Video Innovators S-800 Super Pro Shoulder Support - for Small Camcorders

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Super Pro Shoulder Rest:

Using the system for video wedding videos and etc.. Very satisfied. Specially commissioned to Russia this model. Compact, easy to use. Use with the Canon 5d Mark 2 + 24-70 f2.8, canon 60d with +17-55 2.8 is.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Super Pro Shoulder Rest:

Only shoulder rest I've found that works well with the Sony Z7U.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Super Pro Shoulder Rest:

Using with a Panasonic HMC 150 and it's an adequate solution to long term fatigue. Doesn't replace a Stedy-Cam but for the cost it's very affordable and useful

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Super Pro Shoulder Rest:

There are a zillion designs and as many preferences with shooters. For us, this works pretty well.
PROs:
Lightweight, different handle positions, inclds metal flanges to attach mic's, etc
CONs:
The swivel part does not lock in place very well-its useable but does move. The shoulder pad seems designed for hulk hogan (very wide front to back).
I might buy the chest brace if only for occasional support - you arm is still holding all the weight.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Super Pro Shoulder Rest:

its ok, not the best, not the worst.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Super Pro Shoulder Rest:

All I needed was a good grip and some stability added to my handycam, and this did the trick. I purchased the adjustable grip along with it which solved the awkward hand position. Very happy.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Super Pro Shoulder Rest:

If you're going to move around, or need not to be tied to a tripod, then you need stabilization of some kind. I have tried this out with several other stabilizers - trying to find kit to recommend to colleges and small charities & businesses. This is perfect for small camcorders - for larger, semi-professional camcorders, it's fairly poor: the shoulder pad needs to be wider. If you're on a budget a Spiderbrace support is probably a better buy. However, I still rate this as I could also use the frame to attach on additional equipment.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Super Pro Shoulder Rest:

Got this to go with a Canon XH A1s, but just couldn't make it work. Tried it out with the camera mounted to it and it did not work the way I needed. Felt too unstable and top heavy for me. It might be better suited for a smaller camera, but I didn't like it. I ended up returning it to B&H[...]

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Super Pro Shoulder Rest:

It's a good idea but lacks in fit and steadiness. Had to bend out the curve to fit my shoulder and once I added my Panasonic HMC-150 it kept trying to pull itself forwards and down. I moved the handle so it points straight down to get better up lift in the front but then it wants to wobble left and right. I feel the curved part should be about two to three inches wider and about four to six inches longer. I've tightened the plastic wing-nut where it bends but it still tends to bend on me and I'm afraid to tighten the plastic wing-nut any tighter, afraid of breaking the plastic wing-nut. So I plan on some modifications to make it better. I've already drilled a small hole at the very back and the left front of the curved shoulder piece and added an adjustable strap with clips from an old shoulder bag and use the strap under my left armpit, which holds the shoulder rest tighter on my right shoulder. Next I plan on drilling another hole and adding another wing-nut, bolt and washer to keep the unit from bending. And even after these modifications I know I'll still need to use both hands to keep it steady. I do feel that Video Innovators should take a better look at this shoulder rest and make some modifications of they're own and not raise the price, mainly because to be called a Super Pro Shoulder Rest I feel it is lacking in the extras that it should already have. I did give it two stars instead of only one because it did have mounting brackets and nuts for lights, mics, etc. It's still not bad compared to some of the other shoulder rests/stabilizers that cost hundreds. I would mention it to a friend but I wouldn't recommended it. Not unless you plan on modifying it.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Super Pro Shoulder Rest:

Very good construction, I found it unstable and added a hook on the back with a 3lb weight to counterbalance the camera. For the price I found it a good deal.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Super Pro Shoulder Rest:

I purchased this (with the ES800 support) for my HVX-200. No...it's not a Steadicam, but does provide some stability. I have it adjusted for use with either the viewfinder or LCD.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Super Pro Shoulder Rest:

I use this (and the ES-800 support) with my HVX-200. No, it's not a Steadicam...it's not meant to be. It works great as a shoulder support. Can be adjusted to one position for using the viewfinder or LCD.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Super Pro Shoulder Rest:

I love this product. Any videographer who doesn't own a shoulder cam should have this as a part of there arsenal. It provides that added stability you need to get steady shots in areas a tripod can't get.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Super Pro Shoulder Rest:

Does not fit well at the shoulder.
It is not very stable: pivots on the point of support, you have to make an effort to keep it straight.
I would not recommend it by itself.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Super Pro Shoulder Rest:

Using small videocams like my Canon HV30 can make hand-held shooting a challenge, especially if you're still looking for that first Best Videography award. The S-800 Super Pro Shoulder Rest won't guarantee you a nomination but it can help you dramatically reduce hand-held shake, especially among beginners. The Super Pro can rest on either shoulder and allows for steadier pans, tilts and zooms. Also can help on low shots. The slide near the shoulder attachment lets you lengthen or shorten the frame to your preference and change the angle at which the curved rest sits on your shoulder. That actually helps because angling the shoulder stock slightly (rather than keeping it dead straight) seems to make shooting more comfortable. Unlike expensive shoulder cams, balance is an issue. The weight from the camera and any other attachments sits out front so the S-800 Super Pro wants to tip forward. I also fabricated a mount on the left side of the frame for a seven-inch monitor, so the whole rig tips left a little. A counterweight on the other side should help resolve that and the monitor really helps you frame shots and deal with glare in direct sunlight. Since the rig's weight does not rest/balance on your shoulder, you must compensate using the arm you use to hold the frame. That can cause some fatigue and muscle shake during extended shooting. Overall, the S-800 Super Pro helps you steady your shot, it's adjustable and it includes two accessory bars that can be used to attach any light, mic, etc. with a shoe mount. So far, the attachments seem to tighten sufficiently. For the money, it does what it is supposed to but it is not a high-end piece of equipment.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Super Pro Shoulder Rest:

I use this for event videography and capturing B-Roll for internet commercials. I really like all the places you can mount your accessories. I have my tripod mounting plate on the bottom and I can quickly go from Tripod to shoulder shooting. One side note: If you are a body builder you may find the curved shoulder plate does not fit too well (I bent mine a bit to accomodate) but this is not everyone's problem.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Super Pro Shoulder Rest:

I use this with a Canon XL2. It helps to distribute the load and help provide steady support. It is especially useful with the addition of a monopod for another support point. It is just the right size, very sturdy, light weight. I like the choice of handle placement. It is very useful in tight situations when you can't use a tripod.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Super Pro Shoulder Rest:

I use the S-800 Super Pro shoulder rest with my Canon 5D Mark II camera to film journalistic events. It's an inexpensive tool and I really found this system more helpful than a monopod. It allows me to move freely while filming.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Super Pro Shoulder Rest:

Fits my Sony PD170 very nicely, the foam padding is comfy and you can adjust the camcorders position on the support forward/backward in seconds.

The only complaint that I have that made me give 4 stars and not 5 is that I wish it would have been counterbalanced on the back, because it makes the whole rig want to dive forward.

Maybe I can rig something on to the back, but I just with it came like that.

Comments about Video Innovators S-800 Super Pro Shoulder Rest:

Helps hold my Canon XH-A1 very steady. It holds down arm fatigue. The camera mount is adjustable looks like it would fit all sizes of camcorders. My XL-1s fits perfectly on it to. My only regret is not having one of these for my XL-1s when I used that camera.