It’s been awhile since I’ve updated my gear list on this blog to reflect some of the new toys that I’ve put into the mix of my HD-DSLR kit.
I’d like to share three pieces that I think might be relevant to many out there.
First I’ve been using a new rig quite a bit that Bruce Dorn makes -it’s called the IDC U-Boat Commander Rig for HD-DSLR Video. I’ve had it since January and I’ve found myself using it more and more.
As you may know - I’m a big fan of the RedRock Micro DSLR Rig - and I tend to use that when I need to mount a Marshall Monitor, the 5D MKII or 7D together on a rig such as a set of sticks, dolly, jib or Steadicam. However for some - I can see others needing a slightly more compact rig. One can of course customize the RedRock Micro rig down to be pretty compact - but I have to say that both of these solutions are quite elegant.
Bruce Dorn’s design is economical, sturdy, and quite elegant - so much so that he’s sold quite a few to the US Military’s combat photography unit - and that’s a stamp of approval if I’ve ever heard of one.
His rigs come in two flavors - the U-Boat Commander which is perfect for attaching a external mic to, and the even smaller iDC Run & Gun Kit / Follow-Focus & Viewfinder Kit - which is easily the single most understated way of intelligently building up your 5D MKII without making it too intimidating / apparent to others.
The rig uses a skateboard wheel to help focus your lenses (works great) and has a sleak attachment for a viewfinder (it doesn’t need to stick/tape/velcro to the back of your LCD screen - it screws in at the base of the camera. This is a very good thing btw - as it’s an EXTREMELY bad idea to velcro / tape anything to the rear of any Canon camera - the plastic screen on the back of these cameras is held in there with double-sided tape… so it’s only a matter of time until you end up pulling the plastic off the back of your camera..)
If you’re trying to decide between a smaller RedRock rig or a Bruce Dorn rig - I’d break it down as follows: the U-Boat is a great compact rig for the camera, sound recorder + mic. It may be a great solution for those looking for a minimalist solution - whereas the RedRock is significantly more customizable and will fit on any professional rig - or stand on its own - depending on your intended use. One important note is that while you could put a Marshall Monitor / LCD on the hotshoe of the Bruce Dorn Rig - I’m not sure it would balance as well as on the RedRock (I mount the Marshall on a cheese plate in the back of the rig - as a counter balance.)
Lastly - and this is just a function of size and weight - because you can configure and balance the RedRock to your liking (basically add more cheese plates / rods etc) you may end up getting less camera movement - which is just a result of the old video addage: more weight + spread out = more stability overall. That being said - there is an apt tool for every job. And both of these solutions are top notch.
Lastly - I have a new favorite audio recorder - the Zoom H4n - it’s absolutely perect in so many regards:
Stereo Microphones Built-in
USB Port
Small size and Weight
Tripod Mount
Records to SD Cards
DC and Battery powered
XLR and standard in/out mic inputs
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Hey cool stuff. I shot a bunch with the 5dmkii this summer in India with the zoom h4n for audio. Because of 30p they don’t stay in sync. My solution is to change the speed of the zoom audio in Final Cut to 99.9%. (doesn’t make sense, but through much trial and error, it works.) Works, but I was wondering what your work flow was. ( I got the sense from earlier posts that this isn’t the way you do it.) Any insight would be greatly appreciated. -JB
Comment by Jamie Billett 10.19.09 @ 1:26 pm[...] New Toys for HD-DSLR « Vincent Laforet’s Blog: It’s been awhile since I’ve updated my gear list on this blog to reflect some of the new toys [...]
Pingback by New Toys for HD-DSLR « Vincent Laforet | The Click 10.19.09 @ 1:35 pmNice to see that people are starting to offer other options other than zacuto and redrock for our video DSLRs… What can you tell me about the Cavideo’s dslr rig ? How does it compete w/ zacuto and redrock rigs ? Thanks.
André Farkatt 10.19.09 @ 2:26 pmSorry, I mistyped… it’s not caviDeo, its caviSion…
unfortunately BH photovideo doesn’t sell redrock, and zacuto is too expensive at the moment for me in my country (almost 4x the price of the eos itself !) I’m looking this rig now, it’s more affordable and BH sells, I just don’t know if the quality is good:
http://www.cavision.com/rods/dslrsets/RS5DM2SET-F.htm
Thanks,
Comment by André Farkatt 10.19.09 @ 4:16 pmWhat is the point of using that skateboard wheel to focus? Is it more stable than holding the camera the normal way with one hand cradling the camera? Doesn’t the 7D autofocus in live view mode? Is that the same as video mode? Inquiring minds want to know.
Comment by Larry Vaughn 10.19.09 @ 4:32 pmThanks for the post. I wouldn’t have known iDC existed without it. I was looking into a 7″ lcd to help focus, but would you say the iDC viewfinder is good enough?
