DVMulti Rig and Audio setup pics now online

[vegas06]

I have been helping out some new MultiRig users with setup and configurations of their new DVMulti Rigs.

So I have posted a few pictures of my setup online for others to see.
I don't show the unit in pure Fig Rig mode, as I had to use the support pod, in order for me to handhold both the rig and the camera at the same time.

Keep in mind that these are the most used and basic modes you will be shooting in, and depending on your shooting style and setup, you may prefer others.

With this setup I never have to add or take any accessory off my rig, and am able to change configurations to any of the basic shooting modes, handheld (w/without support pod)m Fig Rig, Shoulder supported, Low Profile (you can still keep the support pod attached and lay on the flow to shoot if you like), or tripod mounted.

The only thing that may take a little bit of time, might be screwing/unscrewing the support pod from the bottom of the rig.

You will also find some pics of my audio setup: Mic Stand, Bracket, wireless handheld, and Zoom H4 (or R-09 not pictured).
I can also attach my PSC Promix 3 field mixer to the same mic stand by using a music sheet holder (clamped to the stand) and some velcro to run more mics into this setup for live recital work.

http://www.lvproductions.net/equiptmentsetup.htm
(http://www.lvproductions.net/equiptmentsetup.htm)

[Earl]

Michael, I can and do appreciate the versatility of such a rig. I can appreciate the possibilities for your shots, acquisition, etc.
Would it be your experience, on the other hand, that perhaps such a rig can sometimes be distracting to people, guests, etc. Do you perceive that there is some degree (sometimes) of intrusiveness using this?
I am NOT being sarcastic or subtle. I am genuinely interested.
I have used my Glidecam V-8 system, Steadicam JR, and other assorted stablization, support systems and often become disconcerted when I notice how many seem to be watching ME rather than observing the ceremony, etc.
I WANT the unique shots made possible by the many various systems availalbe on today's market, but often fall back to my monopod system because it gives me SOME mobility and diversity, but doesn't seem to attract as much unwanted attention.
But on another post, Dominic's use of a full-head monkey mask during shooting of bridal prep footage has me reconsidering the whole unobstrusive issue. :smile:

[vegas06]

Michael, I can and do appreciate the versatility of such a rig. I can appreciate the possibilities for your shots, acquisition, etc.
Would it be your experience, on the other hand, that perhaps such a rig can sometimes be distracting to people, guests, etc. Do you perceive that there is some degree (sometimes) of intrusiveness using this?
I am NOT being sarcastic or subtle. I am genuinely interested.
I have used my Glidecam V-8 system, Steadicam JR, and other assorted stablization, support systems and often become disconcerted when I notice how many seem to be watching ME rather than observing the ceremony, etc.
I WANT the unique shots made possible by the many various systems availalbe on today's market, but often fall back to my monopod system because it gives me SOME mobility and diversity, but doesn't seem to attract as much unwanted attention.
But on another post, Dominic's use of a full-head monkey mask during shooting of bridal prep footage has me reconsidering the whole unobstrusive issue. :smile:
Earl, I appreciate your point of view and can definitely see how some might consider this setup intrusive.
However it has been my experience that most don't notice the fact that I am there. I am really no more obtrusive than if I shot with lighting (which I also use), a monopod or from a tripod. This may have more to do with me respecting peoples space and also making sure once I get my shot, I'm out of there.

You are only able to be unobtrusive to an extent, as I see myself, as a videographer, to be part of the day (like the photographer, coordinator, DJ and such) and am there to document the day the best that I can without being a distraction to the day. However being part of the day doesn't give me license to be the center of attention of the day.
My setup is smaller than a glidecam and much more less noticable than if I was shooting with a Smoothshooter (no offense to those that do, as it suits your shooting style). My point being that even those who use a Smoothshooter can do so because they respect the environment in which they are shooting.
We are all obtrusive to some point, we have to be, but should be considerate of those around us in order so they can enjoy the day as they should. That is how it should be.

[MediaConcepts]

Michael,

With all due respect and not wanting to start a war... that contraption screams Uncle Charlie. Please stop using it. You are giving professional videographers a bad rep.

