Now that the SmallHD DP4 and Zacuto EVF have made electronic viewfinders for DSLRs (somewhat) affordable, you'll see some popularity around straight inline shoulder rigs. Popular DSLR rigs used an offset to place the entire camera in front of the operator. Although DSLRs are light weight, once you add a few items like recorders, lights, microphones, and follow focuses, you're managing a few pounds over the hands. Pretty tiring and less stable.
Redrock Cinema with offset LCD Monitor
Like conventional video cameras, the straight inline rigs align all of the heavy weight over the shoulder (better on your back) and less outwards over the hands. Only the EVF needs to be positioned in front of the operators eye. Straight inline DSLR shoulder rigs + an EVF can help you towards building a more balanced, stable rig, not to mention overall lighter on the hands. If you're not looking into an expensive EVF, you can still offset an inexpensive small LCD monitor (as seen above).
Express35 Straight Rig and Event Rig
Instead of dropping a few grand with a Redrock config, there's a few similar rigs you might want to look into over at Express35. These straight inline shoulder rigs are bundled with a comfortable contoured shoulder pad and counterweight. These are well designed for EVF or small LCD monitor use. (seen above). You can find those rigs at the site (click here). If all you're looking for is a DSLR baseplate, Tripod Mount, and a basic rail set for your Follow Focus, there's also a weekend sale on the basic rail set going on right now too found here.
J Hanna
@NY GUY & @Joel - I agree with Joel and in all honesty never got the point of these little rigs. I say get a bigger rig and trim it down. Even one rod with some foam padding resting on your shoulder is much more comfortable and reliable than something jutting up against your chest/shoulder.
2 six inch rods with camera plate, one handle, one rail block and one 12 inch rod (with padding or a tiny shoulder pad) is all you need to get the same effect.
UNLESS your riddled with oodles of cash. then buy everything with a zacuto stamp on it. 😉
Joel
@NY Guy - IMHO, any "brace" design rig gets real tiring - real quick ... particularly after you add a boom, EVF, H4n, or LED, etc. I think you would much wiser spend your money on a shoulder mount.
NY Guy
I kinda linke this one:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/761118-REG/Genus_GL_GSBK_GL_GSBK_Shoulder_Brace.html
Though not the cheapest its much cheaper than the Striker and it comes with a double rail set up.
Cheers.
Emm
Post author@Omar - I am not getting that. Do you have a lens with IS on or possibly shutter speed is set over 1/50th?
Omar
Thank you for this post, I was actually trying to figure out what rig would be the best.
And what should I choose the zacuto or the small hd evf?
rmldp
Chris at Express 35 has been providing us with great affordable gear foe sometime. Wish we could see the big boys show some love toward us. Thank you Emm for highlighting the affordable solutioins to all the rest of us.
Emm
Post author@N Guy - Yeah those shooters are pretty handy especially wit and evf. There is a new lightweight kit set to hit in a few weeks. You might want to wait for reviews before deciding.
Emm
Post author@Joel - I might have more updates on Tuesday.
Joel
Have you set up your new DP4 on your Gini with the Cowboy shoulder mount?
If so, when do you think you will post info about it?
Thanks
NY Guy
Emm,
If you're just run and gun with an EVF and a small mic or so - would you reccomend going with a Zacuto type gunstock kit? I played around with the Wondlan knockoff and it felt pretty good to me.
Emm
Post author@Pavlov - RigX is great, but offset. For EVF use, you wont require the offset.
Nikita Pavlov
And this is just at the day I've finally got my Rig X...
Seems you're also not the fan of the Rig X + cowboy shoulder support anymore.
Jarrod
Emm,
You have be getting some inside information from some of these manufacturers, please tell us if RedRockMicro is ever going to release their EVF?!