Yes, that's a DSLR in there!
This is one that has been brewing. It's just sort of "on the list". But, more recently it has gnawed it's way to the front of my brain for two reasons: 1. Necessity of late and 2. my friend bought one. :)
To explain in short, this is simply a unit that a video camera or DSLR (digital single lens reflex... high end digital camera to you and me) attaches to, and allows for steadier shooting. An added benefit is that it also makes it possible to add accessories that would otherwise be overtly cumbersome.
This is a "rail-based system". Once you make the leap into professional or now even semi-professional camera gear, things become slightly universal. For example, a common device known as a "follow focus" attaches to the rails and allows for smooth focusing... off to the side of the camera at a more ergonomic position, and can even been lengthened using a "whip" to make focusing possible by another person standing a few feet away from the camera. This makes it easier for the camera operator to follow the subject, keep the camera steady, and construct the shot, without having to use one hand soley on the focus wheel the whole time.
In addition to a follow focus, matte boxes, LCD monitors, lights, batteries, hard drives, and any thing else you can think of can be added to the rail system. But which system do you buy? Recently, I've been investigating a few different companies and it's come down to RedRock Micro and Proaim. Redrock makes incredibly nice gear. It works amazingly, and looks amazing to the eye... but the strain on your wallet can be amazing too. On the other end of the spectrum, Proaim makes gear that will basically suit all your needs, is cheaper by half the price or more in some cases... but it also looks pretty cheap. See the example below. (Redrock is first, Proaim second)
I think by this point I have resolved in my head to go with Redrock. But I think I'm going to have a custom order. I want the stability of 2 handles and the positioning of the offset double rail system. (see below for the minute differences) But to get both, the price goes up. Slightly. If you know what to look for. I've got an email in to Redrock, and I'm trying to work out the details on what I want. In the end, it should be able to fit me well, be positioned how I like it, and be able to be expanded upon as I buy more gear.
The bottom line is... after really researching, and determining that it's best to buy the right thing first, then to learn from mistakes... I've resolved that somewhere around $600 is "reasonable" for what I want. To illustrate my sacrifice by going with Redrock... I'll be able to get the 2 handle rig with the offset camera mount. If I went with Proaim, I'd be able to get the "same" idea for the rig, with the added bonuses of a chest stabilizer, a follow focus, 6 adapter rings for various lens sizes, a focus whip, and a focus speed crank. To give you some idea... the Redrock equivalent for JUST the follow focus is $545!! Wow.
Thanks for visiting my madness. Come again.
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