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MillimeterShoot Tools
Dec 1, 2004 12:00 PM
Featured this month:
Jery Winters: JeryJig, JeryClip, JeryClamp
Rosendahl: BonsaiDrive
Laird: VGO
K-Tek: Avalon
Simple but effective
During a shoot, it's often the simple things that matter, such as how to securely attach lights or other gear to your camcorder, tripod, or other support without relying on the usual mile or two of gaffer tape. Producer Jery Winters faced that problem, but instead of cursing the sticky stuff, he invented his own line of fast-clip clamps to attach devices such as lights, transmitters, and smaller audio recorders to cameras, tripods, or about anything else. The JeryJig, JeryClip, and JeryClamp are compact, heavy-duty jigs or clamps with military-grade hook-and-loop fasteners attached. There's an extra fastener swatch to place on the device.
Price: $24.95 to $34.95
Odenton, Md.; (410) 672-5200;
www.videotrainers.com/products.shtml
Recording for the road
Today, there's a flood of small, portable hard drives, each competing with the other over size, price, and capabilities. Rosendahl came up with something a bit different. Sure, its BonsaiDrive — introduced at AES — is cute and captures video (4:2:2 PAL or NTSC). It's the audio I/O, however, that's got real chops. The petite drive includes not only an analog stereo pair I/O, but also eight channels of 24-bit, 48kHz ADAT I/O, making it ideal for recording on-location mixes. Connections include timecode, Sony 9-pin remote control, MTC, MMC, video synch input, word clock output, and GPIOs. The 3.5lb. recorder captures video in composite, S-Video, or component formats via a lossless 2:1 compression. Sennheiser distributes it.
Price: $2225
Old Lyme, Conn.; (877) 736-6434;
www.sennheiserusa.com
Production helper
Wheelchair-bound shooters face and overcome production problems few others think about, but most still deal with a basic hassle: Few camera rigs exist that deliver a secure platform yet allow easy access to all the camera controls. Laird addresses that need with VGO, a wheelchair-based setup that gives users full control over their camcorder. This straightforward combination of a steel swing-out arm with a mounted tripod head enables safe and steady camera movement. Two choices of tripod heads add versatility, including an electronic head that adds automatic controls such as camera start, stop, and lens focus and zoom.
Price: $795 (manual); $1,695 (electronic assisted)
Mount Marion, N.Y.
(800) 898-0759
www.lairdtelemedia.com
Better mic control
While radio mics are fine for run-and-gun setups, most pros opt for better quality studio-style mics when the setting can be controlled. That's where a sturdy, easy-to-handle mic boom is essential. K-Tek, the makers of the well-received K-Tek Klassik boom pole, recently introduced the lower-cost Avalon version. Based on the same design concepts behind the Klassik, the multisection Avalon uses high-grade aluminum tubing that employs a “Captive Collett” design that the company says ensures jam-resistant coupling. The pole top features cable-retaining slots and a replaceable stainless steel threaded mounting stud. Each model is also available with an internally wired coiled cord, a Neutrik female XLR on the top pigtail, and a Switchcraft male XLR in the base.
Price: Starts at $135
Vista, Calif.; (760) 727-0593;
www.mklemme.com
