Episode 005: Mobile Hybrid Rig

July 22, 2010

in Custom Rigs,Gear,Podcast Episodes

The HDSLR Mobile Hybrid Rig is a response to the HDSLR revolution combining stills and video in production. This rig was conceived for the shooter who desires a quick and mobile solution for both DSLR video and stills. The idea was a rig that would offer stabilization for video while still offering a small form factor for photography.

THE PARTS

Below are links to where you can find the gear and accessories mentioned in the podcast.

Redrock Micro Rod Clamp

4 Inch 15mm Rod

Redrock Micro Hand Grip

LCDVF LCD Viewfinder

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QuickTime File: DSLR Video Shooter Episode #005.

Related content:

  1. Episode 004: Custom DSLR Rig for Shooting Interviews
  2. Episode 002: Using a Fader ND to Control Exposure
  3. DIY DSLR Windmuff
  4. Episode: 006: How to Remove Horizontal Band Lines from DSLR Footage
  5. Episode 003: Affordable Lens Hood for Your DSLR

Tagged as: Photography

  • http://www.abovetheshopstudios.com Joel Washing

    I really love your small rig. And I’m so glad to find out about Redrock. I’m a filmmaker and I’m new to the world of shoot video with a DSLR. I’ve been looking at the rigs on Zacuto and found them to be pretty awesome, but a little pricey. Redrock looks really solid and a bit more affordable.

    I have some shoots planned for this fall involving a couple of Canon 5D’s which I’d like to outfit with a cinema style support rig. Thanks for your support tip and turning me on to Redrock as a possible gear source.

  • Brad Bell

    Do you shoot stills using the LCD?

    I am using a 550D. I bought it as a video camera. Very happy shooting video with Z-Finder. I want to shoot stills with the Z-Finder, but it seems the camera won’t let me. Does it have anything to do with the Z-Finder frame blocking the sensor? Does an unmodded 550D allow you to do this?

  • Caleb Pike

    Does the Z-finder block the 2 little sensors below the eye piece? When you switch to manual photo mode try pressing the record button. This should tell the camera to switch from the eye piece to the LCD.

  • Brad Bell

    The Z-finder DOES block the 2 little sensors below the eye piece.

    The record button did the magic! Thanks very much.
    (Previously, I was reliant on auto-focus and pure meter reading for stills which produced very mixed results.)

  • Caleb Pike

    Glad to hear it worked for you! That “Record” button also doubles as an LCD toggle button.

  • tom n

    With a longer rod, could that base accomodate a follow-focus system such as the D-focus?

  • Caleb Pike

    You would need to add a second rod but it does work. That is what I use for my smaller film rig (episode on that coming up).

  • http://www.photomentors.com Steady

    hello Caleb,
    I just came across your site. Good job. Nice mix of articles and tutorials. I will be back. There is always something else to learn from another person. :)

    I watched this video article and have a couple of very simple suggestions for improvement.
    1. Don’t use a black background. Why? Because every time you lift up the camera, the black camera and parts disappear. Use a gray or mid-tone BG instead so the viewer can see the shapes of the objects while you handle them.
    2. Keep the objects/camera in camera view (chest high) as several times the camera you are holding disappears “off camera” (when you lowered it out of frame) during the crucial points where you are describing it. Show the viewer, don’t take that “off screen” in your lap.

    3. Hold the object (camera/rig) up to the camera for closeup and slowly rotate it so the viewer can see the rig better.

    I hope these quick comments help you, just as you are helping others. :)

    Keep up the good work!

  • Caleb Pike

    Thanks for the suggestions. I used black because of the camera I was using (hv30), trying not to show how shallow the depth was. And the strange angle was because of a small space. Totally agree, can’t see the camera I am holding well at all. You can see a improved BG setup here: http://dslrvideoshooter.com/episode-008-turn-any-lens-into-a-macro-lens/

  • kaj

    hey man thanks for the tip. just got me the RR rig at B&H today. I like the fact that it’s small doesn’t attract to much attention and inexpensive. Keep up the good work.

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    Yo! Glad to be of service. Hope all is well.

  • Manny

    just wanted to know if 4 inches is long enough to add the D-focus…I will be ordering parts for this rig and just want to make sure 4 inches is good enough..i did see they also have a 6 inch rod as well …thank

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    While its tempting to get cheap short rods, I would strongly suggest you look at getting at least 9″. It seems long but when you put a zoom lens and other accessories on it down the road you will be glad you got em. Search for ikan rods. Great prices, good quality.

  • Matt

    Will this work on the 60D?

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    Yep. But you may have a problem with the viewfinder.