Expanding your Orbit (page 2)

Dollies are a must for those wanting to get that smooth, slow moving shot down a hallway to create a sense of tension. Also at NAB this year, Indie Dolly Systems announced its newest Indie-Dolly. This new design can create dolly shots from tabletop setups to a full size dolly track with camera operator on board. Fully adjustable in size and width, the 12-foot dolly track can be either straight or twisted, shimmied for any terrain, is made out of aircraft-grade aluminum, and coated using a 13-step anodizing process. Total weight in two bags equals 78 lbs. MICRODOLLY makes similar systems.

Mike Figgis is known for his outside of the box style of filmmaking. He brought that same kind of new perspective to his Fig Rig, which Manfrotto loved and agreed to make nearly on the spot. The modular steering wheel design is not only specifically designed for DV cameras as a support rig, but also holds a variety of accessories such as mics, lights, zoom controllers and more. It is Figgis' answer to a Steadicam without the pricetag.

Whereas, Steadicam's answer to a handheld stablizer was to go back to Garrett Brown for the Merlin. At $799, its curving counter balance and folding-caliper hinge can not only steady cameras weighing from ½ to 5 lbs, but allows instant fold-up for shoulder-mounted shooting. This nearly featherweight design (nearly four times lighter than the original Steadicam JR) translates to longer camera time and less operator fatigue.

Also turning heads at this year's NAB, 16X9 Inc. showed off the TÖrtleRig ($1,175). This odd looking backpack device for DV and HDV cams moves the weight of the camera from the operator's hands and shoulders to the hips, by hanging the camera fishpole-like over the operator's head. Its bigger brother is being used on such shows as Lost.

Other unique camera supports include the Davis & Sanford Steady Stick, which allows the camera operator to shift the weight of the camera from the shoulders to the waist and hips. Capable of carrying up to 30 pounds, the Steady Stick is also great for those scenes where an actor must act as his own camera operator for the surreal shot where the actor doesn't appear to move but the world around him does.

Getting that dramatic car shot can really add another level to your video. That's where the Sticky Pod can come in handy. Created by inventor Tom Heibel, who was looking for a camera mount that would hold up at speeds of 100 MPH, the Sticky Pod was his solution in a barren market. Its secret is hard gripping suction pods which can stick the mount to just about any kind of vehicle moving at a high rate of speed. Mounted either inside or outside of a car door, window or hood, it promises to hold any consumer camera firmly in place even while breaking the speed limit.

Clearly, with the advent of a growing prosumer video market, there is a starving need for camera supports, which will take getting that professional shot to the next level.

Whether you're interested in using a Steadicam, crane, FigRig or all of the above devices, the support that you'll get from this type of product can only mean that the shot you need is practically in the can.

James DeRuvo is producer and editor for a broadcast production company.

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