Redrock's new mini rig...
 

Here's the first article I've seen about Redrock's mini rig, the so-called Hybrid:
Redrock Hybrid Cinema Rig Aims dSLRs Right at Spielberg - Gizmodo Australia

-- peer

Redrock's New Mini Rig ...
 

Do we actually need this for $200 +?

Try a Hoodman Pro Loupe attached to camera body via 6 daisy chained rubber bands. Loop first & last band over neck of eyepiece, stretch the entire band east/west around camera body. Brace the camera/eyepiece on your face ( 35 mm film camera style, remember them!!) Additional stability for long lens, combine with video monopod. Brace your body and rig on pole, fence, table, another person, or sit on the turf.

Walking with this rig yields about the same result as a shoulder brace...we can't expect the impossible.

I tried the hoodman route and ended up sending it back. The glass in the hoodman was very inferior in my opinion.

Bruce

Re Hoodman Loupe
 

My tired old eyes have been around for 70+ years, in fact I wear contact lenses. Left eye set for reading, right eye distance. I find the Hoodman optical quality quite outstanding, featuring prime German optics. Tack sharp... after adjusting the diopter that covers the range found in most professional level cameras.

Hmmm maybe I missed something. Glad you are liking it though.

Bruce

So you suggest to replace this camera rig with some rubber bands and a loupe..?!
I don't get it.

-- peer

Brace Me.
 

If traveling light is a priority. I found this approach an advantage, and cost effective over a shoulder brace. Outlined in my original quote are a number of suggestions to add addition stability if required for a long lens.

I guess it's a matter of personal choice, after evaluation. Different strokes, for different folks.

Ron.

Peer do you have any idea when this product is going to be out?

Bruce

On the RedRock site it now lists the DSLR 2.0 range of products....

you pick and choose what and how you want to use with your camera...

I put in 2 rails, 2 handles, solder brace and camera block... it came in around $600

unless I'm missing something I don't think you can get a rig for ~$200

More detail in this video http://www.freshdv.com/2009/04/nab-2...rock-dslr.html

Dan

The base plate starts at $195, and then you add to that. But since a fully functional rig will run quite a bit higher than $195, to me their new "affordable" approach seems kind of deceiving.

-- peer

I find the website they have and trying to figure out what I need to put together a system is the most confusing thing I have ever seen. I mean, I probably would have ordered something by now if I knew what I was doing.

Bruce

They are supposed to have bundles of popular configurations although I see that you must click on the 'Buy Now' link before you find out the price:-) Presumably they thought that you would suffer extreme sticker shock if the prices were easier to find. Never mind thinking about a rig for $195 start thinking about having to spend 10x as much!

I mean the base plate alone is $195. Start adding the parts you need and it really piles up. I don't understand how they have made this affordable. You get all the parts you need and before you know it you might as well spend the 2K on the whole system.

Bruce

Here's some more info that shows some of the equipment that was shown at NAB...

Its a bit more complicated than I thought it was but its hard to get a full feel when
your watching video demo's versus having the piece parts in your hands and putting
the rig together for your needs...

Looks like a very nice setup,modular and adaptable as you go...

You have to really commit to using this style of camera for the price...

One of the good things is DSLR bodies dont' change much in size so this
type of system should be adaptable to any future DSLR cameras coming
down the pipe.. so the investment can at least be used for years to come.

DSLR Cinema Bundle Setup Tutorial on Vimeo

Thanks Ray that was very helpful.

Bruce

Ray,

Thats the original DSLR rig which is still available, but its not the version 2.0.

Dan

That's correct -- their new mini rig is not yet added to their website, (Redrock's beautiful but not too useful website ;^)

-- peer

Yes, the video site I listed is for the original kit.... I put it here because it shows
how the cage is built and the top handle setup...

They do have the DSLR 2.0 on the site but I don't think its all there yet as they
have mentioned a holder for the hoodman will be available and its not on the site
yet...

Redrock added this rig yesterday to the web site...

Ultraport DSLR Bundle

I don't see any cheap solutions coming... just different setups

When I look through Redrock's catalog, I can't help thinking that something, sooner or later, has to change price-wise before those Indian manufacturers take over completely.

-- peer

Seriously what is up with those press releases? It's very deceiving and will end up turning some people away from them.

Peer, you mention the indian made setups but have you tried out any of them to check out the quality?

Maybe it is just me but all of these products seem grossly over priced.
Seem like very good products, but why so much?

Bruce

Later today, I'm hopefully gonna check it out at Ralph Waylonis (another DVi forum'er) who lives close by me. I'll let you know.

-- peer

I bought this small jib arm crane from the Indian guys on eBay as I couldn't resist the incredibly cheap price. Cine Movie Camera Jib Crane for hvx200 VX2100 VX2000 ! - eBay (item 130291478585 end time Mar-11-09 04:40:20 PDT) It's rugged & industrial of mostly steel construction & very heavy. I had to get them send me new parts as the weight rod & part it fits into hadn't been machined to the correct size. The finishing isn't great but for the price I am not really complaining. Having seen the quality of this item & a cheap shoulder mount I would think twice about buying something that needed to be precision made like a follow focus or DOF adaptor.

It might be the same (bad) quality, but that's a different company than the Cine City -- the guys you were dealing with, Digital Video Product, mostly sell tripod & jigs.

-- peer

Peer, can you let us know as soon as you can mate? I'm about to order from The Cine City the Pro shoulder support and follow focus (and probably the uFlycam) so any experienced advice would be most helpful. The prices are great and the gear Looks OK.

Thanks in advance!

Avey

It's the same company. They list on eBay under a couple of guises. I know that they are the same company as they offered me a discount on a future purchase after I was mucked around with parts not fiting on the jib arm. When I enquired about a matte box they sent me a link to the Cine City web site The CineCity*::*DV accessories for Canon 5D markII camera

Our meeting got postponed. I'll let you know as soon as I've checked it out.

-- peer

I had my suspicions that this was the case. Thanks for the heads up.

-- peer

Anyone have their hands on the DSLR2.0 kit already? I was going for the shoulder mount alr and after doing some more work, I'm caught bet the "Captain Stubling" DSLR Bundle and the microshoulder config. They are totally different but I shoot run and gun events mainly and I need a stable and lightweight rig for pulling focus steadily.

I am inclined towards the Cpt S bundle but not really convinced about using the left hand to pull focus yet hold on to the left handle with 3 fingers! It would be great if they had something like the gunstock which zacuto is offering to add a pressure point against the body. Unfortunately the zacuto kit is at a price close to 5D2 body so its outda reach! Would love to hear from anyone who owns the Cpt S already. Thks.