Tripod modular DSLR rig
 

Not sure that this is the right section for this, but here goes.
I've been trying to find a solution to using a handheld rig with my GH1, which I can hike with and travel lightly, but still bring along my tripod. I know a few people have tried the sling the tripod on shoulder technique, but I think I've come up with a better solution ( well for me at least ).

I've called this rig the Ripley, which if you try this set up, then you'd guess why. Basically I'm using the centre column of the tripod with a 501 head on and then just tilting down the pan bar to shoulder mount it. To handhold, I added a bike handle to the base of the column and then using a bungee cord, put this over my shoulder or attach it to my backpack harness. It allows me to wear the camera and makes handholding when shooting from the hip, less straining.
I've started to do a write up on it on my site Chill Factor films - BLOG and will hopefully post some video of it in use in the next few days, if anyone is interested.

Here are two videos ( one is extremely rough! ) of the rig in use. The stock car footage was mostly long lenses, but I was able to shoot both from the hip and the shoulder.

That's pretty slick. Nice work, and very creative.

I wish I could use a similar setup w/ my Canon 7D, but it has a fixed LCD, so everything has to be at eye-level.

Cheers Brian,

I've been playing with adding more accessories to the rig and trying to get something that's well balanced. I think it might be possible to load a 7D, rods, matte box and small external monitor and still balance it up. Shorter and more heavy duty cords, combined with a little added weight at the rear could work.

I'm also using this set up as a shoulder rig too, which to me is the beauty of it.