Redrock’s rig turns your DSLR into a video making machine
By Emily Price
There have been quite a few DSLRs released over the past year or so that are capable of shooting video. While the video recording capability is obviously welcome, I’ve never really though people would bust out their DSLR when they were looking to do some serious videography. Apparently the folks at Redrock think a little differently, and have released a new cinema rig for the DSLR that makes it easy for photographers to use their cameras to shoot some professional looking video – or at least look like they’re shooting some professional videos.
The Redrock Micro DSLR camera rig is a $200 support accessory for the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Canon EOS Rebel T1i, Nikon D90, and Panasonic Lumix HG1 that adds weight, form factor, and features such as mattebox, follow focus, and a support cage to your DSLR.
“Redrock’s previous DSLR Cinema Bundles transform DSLR video cameras into the form factor, features, and durability of a cinema-style camera,” said James Hurd, Chief Revolutionist for Redrock Micro. “DSLR 2.0 accessories are designed for shooters who want cinema accessories and features, but a more portable lightweight solution that can be feature-configured to exactly meet their needs.” The kit price starts at around $195; with the price increasing depending on what components a customer wants to add to the system.
The idea is a pretty interesting one. Many of these cameras are capable of shooting high-quality high definition video. Theoretically that high-resolution video coupled with the exceptionally high quality of the cameras lenses should produce some pretty nice looking videos.
Maybe it’s just me, but I can’t image buying a separate apparatus just so I can rock the video capabilities on my SLR. I’m a video girl at heart, so I own quite a bit of video paraphernalia. I can understand buying a rig for your video camera, but one for your DSLR so you can use it for video? The idea escapes me. Especially with prices starting at $200.
What about you? Would you buy one of these for your DSLR?
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April 27th, 2009
Emily, have you not seen the beautiful video that you can get from the 5D MkII? Most video cameras under $8K have no more than a 1/2-inch sensor, which is less than 8mm wide. The 5D MkII sensor is 36mm wide, providing fantastic low light performance and shallow DOF.
Until video camera sensors leave the dark ages behind (what? Moore’s law doesn’t apply to them?), I’m wondering why anybody would buy a video camera these days. Soon Scarlet will be released, and eventually these large sensors will make it into video cameras. But for now, DSLRs are the only affordable choice for large sensor video.
October 27th, 2009
I think you’ll find that their rigs cost a lot more than 200 dollars, Emily. That might just buy you a bag to store it in! Redrock equipment is good, but expensive. I agree with you, though – the point of the new breed of dslr video cameras is that they can be used just like a simple camera. To dress them up with all that kit is, IMHO, overkill.