Thanks,
Joe

[vegas06]

Michael,

With all due respect and not wanting to start a war... that contraption screams Uncle Charlie. Please stop using it. You are giving professional videographers a bad rep.

Thanks,
Joe
Joe, duely noted.

But can I ask you a quick question, as someone who doesn;t use a shoulder mounted camera.
Is it "Uncle Charlie" to use a shoulder support (http://www.spiderbrace.com/) with a prosumer mini DV camera, a support device like a DVRig Pro, which I also own and have used (http://dvtec.tv/id27.html) (http://dvtec.tv/id27.html%29), or Fig Rig (http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/pid/3349) (http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/pid/3349%29).

I truly respect your opinion, just trying to see where you are coming from.

I can shoot pretty good handheld footage, but it gets very physically taxing on my body when shooting totally handheld for long periods of time. And I am not a fan of switching back and forth from a tripod often. I have used monopods, with some success, but a monopod hasn't given me as much freedom to shoot as some other devices do, especially fatigue free for prolonged periods of time.
On that note, out of respect to those here. I will offically stop mentioning device such as this here, and won't bother elaborating the DvMulti Rig any further.

[MediaConcepts]

Joe, duely noted.

But can I ask you a quick question, as someone who doesn;t use a shoulder mounted camera.
Is it "Uncle Charlie" to use a shoulder support (http://www.spiderbrace.com/) with a prosumer mini DV camera, a support device like a DVRig Pro, which I also own and have used (http://dvtec.tv/id27.html) (http://dvtec.tv/id27.html%29), or Fig Rig (http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/pid/3349) (http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/pid/3349%29).

I truly respect your opinion, just trying to see where you are coming from.

I can shoot pretty good handheld footage, but it gets very physically taxing on my body when shooting totally handheld for long periods of time. And I am not a fan of switching back and forth from a tripod often. I have used monopods, with some success, but a monopod hasn't given me as much freedom to shoot as some other devices do, especially fatigue free for prolonged periods of time.
On that note, out of respect to those here. I will offically stop mentioning device such as this here, and won't bother elaborating the DvMulti Rig any further.

Hi Michael,

Sorry I came on so strong.

I used a big shoulder mount Betacam for years at my old job. When I went full-time with my own video business I bought the hot camera at the time, the Panny 100. I hated it. It makes great video but as you pointed out above, it's hard to hold steady and gets really heavy towards the end of the first dance. I tried a monopod too and didn't like it.

So I bought a big shoulder mount Sony camera. I love it. The onboard battery powers the camera, light, and two wireless receivers. It's very professional looking. I'll take a picture of it tomorrow if you want.

I know that there are others on this forum that use the smaller cameras successfully and may share their shooting tips/styles with you. I'd be interested in learning too, as I may be considering buying a smaller HDV camera in the future.

Take care,
Joe

[vegas06]

Hi Michael,

Sorry I came on so strong.

I used a big shoulder mount Betacam for years at my old job. When I went full-time with my own video business I bought the hot camera at the time, the Panny 100. I hated it. It makes great video but as you pointed out above, it's hard to hold steady and gets really heavy towards the end of the first dance. I tried a monopod too and didn't like it.

So I bought a big shoulder mount Sony camera. I love it. The onboard battery powers the camera, light, and two wireless receivers. It's very professional looking. I'll take a picture of it tomorrow if you want.

I know that there are others on this forum that use the smaller cameras successfully and may share their shooting tips/styles with you. I'd be interested in learning too, as I may be considering buying a smaller HDV camera in the future.

Take care,
Joe
No Joe, it's ok. I took your comments in stride.
A device like this is best seen and used to really be appreciated. I was just posting my pics up online, as there have been a lot of people that already own or just purchased the MultiRig, have been contacting me on setup and usage.
So I decided to post some pics of some of my configurations (Just a few of the mind you, as the most compact setups weren't able to be taken a I need to use the support pod to take m pictur in the miror).
If I used a shoulder mounted cam like you do, I wouldn't be looking to these type of devices, but alas, I don't, as I do this video time (if you can call spending an additional 20-30 hours a week part time) and work as a fulltime graphic designer during the day. If I did video strictly fulltime, then I would take the plunge and jump to HD right now and bypass the new Canon Camera (which might be my next purchase) or Sony V1 and go for the a couple JVC HD110U's.

