When the demo unit arrived late last month, I was immediately surprised at how small the packaging was. The rig shipped folded up and appeared insubstantial for its intended use. I was wrong. Once fully unfolded and configured, it felt and acted as a solid piece of equipment. The device is supplied with the numerous accessories, and is shown compacted and expanded:

The company recently improved its original design to provide additional tools and options. The earlier adjustment device has been replaced by an Allen wrench for tightening friction joints. Additional threads to attach the support rod to accommodate front heavy cams with adaptors, matte boxes, and filters, and for attaching camera plates have been provided. The handgrips are now longer and easily accept remote controls. A user manual incorporating these modifications is available at the company's web site.

Characteristics. While the DvMultiRig Pro is the company's top end offering, all three configurations of the rig share the primary characteristics of compactness, versatility, quality construction, and ease of use.

The basic device weighs approximately a pound and a half (600 grams). When completely folded, it can be transported easily, and quickly reassembled in various modes. Here are a few; check the company's web site for other configurations.

Even the flexible tipped double spring-loaded support rod will retract from 31- to 16-inches when transporting the unit. As aside, this support rod is emblematic of the rig's quality overall construction, and ease of use. You extend the rod by loosening the brace locks, and adjusting the "load" at two points to meet your height. A similar brace-lock is used to adjust the inner tube to facilitate better stability as a shoulder mount.

In fact, the whole unit and accessory pack demonstrates an attention to detail and a quality build. I used the rig to shoot the second half of a college football playoff game. The rig was set up as shoulder mount in less than a minute.

Overall Impressions: All testing was done using a Panasonic HVX200 DVCProHD camcorder. The cam with battery and p2 cards weighs in at approximately 5.5 pounds. This results in a combined weight of a little more than 8 pounds in the basic shoulder mode. Rotate the front arms towards the cam, and the whole unit felt lighter. When fatigue became an issue, I used the rig as a tripod to secure some ground level shots on the football field.

I switched to the shoulder mount with the support pod and holster mount, and the HVX200 was more manageable. I got some nice tracking shots of the playoff action while moving laterally. This mode did not produce true "steadicam" shots, but it provided smooth tracking footage with no appreciable set up time. This is attributable to the design of the rod: a flexible tip screwing into the rig combined with a telescoping rod to absorb movement very well.

I did not test the two-hand stabilizer mode, or using this mode with the flexible pod. My view, however, is that the former mode mimics the look and feel of "fig rig" style shots, while the latter appears an alternative method to gather smooth pans. The company supplied a view in the "dual grip low" mode.

DTE Hard Drive Configurations: The DvMultiRig Pro supports attaching Direct To Edit (DTE) devices such as the Focus Enhancements' FS-100 using the included accessory plate in the shoulder brace mode. The company suggests this arrangement to maintain the overall balance of the rig. DTEs also may be mounted on either grip. Other devices, such as wireless receivers, also can be placed on the grips and or the accessory plate.

Again, to maximize balance, align the mount position with the support pod line, and use the front 3/8" thread for better balance.

Attention to Detail: The rig is constructed using first-rate materials. The lock levers on the grips and elsewhere are brass, the base bracket and arms assembly contain adjustable friction joints. The base assembly and nearly all accessories are metal. My understanding is that the base assembly uses aluminum to account for its 1.5 lb (600 gram) weight. The rig both feels and is substantial. And it looks pretty cool as well.

I had a minor problem with the brass lock lever on the front right grip.
When I brought it to the company's attention, I learned that the unit would be replaced for free for any defects within the one-year warranty. And you retain the old unit until the replacement is received.

Recommendation: This diverse camera mount can be quickly configured to meet a variety of shooting environments and needs. It is well-constructed, light weight, and designed with a shooter in mind. The company provides an excellent warranty, is open to suggestions, and responsive. If you are budget minded and want a great bargain, this is well worth the money.

Copyright ©2006 David A. Saraceno