2005General Discussion forum
Easyrig shoulder support rig for handheld camera work
21 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- An Easyrig transfers camera weight from the operator's shoulders to the lower back and hips, allowing longer shooting sessions with less arm fatigue during stationary handheld work.
- The device does not produce smoother video motion than a Steadicam and should not be marketed as a Steadicam alternative.
- Walking with an Easyrig produces similar or slightly smoother motion than standard handheld, but with noticeable shake remaining.
- Panning and tilting capability is compromised when using the rig, as it reduces the operator's freedom of movement.
- The rig works better for stationary shots and can create a weightless effect useful for jib-like movements when the support structure is strong enough.
- Operators with existing shoulder or back problems report preferring the rig for comfort, particularly during longer shooting days.
- Live production environments commonly use this type of support system.
- Alternative designs using backmounted harnesses with overhead gallows and tension cables show promise for supporting heavy cameras but can suffer from frame tilt instability when stationary or walking.
Depends on
- Smooth motion depends heavily on floor conditions and operator movement technique.
- The rig was tested in limited scenarios and user experience varies significantly.
- Some camera operators find the motion control trade-offs unacceptable for their work.
- Alternative designs attempted to address stability issues but have not been fully resolved for all shooting scenarios.
- Primarily suitable for handheld work rather than dynamic camera movement.