can be useful for
photography. The HDMI output can still be used in tandem with the
controller, as well. The nine other switches located around the
central focus knob can be used to access important camera functions,
such as video start/stop, digital zoom, saving focus points, and
adjusting camera settings. If your intended use is as a remote
control for a camera mounted on a crane or jib, the FC1 has been
successfully tested with non-powered USB extension cables past 25
meters in length.
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