Vimeo member LJ Lee shares a review on the Lanparte Follow Focus with A/B hard stops, removable marking disc, and quick release 15mm clamp [Thanks LJ]. Lanparte has various DSLR equipment which all have excellent reviews, but they can be a bit pricey at times. This Follow Focus with manual stops can average about $400 dollars on eBay (Click Here for more information).
Lanparte Follow Focus A/B Hard Stops
Varizoom Stingray with Support Rod / Belt and Shape Telescoping Support Arm
There's only a handful of companies that offer DSLR Video Rigs with a Support Rod that helps carry the front heavy load of a Video Rig. Instead of having to add heavier counterweights to the rear of the rig, the rod and belt combination transfers the weight to the hips. You can see how the Waist Support Rod is used in the beginning of the video (below) on the DVTec Rig.
It's not something you want to walk around with, but it will help to stabilizer slow moving or static shots. Internally the rod is spring loaded to reduce harsh bumps, and the top of the rod has a spring to allow a bit of tilt and roll. Varizoom, DVTec, and even Shape offer these waist support kits, but at a premium price. If this is something you've been looking into, there's a company selling a similar kit on eBay now to help you save your back, but it will still run you about $68 bucks (click here).
DSLR Video Rig Waist Support Kit Rod Belt
Gini is still adding more RED Scarlet cages and misc parts to the lineup. This time what he calls Apple, possibly for its greenish color? Let's hope once the BlackMagic Cinema camera comes out, we'll see something for that too, because that camera really needs it.
At NAB2012 this year, I saw a few manufacturers making designs for the RED Scarlet. I guess this camera ended up being fairly popular for it's price point. In an interesting new twist, Gini Rigs has decided to make a custom video cage bracket for the RED Scarlet. I'm not a RED user myself, but maybe some of you can tell wether it looks like an original design or inspired by another? Products include a complete cage, or Top and Bottom plate sold separately. Find it at the ebay store (click here).
Gini Rigs RED Scarlet Cage Top Plate Bottom Plate
Another available discount for a high quality starter DSLR Rig. Express35 is offering the Shoulder Rig - LITE setup that includes the Tripod Mount (ready to sit on your fluid heads), Camera Mount, Dual Rails, a clamp to offset (position the camera more in front of your face), shoulder pad (with another rail to adjust fore/aft), and a single long HD handle.
There's a number of 1/4x20 accessory ports to adapt your accessories or friction arms. Designed to easily move between tripod shooting and going mobile and when it's time to pack up, the unit breaks down into small parts. The dual rails is ready to accept your 15mm accessories such as a follow focus. Find more information for the Shoulder Rig - LITE following the link (click here).
Express35 DSLR Shoulder Rigs
Here's a (fairly lengthy) look at the Gini Rigs GH2 cage that provides all the cut outs to view controls and still have access to different ports around the camera. It looks like it's cut out to allow the LCD to still swing out also. No doubt it's high quality stuff, but there's been mixed complaints about the threading used on these cages as they may not be 1/4x20 accessible, but looking through the top area of the cage there seems to be different sized holes and threads. Maybe the new cages are supporting 1/4x20?
Still waiting to hear back from YouTube member feha1000 about that question, or if anyone else can chime in about a recent Gini Cage purchase. [Update] Here's the reply:
About 20 1/4" threads are on the top plate only the res M5 threads , and yes they work well with friction arms
Find more information on the Gini GH2 cage and other rigs following the link via eBay (click here).
Gini Panasonic GH2 Video Cage
Here's an interesting DIY stabilizer for those of you just starting out with small camera video. YouTube member Dean Barkley put together his DIY Fig Rig stabilizer and doubled up use as a table dolly. The entire frame is made up from common and cheap PVC. [Thanks Dean]
Unclear on this right now, but check out these folding Pocket Rigs that are showing up online. The unit folds up to about the size of a standard battery grip, and folds out to provide chest plate, and two 15mm rails for getting a follow focus mounted. They are showing up as GeniusXeme rigs and i'm wondering if these are just rebranded Edelkrone pocket rigs. These were a big hit just a few weeks ago at NAB2012 along with two new Follow Focus systems.
[Update] Edelkrone writes in and states that the rig below is a counterfeit and has not been authorized to manufacture or sell such rig. Obviously they will be contacting that company to have the product removed. You can find the original Pocket Rig from Edelkrone at https://Edelkrone.com.
Maybe i'm late to the party, but i'm just finding this information now or maybe there is a newer (cheaper) version out. Proaim is looking to provide the cheapest electronic follow focus on the market. The Proaim e-Focus Electronic Follow Focus is a wired system (not wireless FF) and comes with two motors in case you need to have control over your zoom and focus rings. A 15mm clamp holds a remote in place, is powered by what looks like Sony NP-F style batteries, and presented in it's own travel bag. Obviously there will be some noise involved with any type of Electronic Follow Focus, and it would be interesting to see how accurate the e-Focus FF system is. I'm sure we'll be hearing more about it in the coming months, so keep your eyes open and let me know if there's some reviews online. You can see them online now via eBay (click here).
Proaim e-Focus Electronic DSLR Follow Focus System