[Earl]

Michael,
PLEASE, do not stop posting this and any other information regarding rigs, approach to videotaping, ANYTHING that you find productive, unique, applicable, etc. to your production efforts.
While there are those of us who will strongly or weakly agree/disagree with you from time-to-time, the overall experience and the sharing of elements that, in the contributor's opinion, "contribute" to his/her professionalism and business success, is valid and of value to as many others as it might upset.
I urge you to take all comments as either personal/professional opinion (to which we all are certainly entitled) and not allow the free flowing exchange of opinion or knowledge here prevent you from sharing.
I also appreciate your response to my previous post. Hope you noticed the rep points as well. Very much deserved, IMHO.

[vegas06]

Earl no worries. I don't plan on stopping my postings. I have too big a mouth and attitude for that to happen. :icon_eek: Everyone is entitled to their opinions, which is what makes a public forum so productive.

I defniitely see merit in what you were saying about guests noticing you when you shoot with these devices. Although many guests have told me that they never knew I was even there filming, there have been those guests who after the wedding is over have told me that "I must have gotten some great shots, because I as all over the place".
That should be a red flag on my part that I am being noticed a bit too much, and try to back off even more on my shooting style. Maybe I'll try to shoot from a tripod a bit more often in order to be less conspicuous.

I think guests mainly notice me not because of my setup, but because of the on camera light that I use during receptions. It is only a 20-30 watter and diffused, but in a dark reception stands out more than anything, and screams "the video man is coming". I preffer not to use a light, but really think that I need it, as I preffer better color saturated video, to low contrast grainy video.

I won't stop using devices such as this because they are so helpful to me and my shooting style. I also need devices such as this beause I have shoulder issues from a car accident many years ago, and as such, can't shoot for long periods of time without the help of devices such as this.

[JC/DV]

Whoa! What a contraption... looks very functional, but a bit too cumbersome for me. I don't think I could handle having something poking in my groin area that long... but after having an accident, you gotta do what you gotta do.

The smooth shooter and GC setup might be the good for you??? I've never used one, but looks "comfortable" and the results are some of the most steady motion shots I've ever seen... (except for a crane and dolly setup)

Lights do scream "Video man is coming" but in all honesty, which is worse the video light or the flashes that look like strobe lights going off all night? Thos things could make someone have a seizure!

[vegas06]

Whoa! What a contraption... looks very functional, but a bit too cumbersome for me. I don't think I could handle having something poking in my groin area that long... but after having an accident, you gotta do what you gotta do.

The smooth shooter and GC setup might be the good for you??? I've never used one, but looks "comfortable" and the results are some of the most steady motion shots I've ever seen... (except for a crane and dolly setup)

Lights do scream "Video man is coming" but in all honesty, which is worse the video light or the flashes that look like strobe lights going off all night? Thos things could make someone have a seizure!

Actually, it is comfortable, as the pouch is padded. The Multi Rig iteslf weighs next to nothing, so the support pod doesn't bother you. Trust me, I have used the same setup for over 2 years with my DVRig Pro, which is much heavier than this setup. Also you don't have to use the support pod if you don't want to, especially is you want to shoot Fig Rig style.

[WeiZen]

Reminds me of this:

http://outflux.net/images/collection/images/loader.gif

[WeiZen]

wtf? That isn't what I posted.

I'll be back.

[dpx]

Reminds me of this:

http://alicia-logic.com/capsimages/a_175SigourneyWeaver.jpg

[vegas06]

Reminds me of this:

http://alicia-logic.com/capsimages/a_175SigourneyWeaver.jpg
Yeah, I know the setup looks like something out of a SciFi movie.
But, maybe a better picture should have been chosen, as this reminds me more of a Smoothshooter or Glidecam Gold System with the articulated arm. :laughing7:

http://www.lvproductions.net/picts/rigfunmaking.jpg