My experience using the Easyrig Minimax and Sony FX6
TLDRIn this video, filmmaker John Waldman shares his experience using the Easyrig Minimax with the Sony FX6. He discusses how the Easyrig saves his back during long handheld shoots and offers added stabilization, especially with heavy camera setups and long lenses. Waldman highlights the cost-effectiveness of purchasing versus renting and shares practical rigging tips for maintaining balance. He also touches on the tool's pros, like client perception and improved aesthetics, as well as cons, such as difficulty in walking shots and product availability. Overall, he highly recommends the Easyrig Minimax for handheld shooting.
Takeaways
- 🎥 The Easyrig Minimax is an essential tool for filmmakers using heavy camera setups, especially with the Sony FX6.
- đź’Ş One of the main benefits of the Easyrig is its ability to save the user's back, making it ideal for long shoots with heavy gear.
- 📸 It provides excellent stabilization and reduces camera jitters, especially when using longer lenses like a 70-200mm.
- đź’µ Although the Easyrig costs around $1300, it's worth the investment if you frequently rent similar equipment, as buying it can save money in the long run.
- 🎞 The Easyrig enhances the handheld shooting aesthetic, offering a steady look without sacrificing the handheld feel.
- 🧰 Rigging the FX6 with the Easyrig is easy, and the camera’s built-in articulating side handle makes high and low-angle shots more convenient.
- 🤩 Clients often react positively to the Easyrig on set, as it gives a professional impression and can justify higher production costs.
- 🚶 The Easyrig is not ideal for walking shots, as it can cause a bouncy effect, but careful walking techniques can mitigate this.
- đź› Availability can be an issue, as the Easyrig is often out of stock, leading to potential price hikes from different suppliers.
- ⚖️ Balancing the rig is crucial for optimal performance, and the user can add counterweights to ensure even weight distribution and smoother handling.
Q & A
What is the primary purpose of the Easyrig Minimax for the Sony FX6?
-The primary purpose of the Easyrig Minimax is to provide stabilization and support for the Sony FX6, reducing the strain on the user's back while shooting handheld with heavy camera setups.
Why did John decide to buy the Easyrig Minimax instead of continuing to rent it?
-John decided to buy the Easyrig Minimax because he had rented it numerous times, which added up in cost. He figured it was more financially sound to purchase it and put that rental money back into his pocket.
What are the main benefits of using the Easyrig Minimax, according to John?
-The main benefits include saving back health, offering great stabilization for handheld shots, especially with longer lenses, and improving client perception by making the gear look professional.
How does the Easyrig Minimax affect the look of handheld shots?
-The Easyrig Minimax provides a clean, steady handheld look by evening out micro-jitters and effectively making the camera feel weightless, which is especially noticeable with longer lenses.
How does the articulating side handle of the Sony FX6 complement the Easyrig Minimax?
-The articulating side handle of the Sony FX6 allows for easier adjustments, like raising or lowering the camera for high-angle or low-angle shots, making it a perfect match for the Easyrig Minimax.
What is one downside of the Easyrig Minimax mentioned by John?
-One downside is that it’s not ideal for walking shots, as it can cause a bouncing effect. John mentions that walking with it requires a lot of focus on form to minimize these movements.
Why was it difficult for John to purchase the Easyrig Minimax?
-It was difficult for John to purchase the Easyrig Minimax because it was often out of stock at his preferred retailer, B&H. He had to buy it from Abel Cine, where it was more expensive.
What kind of accessories does John use with his Sony FX6 and Easyrig Minimax setup?
-John uses accessories like a top plate, v-mount plate, v-mount battery, a monitor, and sometimes bigger lenses, Atomos recorders, and sound packs. He also uses counterweights to balance his rig.
How does John deal with imbalances in his rig when using the Easyrig Minimax?
-John uses small rig counterweights and rod clamps to balance his setup. He adjusts these based on the weight distribution of his accessories, such as mics or audio packs.
What advice does John offer for those considering the Easyrig Minimax for their setup?
-John advises considering the weight of your setup to ensure the Easyrig Minimax can handle it and stresses the importance of balancing the rig to minimize strain and ensure smooth handheld shooting.
Outlines
🎬 Introduction to the Easy Rig Mini Max
In this opening, John Waldman, a New York-based filmmaker, introduces himself and explains his intention to discuss the Easy Rig Mini Max, specifically in combination with the Sony FX6. He highlights the benefits of this rig, particularly for managing the increasing weight of built-out cinema cameras. John shares his experience renting the Easy Rig multiple times before deciding to purchase it, emphasizing how frequent rentals can justify the investment in owning such gear.
