Rig vs Tripod/Monopod

I've been looking into buying a rig, shoulder one actually. Something around $350 or under, was wondering do many people shoot with rigs. I have more a run and go type of film background so I thought this would be perfect for me, to get a good stable shot.

Of course there are other options, monopods, cages, I honestly have no idea what to get. I'll be using a follow focus, Rode Mic and perhaps an LED light with my setup.

Right now im leaning on a P&C PR-1 rig, its an ajustable rig that you can reassamble to your shooting style, also has swiss rods that allow your to attach other 1/4 items to the rig, led lights, EVF, mic.

What setup is everyone using here? Cool thing about the rig is you can attach a quick release plate to it and still quickly attatch it to a tripod or monopod or whatever.

KeenanRIVALS wrote in post #16231560
I've been looking into buying a rig, shoulder one actually. Something around $350 or under, was wondering do many people shoot with rigs. I have more a run and go type of film background so I thought this would be perfect for me, to get a good stable shot.

Of course there are other options, monopods, cages, I honestly have no idea what to get. I'll be using a follow focus, Rode Mic and perhaps an LED light with my setup.

Right now im leaning on a P&C PR-1 rig, its an ajustable rig that you can reassamble to your shooting style, also has swiss rods that allow your to attach other 1/4 items to the rig, led lights, EVF, mic.

What setup is everyone using here? Cool thing about the rig is you can attach a quick release plate to it and still quickly attatch it to a tripod or monopod or whatever.

My personal advice is to shoot some test footage and see what you need and what you can do without. Too many people think extremely pro gear is going to improve their quality when it all boils down to you and the camera... you gotta go out there and see what you feel like you need before you chase some standard rig. You will be surprised with what you dont need if you cant or dont want to afford it...while delivering the same quality

I agree with Static. It is only through use that you establish what you do or don't need.

My default video configuration is with the camera in a rig which has hand grips and a shoulder pad and audio. I seldom shoot hand held but it is good to have the option at the click of a lever. I will also frequently remove the shoulder extension if only using a tripod.

I have a follow focus but, as I don't have a focus puller, find I can do an adequate job without it and not suffer the extra weight the follow focus adds.

Your shooting style and environment is key to picking the right equipment. When shooting in crowded nightclubs, my first choice is a lcd viewfinder and a simple flash bracket for total flexibility, hotshoe mounts, and good side to side stability. When shooting action in a small set I prefer a follow focus with lcd viwefiner on a Manfrotto video monopod. With a wide open set and for interviews, I like a tripod with follow focus and LCD monitor. I have a jib but only use that sparingly.

I have used 3 different shoulder rigs and they are cool, but the heavier weight of the rig starts to negate the stability increase after about an hour of shooting.

-Scott

sspellman wrote in post #16235443
Your shooting style and environment is key to picking the right equipment. When shooting in crowded nightclubs, my first choice is a lcd viewfinder and a simple flash bracket for total flexibility, hotshoe mounts, and good side to side stability. When shooting action in a small set I prefer a follow focus with lcd viwefiner on a Manfrotto video monopod. With a wide open set and for interviews, I like a tripod with follow focus and LCD monitor. I have a jib but only use that sparingly.

I have used 3 different shoulder rigs and they are cool, but the heavier weight of the rig starts to negate the stability increase after about an hour of shooting.

-Scott

Ahhh I see you reside in Michigan as well, I just took the money and purchased a steadicam just to get a smoother shot. I already have a nice Tripod I'll keep shooting to see if I hav a need for anything else.