Stabilizers, Pods, Sticks, etc. for XHA1s at DVinfo.net

Alex DeJesus · August 14th, 2009, 02:44 PM

I have a bad back and cannot get comfortable hand-holding the XH. In the hopes of a low-cost stabilizing solution, I recently purchased a SteddiePod by BarberTech, an Atlas Camera Support, and a WristShot, which are all pretty cool in some ways. But, so far they all stink as stabilizers. For example, the Atlas Atlas Camera Support System: A Simple, Affordable Camera Stabilization System looks like a fishing rod suspended over the shoulder. It takes all the weight off and I can walk around all day without a sweat. The problem is that whenever I move, I may as well suspend the camera from a Slinky.

Since this forum section is specific to the XHA1, I was wondering what experiences you guys may have with such gadgets. I work alone with 2 cameras and I have tripods for both, but I want to be mobile with one. I have a wedding next week and I'm starting to worry. I had no problems with my old XL1 sitting on the shoulder.

Vasco Dones · August 14th, 2009, 04:39 PM

Alex,

I have an XH-A1 and a bad back as well
(and I'm also over 50 and badly out of shape)
and so far the best, cheapest
and most useful contraption I've found is the
Spiderbrace: amazingly lightweight and stable,
and it's only $70.
I've added a Libec ZC-3DV LANC controller (around $130)
and a Manfrotto/Bogen quick release adapter ($50).

Best

Vasco

Alex DeJesus · August 14th, 2009, 05:18 PM

I haven't tried a shoulder mount, yet

Denys Pyevtsov · August 16th, 2009, 03:52 PM

I use a DIY "shoulder mount". Here some "in acton" pics:

Kees van Duijvenbode · August 17th, 2009, 01:00 AM

I have tried all kinds off (cheap, homemade) shouldermounts and none of them lasted. Now for the A1 I mainly use a tripod, a monopod and a spiderbrace (with a LANC controller). All with QR adapters for quick changing. And when I want gliding shots I use my homemade rig with the HV30 and deshake the footage in post. Works like a charm.

Ann Bens · August 23rd, 2009, 11:19 AM

I kind of like the FigRig. Well not the real one. A friend called Jo made on for me so we call it the JoRig. I used to use it with my old Sony 2100 but i still need a good lanc for the A1...
I mainly use a heavy tripod. But for travelling i use a lightweight tripod which i also use as monopod and sometimes stick the legs in my belt.

Jo Ouwejan · January 21st, 2010, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ann Bens

I kind of like the FigRig. Well not the real one. A friend called Jo made on for me so we call it the JoRig. I used to use it with my old Sony 2100 but i still need a good lanc for the A1...

She is talking about me . . . (blush)
So Ann, does the Wako Lanc not work on the A1? It works fine on my Sony FX1000. It fits on the hoop of the JoRig and it is real cheap.

August 14th, 2009, 02:44 PM	#1
Alex DeJesus Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 177	Stabilizers, Pods, Sticks, etc. for XHA1s I have a bad back and cannot get comfortable hand-holding the XH. In the hopes of a low-cost stabilizing solution, I recently purchased a SteddiePod by BarberTech, an Atlas Camera Support, and a WristShot, which are all pretty cool in some ways. But, so far they all stink as stabilizers. For example, the Atlas Atlas Camera Support System: A Simple, Affordable Camera Stabilization System looks like a fishing rod suspended over the shoulder. It takes all the weight off and I can walk around all day without a sweat. The problem is that whenever I move, I may as well suspend the camera from a Slinky. Since this forum section is specific to the XHA1, I was wondering what experiences you guys may have with such gadgets. I work alone with 2 cameras and I have tripods for both, but I want to be mobile with one. I have a wedding next week and I'm starting to worry. I had no problems with my old XL1 sitting on the shoulder.

August 14th, 2009, 04:39 PM	#2
Vasco Dones Major Player Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: El Cerrito, CA Posts: 266	Alex, I have an XH-A1 and a bad back as well (and I'm also over 50 and badly out of shape) and so far the best, cheapest and most useful contraption I've found is the Spiderbrace: amazingly lightweight and stable, and it's only $70. I've added a Libec ZC-3DV LANC controller (around $130) and a Manfrotto/Bogen quick release adapter ($50). Best Vasco __________________ www.donesmedia.net bricioledamerica.blogspot.com (in Italian)

August 14th, 2009, 05:18 PM	#3
Alex DeJesus Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 177	Spider brace I haven't tried a shoulder mount, yet

August 16th, 2009, 03:52 PM	#4
Denys Pyevtsov Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Germany Posts: 30	I use a DIY "shoulder mount". Here some "in acton" pics: Attached Thumbnails

August 17th, 2009, 01:00 AM	#5
Kees van Duijvenbode Major Player Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands Posts: 246	I have tried all kinds off (cheap, homemade) shouldermounts and none of them lasted. Now for the A1 I mainly use a tripod, a monopod and a spiderbrace (with a LANC controller). All with QR adapters for quick changing. And when I want gliding shots I use my homemade rig with the HV30 and deshake the footage in post. Works like a charm. __________________ www.cvd-video.nl

August 23rd, 2009, 11:19 AM	#6
Ann Bens Major Player Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 710	I kind of like the FigRig. Well not the real one. A friend called Jo made on for me so we call it the JoRig. I used to use it with my old Sony 2100 but i still need a good lanc for the A1... I mainly use a heavy tripod. But for travelling i use a lightweight tripod which i also use as monopod and sometimes stick the legs in my belt.