đź’Ş The Benefits of Using the Easy Rig
John dives into the key advantages of the Easy Rig Mini Max. He discusses how it supports filmmakers who shoot all day with heavier camera setups, reducing physical strain and promoting career longevity. The rig stabilizes the camera, particularly when using long lenses, and helps minimize jitter. He also touches on client perception—how using professional-looking gear can impress clients and even justify higher fees. John notes the Mini Max's 14-15 pound weight limit, making it a perfect fit for the Sony FX6 with various accessories.
🔧 Easy Rig’s Compatibility with the Sony FX6
John explains how the Sony FX6's ergonomics complement the Easy Rig Mini Max. He highlights the articulating side handle, which allows for dynamic camera movements, such as high-angle or low-angle shots. This combination enhances the overall balance and usability of the camera setup, making it easier to shoot handheld for extended periods. John also praises the Easy Rig's convenient carrying case and reiterates how it has become an essential part of his gear.
⚠️ The Limitations of the Easy Rig
John addresses some downsides of the Easy Rig, particularly its limitations when walking. He mentions how the rig produces a bouncy effect while moving, making it unsuitable for tracking shots without post-production stabilization. However, by focusing on his walking technique (heel-to-toe) and camera handling, he has managed to reduce the bounce. He concludes that for walking shots, filmmakers are better off using a gimbal or Steadicam.
🏷️ Availability and Pricing Challenges
John shares his experience with the limited availability of the Easy Rig Mini Max. After struggling to find it in stock at his usual retailer, B&H, he ended up purchasing it from Abel Cine for an additional $100. He advises potential buyers to grab the rig whenever they see it available due to its scarcity.
🎛️ Balancing the Camera with Additional Gear
John describes his approach to rigging the Sony FX6 with the Easy Rig, particularly when adding heavier lenses or other accessories like Atomos recorders or audio packs. He emphasizes the importance of balancing the camera to reduce strain. To combat imbalances, John uses rod clamps and counterweights to stabilize the camera, allowing for smoother operation. He recommends using different sizes of counterweights to achieve perfect balance based on the rig's configuration.
🏆 The Easy Rig: A Valuable Addition to the Kit
In conclusion, John reflects on the value of the Easy Rig Mini Max as an essential piece of stabilization equipment in his kit. He highlights its versatility and ease of use, describing it as one of the best gear purchases he’s made. He reiterates the benefits of smoother handheld footage, reduced physical strain, and the enhanced aesthetic for long-lens shots. John wraps up by inviting his audience to suggest future content ideas, reflecting on his recent break from making videos.
Mindmap
Keywords
đź’ˇEasyrig Minimax
đź’ˇSony FX6
đź’ˇHandheld Shooting
đź’ˇStabilization
đź’ˇLong Lens
đź’ˇClient Perception
đź’ˇRigging
đź’ˇCounterweights
đź’ˇErgonomics
đź’ˇWarp Stabilizer
Highlights
The Easyrig Minimax is crucial for supporting heavy cinema camera setups like the Sony FX6, saving your back during long shoots.
The Easyrig Minimax helps eliminate the costs of repeated rentals, making it a wise investment for filmmakers.
It offers a great balance of stabilization and support, especially useful for handheld shooting with heavier camera setups.
A noticeable improvement is seen when using long lenses, such as the 70-200mm, paired with the Sony FX6 and Easyrig Minimax.
Although priced at $1300, the Easyrig Minimax proves worth it for frequent shooters, offering health benefits by reducing strain on the back.
The rig provides a very stable handheld look, even out micro-jitters for smoother, more professional-looking shots.
Combining the Sony FX6's Optical Steady Shot with the Easyrig creates an unbeatable handheld setup for long lens shooting.
The client perception of showing up with an impressive rig like the Easyrig Minimax can impact pricing and how clients view your professionalism.
The articulating side handle of the Sony FX6, when used with the Easyrig Minimax, allows for dynamic high and low angle shots.
One downside of the Easyrig Minimax is that it's not ideal for walking shots, as it creates a bouncing effect unless careful walking technique is used.
Another drawback is the availability of the Easyrig Minimax, often being out of stock, which may lead to paying a premium for it.
Balancing the camera is crucial when using the Easyrig Minimax, with small adjustments or counterweights helping achieve stability.
The small rig counterweights are recommended for achieving perfect balance when using the Easyrig Minimax with different setups.
The camera leveler of the Sony FX6, combined with small rig counterweights, makes balancing easier and reduces strain while shooting.
The Easyrig Minimax is highly versatile and a great addition to any filmmaker's kit, providing significant support for long handheld shoots.