Great question. I had a guy from the UN I was interviewing in Africa actually turn around to leave the room when he saw my HV30 on a tripod. My whole project hinged on his interview.

"That's your camera!" he balked.

I feared that was coming so I had a spiel already planned out but I never want to risk that again.

I guess what I'm saying is, you're right, it will have negative psych impact. But I think you'll be okay if have your PR lines ready.

Chris,
What "cheap' rails would you reccomend? I have the set from my letus, but i want to keep it seperate. I also have the Indian follow focus for the letus that i could also use with the 7D.\
bruce yarock

I bought the Indi RailsPro with 18 inch rods. About $160 as I recall:

IndiSYSTEM - Studio 4 Productions - The indiRAILSpro

Thanks, Chris. What follow focus are you using with it?
Bruce yarock