Digital Juice LowRider Mini Stabilizing Device Reviewed

Every so often there’s a situation that calls for a special kind of camera support. Specifically, a support that doesn’t have three legs, is portable and allows you to shoot almost any angle at a moment’s notice. The LowRider Mini provides your camera with the needed support, while allowing you to maintain flexibility during your shoot.

First Impressions

Upon pulling the LowRider Mini out of the box we couldn’t help but notice its U-shaped structure, anchor loops, and utility pockets. The sturdy, rip-stop cotton shell claimed to be waterproof, so we dumped an entire glass of water on it, just to make sure. To our surprise, the water effortlessly rolled off, leaving the LowRider Mini mostly dry to the touch.

Locked In, but Inaccessible

We wasted no time placing our camcorder into the U-channel, cinching it in with the retaining strap. Though there was some initial hesitation to carry the attached camcorder only by the LowRider Mini’s removable carry strap, the U-channel proved to be surprisingly secure even with the unit turned on its side. It became obvious the LowRider Mini was not going to let the camcorder go without a fight. While it was great to know our camcorder wasn’t going anywhere, we were somewhat disappointed to find some of our camera controls, including the LCD screen and cassette compartment, were inaccessible due to the tightly hugging sides.

Countless Possibilities

After assuring that our camcorder was strapped in securely, we took the LowRider Mini out for a spin. Making use of the eight anchor loops and the mounting kit (not included), we were able to strap the bag to almost anything. We even made a camera swing that allowed us to capture a very fluid “dog-cam” walking shot. In addition to mounting and hanging the LowRider Mini, we were able to flip the LowRider Mini over and use it like a traditional bean bag for extra support.

The two utility pockets located on the side of the LowRider Mini are a nice addition for those who don’t need to pack much. We found the pockets large enough to fit a MiniDV tape, but too snug to fit a brick-sized camcorder battery.

It’s hard to look at the LowRider Mini and not think “bean bag”. Afterall, that’s what it is. But, after giving it a chance, it proved to be much more, and ignited our imagination in regards to the number of ways it could be used to enhance our next shoot. We can see ourselves using this interesting device a lot more than anticipated.

Tech Specs

Weight: approx. 2 lbs 4 oz

Dimensions: 8″ H x 13 1/2″ W x 10 1/2″ D

Center Height: 5″

Camera Capacity: Up to 30lbs

Material: 100% waterproof cotton canvas; polystyrene micro-bead fill

Strengths

  • Removable shoulder strap
  • Waterproof
  • Ability to add more micro-bead filling as needed
  • Light and easy to transport

Weaknesses

  • The U-channel may block some camera controls
  • Some difficulty maintaining a leveled image

SUMMARY

Whether you want to hold it, mount it, hang it or wedge it, the LowRider Mini provides additional support while lending itself to the creative process of each shoot.

Digital Juice, Inc.

600 Technology Park, Suite 104

Lake Mary, FL 32746

www.digitaljuice.com

Digital Juice LowRider Mini: $270

LowRider: $300

LowRider Mounting Kit: $70

Julie Babcock is an associate editor at Videomaker

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