Camera Labs

Hi everyone! While recently testing a camera with a Gorillapod, I folded the legs out into a U shape to achieve a lower shooting angle. Once the legs were in this position, it struck me two of them looked like the handles of a dedicated DSLR filming rig. I decided to investigate further...



So here's my new 'Gorilla-rig', using a Gorillapod Focus with two legs bent upwards as handles, and the third angled backwards to press against your body. In this configuration, I found I could hold the camera much more steadily and comfortably during filming, while greatly reducing shake. It was also much easier to pan and tilt smoothly. The legs could also be adjusted forwards for more comfortable shooting at lower angles - and of course the whole thing can be converted back into a gorrilapod when you want to use it conventionally.

In the photos here I used the Gorillapod Focus (the strongest in the range) to hold the Canon EOS 600D / T3i with standard 18-55mm kit lens and a Rode VideoMic Pro. It worked great with this or lighter combinations like EVIL or compact cameras. I also tried it with a heavier EOS 60D and 15-85mm, and while the extra weight occassionally bent the legs a little, it remained quite usable.



A recommended option if you want a cheap and flexible filming rig!

Gordon

This is absolutely brilliant!

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I take pictures so quickly, my highschool was "Continuous High".

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Great rig! Is the third leg long enough to rest in a treat bag attached to your belt?

If so would it aid stability or hinder movement?

Bob.

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OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

Depends on the height of the bag Bob, or the length of your torso!

Seriously though, the third leg can be adjusted to a variety of positions to either further enhance stability or simply get out of the way.

A really good piece of initiative Gordon. I had tried a small, cheap tripod with legs at shortest length and various angles. Not really great, so I'll check your idea out with a D7000.

On a separate note, I see that in these pics and others on your site you, like many others more experienced than me, do not have the camera on a strap for safety. Ever have any accidents?

I use a strap sometimes - a Cameralabs one of course! But for a lot of tripod or rig work, they often get in the way, so I take them off.

Coincidentally, if you have a stretchy strap like the Cameralabs one, you can pop it round your neck and hold the camera out in front of your chest with the straps tight and it works quite well for stabilising video.

What a salesman! I've signed up for two of your straps, partly because although my present one is comfortable it isn't quick release. Thanks for the tips Gordon - I'll try it out with the gorillapod, assuming you order another run of straps.

Cheers.

Thanks, I'll let you know if I produce a third run later this year.

Brilliant idea, Gordon! Sure does beat buying one of the really expensive rigs, but with the weight issues you were mentioning about the legs bending, it makes me wonder about how it would fare with a larger camera body attached. I like this a lot, now to just find a way to adjust the zoom and focus!

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2010 15" 2.4 GHz i5 MacBook Pro w/ High-Res display

It depends how you hold it. The 600D / T3i is sufficiently light that you could actually hold the rig by one leg while walking around and the lgs wouldn't bend. But try the same with a heavier body and the legs will bend.

But that's only when holding it by one leg. Hold it by two legs as seen in the photos above and it'll support heavier cameras. I hope to try it with a 5D2 in the near future and will report back.

Oh, well its nice to know you can use it in different ways. Personally, as much as I'd like to have a free hand available I think I'd be willing to sacrifice that and use two hands for the increased stability, especially if you can get good results with larger camera bodies. Looking forward to seeing how it works out!

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2010 15" 2.4 GHz i5 MacBook Pro w/ High-Res display

wow - that is such a brilliant solution for an affordable (and multi-function) video rig! I'm going to make it a priority to get it once I grab a 600D!

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BrotherBloat
London RC Project
http://www.rc-forc3.com
Canon Kiss X5 (600D/T3i), Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 UMS, Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II (kit), Tokina RMC 135mm f/2.8 P/K-conversion, battery grip, CowboyStudios Shoulder Pad

Welcome on-board Brotherbloat!

There's been another development in this story - someone's had the bright idea of adding wheels to the gorillapod legs to make a cheap dolly!

Check out the CineSkates!

What a cool idea (you missed a trick there Gordon )

Wonder if Joby will buy him out? Or join him.

Good luck to the fella.

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Nikon D700 & D7100 bodies + Nikkor 300mm F2.8 VR11, 1.7TC, 50mm F1.4G, 16-35mm f/4G VR, 105 F2.8 VR macro, 70-300mm lenses. A couple of filters, Giotto tripod & ballhead. Lowepro Slingshot 302 AW

http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldcarlos/

Hi!

Yes indeed! I've seen the cine-skates - it's AWESOME! So is PicoDolly, actually! Although that is not specifically g/pod related...

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BrotherBloat
London RC Project
http://www.rc-forc3.com
Canon Kiss X5 (600D/T3i), Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 UMS, Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II (kit), Tokina RMC 135mm f/2.8 P/K-conversion, battery grip, CowboyStudios Shoulder Pad