Comment by William Barber 10.19.09 @ 7:04 pmThanks for the shout-out, Vincent - I’m glad to hear my iDC gear continues to find good utility in your kit.
I’ll be presenting a little HD session at the International Cinematographers Guild tomorrow evening (10/20/09) and I’ll have my rigs with me. Samys camera will be there with the excellent Redrock stuff as well. Maybe some of your blog readers can come by; it’ll be an excellent chance to try ‘em all! Here’s a link:
http://www.ladig.org/
For those who can’t make it, please feel free to check-out my modest blog as well. Like Vincent, I’m excited about the potential offered by these amazing HDSLRs and share whatever I can:
http://www.idcphotography.com/blog
See you at PhotoPlus in a few days, Vincent. Who knows what exciting things we’ll have to demonstrate on the big Canon stage?
Bruce
Comment by Bruce Dorn 10.19.09 @ 7:40 pmWait hang on…. a skateboard wheel attached to a tripod mount is $450 !!!! Are you serious?? The prices that people are charging for DSLR video accessories is getting out of control.
Comment by Dan 10.19.09 @ 7:45 pmSocial comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by justinvl: Vincent Laforet gives some gear ideas for your HD-SLR http://bit.ly/1PhnrJ #photog…
Trackback by uberVU - social comments 10.19.09 @ 10:07 pmThanks for the post Vincent! Looks like Ill be getting an H4n, it looks sweet!
Comment by Michael Andrew 10.20.09 @ 4:50 amVince: Has the Zoom H4n replaced the Fostex FR2-LE you recommended earlier? I’ve never heard anyone suggest that the Zoom has superior audio quality to Fostex, but maybe you’re going for convenience in a rig you can carry yourself? Still like the Rode shotgun mics, or have you made changes there, too?
By the way, I second the U-Boat system from iDC. The iDC gear is great — nice features at a price that non-pros can justify (RedRock Micro is great, but beyond the budget of most).
Comment by Charles 10.20.09 @ 8:50 amI really wish Dorn would come up with a focus whip for the follow focus rig. Don’t you still have the problem with shake when using the wheel?
Comment by Nate Kinnison 10.20.09 @ 11:42 amHey is that a custom made windscreen, or is your Zoom growing a head of hair? … Honestly that looks like a nice windscreen! I want one, where did you get it? I saw one on the zoom website but it looks nothing as good as yours. Yours looks like you put rogaine on it! I want it.
Comment by Ted Hinkle 10.24.09 @ 6:43 pmHow do you sync sound over multiple takes and long hours of shooting? With a slate?
Comment by TP 10.25.09 @ 2:41 pmThis is an amazing equipment. Very high-tech. I know everyone will love this. Thank you for posting.
Comment by Andy Light 11.02.09 @ 6:17 pm[...] never afford” list. Thanks to my new favorite blog Planet5D for making me cry a little. click here for the full [...]
Pingback by For real! I still need a light meter! « David Allen Jones 11.03.09 @ 3:20 pmI love this type of sharing, Vincent. Do continue to share your experience using these rigs and your recommendations as to what works. Planning to get a rig myself soon.
Comment by Speterman 11.07.09 @ 7:11 pm[...] die Angebote von Redrock Micro – den “U-Boat Commander” von iDC Photography. Ein Eintrag ins Vincent Laforets Blog machte mich auf eine Videohalterung aufmerksam, welche völlig ohne [...]
Pingback by VideoSLR » Alternative Videohalterung: Der U-Boat Commander von iDC 11.27.09 @ 2:56 pmJust thought the readers might like to know where the windscreen came from : http://www.redheadwindscreens.com
Custom Windscreens for your Zoom H4n, H4, and H2 handheld recorders : )
Love and Aloha, Kalani Prince
Comment by Kalani Prince 12.29.09 @ 11:09 pm[...] Source: Vincent Laforet Blog [...]
Pingback by NEW TOYS FOR HD-DSLR « News / Blog 01.19.10 @ 7:38 amThat support brace looks really clunky. About a month ago I purchased a brace from this company http://www.habbycam.com
for my Canon EOS 5D and so far it has been the best accessory I have bought for it.
Hi Vince
Love your toys.I am wondering,may be you may know.Is there a way to by pass the recording to a external like harddrive.Like what some have done with the Sony EX-3 to a Nanoflash and by pass the compression.I would personally love to record to a better codec and 4:4:4 color space instead of 4:2:0.The 5D mk2,with a good follow focus rig, a 7 inch HD monitor.A good external mic.That’s all one would need.I’d never buy a Camcorder again.
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Vincent Laforet Reply:
October 19th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
@André Farkatt, Andre haven’t tried the Cavideo - can you pls send a link? Many people / companies are working on rigs now - each is unique and has its own purpose - which is great for all of us!
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