Video Innovators S-800 Standard Shoulder Support - for Small Camcorders

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Standard Shoulder Support - for Small Camcorders:

It will do its job but its pretty much just a toy. Thin bracket, shoulder mount is too small, too light.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Standard Shoulder Support - for Small Camcorders:

Best for Panasonic AG-AF100

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Standard Shoulder Support - for Small Camcorders:

The bracket provides some stability to handheld recording with a simple, lightweight design. Its major flaw is that the rig becomes front-heavy once any camera is attached, making long recording sessions uncomfortable for the hands and arms. The best mod to the bracket is to attach counterweights to balance out the weight of the mounted device. In my case, this meant adding 7.5 pounds (in the form of three generic 2.5 pound weightlifting plates) to the end of the shoulder piece by drilling a hole through the bracket and attaching the weights with a bolt, washers and a wingnut. Now the camera can sit on my shoulder perfectly balanced, which relieves any strain on my arms or wrists. In my testing with a Canon 7D, as much as 10 pounds was needed to counterbalance the camera.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Standard Shoulder Support - for Small Camcorders:

It's straightforward & reliable -

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Standard Shoulder Support - for Small Camcorders:

I purchased this for use of my Canon GL. The price was right, and I have been looking for something to stabilize while moving. The device is awkward and fairly uncomfortable. Luckily I don't need to use it too often, but I think the higher priced items, especially with the dual shoulder support, would be more effective (and comfortable).

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Standard Shoulder Support - for Small Camcorders:

We use this for in the field for a steady shot with a Canon GL2. Adds that extra stability that we needed with the versatility a tripod can't. I attached a single pole tripod (completely folded up) to the bottom for an even more stable shot. Definitely a recommended purchase for the dollar.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Standard Shoulder Support - for Small Camcorders:

I probably should have spent a little more for a better product although I don't have a better one in mind right now. This item is definitely bottom of the line, entry level, but does the basic job of stabilizing today's tiny camcorders which, despite video stabilization are almost impossible to hold steady for any length of time. I needed something to help tape a wedding and this will have to do. I was disappointed to find that I can't use the eye-piece viewfinder because you would have to lay your head over at an impossible angle. The flip-out display works OK except I can't see it clearly with my glasses on even with the camcorder fastened farthest out and I am concerned that the battery life will be shortened by using it. Horizontal and vertical stability are much improved but the camcorder rotates too easily, almost like it could flip over. It won't - but it feels like it.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Standard Shoulder Support - for Small Camcorders:

I bought this to use with my Sony HD handycam. It doesn't do as well as I expected to fix shaky shots, but it does seem to make movements smoother. It is lightweight and feels a bit top heavy with my camera on it, like it wants to flip upside down. It definitely could be used with a bigger camera, but I'm not sure if it would fix that problem. I really don't like the way the handle comes out on an angle, it feels unnatural to me. If the handle was straight down, it would make it less flippy because it wouldn't rotate as much in your hand/wrist. That aside, it's not bad if you need something very simple to get better movements. But for that benefit only, it's a little overpriced.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Standard Shoulder Support - for Small Camcorders:

I use this with my Canon GL2 and it fits, a larger camera might not not work as well. It is sturdy, well designed piece of gear with no confusing dodads. The resulting video was steady and usable even when I needed to make some camera adjustments while still shooting. I used it for a walk-around piece on a Christmas display and it turned out great.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Standard Shoulder Support - for Small Camcorders:

I bought this shoulder rest for my Sony PD 170. As an Event Videographer, set up time is often limited when on location. I found this piece to be fast and easy to attach and detach from my camcorder. The camera support definitly reduced the fatigue and unwanted camera movement I experienced when going hand held. One unexpected benefit, was when I held the camcorder by the shoulder support, with my arms fully extended upwards above my head, to get the shot of the newelyweds in the center of the dance floor. I had much better control of the camcorder and my shot. This product is a good inexpensive solution for camcorder control that is made well.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Standard Shoulder Support - for Small Camcorders:

Great concept. Will do the job but it's a bit short (the camera will be right in your face). The camcorder functions are usually on the right hand side(start, stop, focus) and the LCD screen on the left... So when the cam is mounted on your right shoulder and supported with your right hand - if you need to do anything you have to switch mounting hands. I guess you need to get used to supporting with your left hand. A monopod can mount directly to the bottom of the unit - a great feature!

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Standard Shoulder Support - for Small Camcorders:

I agree with the previous reviewer - the shoulder arch is too small to firmly and snugly sit on my shoulder. And I am not a big person. This would probably fit a petite lady well. It seems decently built - but it is light which could introduce shakes? I was hoping this work for me. I am going to return it.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Standard Shoulder Support - for Small Camcorders:

Just got my video camera this will help tremendously in giving my videos a more professional look.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Standard Shoulder Support - for Small Camcorders:

As a wedding videographer with PD-170 which is light anyway and hard to get stable shots hand held,
I definitely get better steady shots with it. It's lightweight enough to go off shoulder to get low shots as well. The light weight nature of the product takes a bit to get used to.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Standard Shoulder Support - for Small Camcorders:

I use it with a very small cacorder its perfect for that. Stability wise it works best with the handle connected in one of the holes at the bottom. Walking still shakes a little but other wise it's great.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Standard Shoulder Support - for Small Camcorders:

No more of that fatigue jerk and weave this shoulder rest holds the cam steady in place. Made of sturdy materials sure to last. Great for the price. Must have for serious production on a budget.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Standard Shoulder Support - for Small Camcorders:

Fairly good shoulder mount for the financially challenged. My only complaint is that the shoulder rest is just a bit too small. I have rather large shoulders, but for someone with medium sized shoulders this would work wonderfully.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Standard Shoulder Support - for Small Camcorders:

Like I said it's pretty handy, but it's not the best. It helps a lot and it's small so you can take it anywhere.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Standard Shoulder Support - for Small Camcorders:

I realized no stability improvement by using the S-800 Standard Shoulder Rest with my Canon HV20.

The system was easy to assemble, coming in just a few parts. While the instructions alluded to a variety of add-ons, mine was apparently the base model. It screwed together in no time.

Now it sits in my closet.

My Canon HV20 mounted to the support easily, but in order to view the LCD screen it had to be mounted almost fully forward. The result was a tippy, flippy mess. The shoulder bracket didn't do a great job fitting my shoulder, and adjustment (which is "squeeze it and make it smaller, or stretch it to make it bigger") didn't help in the least.

Nice idea, poor implementation.