EX-1 hand-held solutions

[Michael Palmer]

I like using a monopod myself, the EX1 isn’t that heavy for me and I have shot long days with it. I also have the DV rig that sometimes gets pulled out of the bag.

Good Luck
Michael Palmer

[Craig Seeman]

This looks interesting as shoulder braces for the EX1 goes
https://www.vortexmedia.com/SB_VSB1.html

[Steve Hirsch]

I also use a monopod. But I’m finding myself wanting to do more with the manual controls of the EX1 and I’m considering this solution:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/568358-REG/Hoodman_H_WS1_H_WS1_WristShot_Camcorder_Support.html

Steve

[Craig Seeman]

I’ve used this
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/433005-REG/Anton_Bauer_EGRIPZ_EgripZ_Handheld_Camera_Support.html

Since I can bend as needed and vary between two hands and one hand (almost mini monopodish) with other hand free. I like pivoting my wrist sometimes which is why I’m not sure about the wrist support device. Of course each has pluses and minuses.

[Brent Dunn]

I use the DV Multi Rig from DV Tec.

[Michael Pruitt-bruun]

the problem with all these “rigs” is they hinder your ability to operate the camera in the manner that takes full advantage of their smaller form factor. either you’re locking it to your body, limiting movement and ability to react, or you’re taking your hands off the controls completely. or both. some of them will seemingly increase the weight as well, and i find the problem there is not wrist and arm fatigue (do more push ups), but upper back fatigue.

a simple photo L-bracket allows you to either distribute the weight across both hands/arms, or to even transfer weight entirely to the left hand for short periods. and if you play with it long enough you’ll figure out how to spread the weight and still keep hands on or at the controls.

day after 10+ hour day of handheld will break your back with any of the little cameras. none of the work-arounds i’ve seen do what i want them to do. i guess i should build my own.

and do more push ups. 😉

[Rich O.]

Thanks for all of the feedback! I can understand how any device can alter accessibility to controls on a short form camera to a degree. Since this is a “run and gun” solution for me, mobility and flexibility were most important. Also, ease of set-up. I don’t do videography as my main “day-job”, so I am often arriving in a nick of time.
I ended up purchasing a Anton Bauer ANEGRIPZ EgripZ Handheld Camera Support that was suggested (Reviews were also very good on the B & H site), and a no frills monopod, Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging BO559B 559B Video Monopod.

Thanks again!

Rich

[Daniel Levy]

I demoed and purchased a Varizoom DV MediaRig at NAB and couldn’t be happier (https://varizoom.com/products/supports/vzdvmediarig.html). Another shooter at NAB recommended it, mentioning that his wrist will never be right again after several long shooting days with the EX1.

After a little time balancing the camera on the rig, I can now produce excellent stabilized shots, including tilt and dutch angles, with minimal stress and strain. So worth it!

I added their VZ Rock-EX for zoom and start/stop control (https://varizoom.com/products/controls/vzrockex.html). Cost ~$750 for the pair with show pricing.