My Experience With The Easyrig Minimax

Spencer Whiteman
26 Nov 202004:12

TLDRIn this video, the creator shares their experience with the Easyrig Minimax, a weight distribution system that alleviates pressure on the arms during camera operation. They've used it for four years and find it ideal for steady shots with gentle movements. The Minimax is a cost-effective alternative to higher models, suitable for rigs up to 18 pounds. The creator recommends a quick-release system for easy camera detachment and praises Easyrig's customer service. They advise tightening the waist strap more than the chest strap for proper support and caution against using it for pacing or running shots. The video concludes with appreciation for viewer support.

Takeaways

  • 🎥 The Easyrig Minimax is the speaker's favorite support gear, used extensively over four years.
  • 💼 It's a weight distributor that alleviates pressure from arms and distributes it across the torso.
  • 📹 Ideal for holding heavy camera rigs for extended periods without fatigue.
  • 🚫 Not recommended for pacing or running shots due to unwanted up and down axis movement.
  • 💰 The Minimax is more affordable than higher models like the Mario 5 and Cinema 3, yet meets most needs.
  • 🔧 The speaker uses a Kong Frog carabiner and a 3/8 inch eye bolt for a quick-release system with the Easyrig.
  • 🤔 Manual follow focus systems are easier to manage with the Easyrig, reducing strain on the arms.
  • 👍 Praises Easyrig's customer service for being responsive, kind, and professional.
  • 🔗 Tightening the waist strap more than the chest strap is crucial for proper support and back health.
  • 🏃‍♂️ The Easyrig allows for all-day shooting with no strain, which the speaker finds invaluable.

Q & A

  • What is the primary purpose of the Easyrig Minimax?

    -The Easyrig Minimax is a weight distributor that takes the pressure off your arms when holding a camera and distributes it throughout your torso, allowing you to hold heavy camera rigs for extended periods without getting tired.

  • How long has the presenter been using the Easyrig?

    -The presenter has been using the Easyrig for about four years.

  • What are the benefits of using the Easyrig Minimax for filming?

    -The benefits include being able to hold heavy camera rigs for long periods without fatigue, achieving stable footage when standing still with slight sway, and the cost-effectiveness compared to higher-end models.

  • What is the presenter's camera rig weight, and has the Minimax been able to support it?

    -The presenter's camera rig weighs around 18 pounds, and the Minimax has been able to support it without any issues.

  • What alternative attachment does the presenter use with the Easyrig Minimax?

    -Instead of the stock attachment, the presenter uses a Kong Frog carabiner attached to the stock grip and a 3/8-inch eye bolt screwed into the top handle, creating a quick release system.

  • How did the customer service at Easyrig respond when the presenter had an issue with the suspension cable?

    -The customer service at Easyrig was almost immediate, very professional, and quick to respond when the presenter reached out to them through email.

  • What is the presenter's recommendation for adjusting the waist and chest straps on the Easyrig?

    -The presenter suggests tightening the waist strap more than the chest strap to ensure proper support and prevent back pain.

  • Why does the presenter not recommend using the Easyrig for pacing or running shots?

    -The presenter does not recommend using the Easyrig for pacing or running shots because it can introduce unwanted up and down axis movement due to the third point of contact moving with each step.

  • How has the Easyrig Minimax helped the presenter with manual follow focus?

    -With the Easyrig, the presenter can focus more on the composition and focus pulling without the strain of carrying the camera in the opposite hand.

  • What does the presenter appreciate most about using the Easyrig Minimax?

    -The presenter appreciates that they can use the Easyrig all day without strain and without needing to rest after every shot, which they find invaluable.

Outlines

00:00

🎥 Introduction to the Easy Rig Mini Max

The speaker begins by expressing their enthusiasm for the Easy Rig Mini Max, a piece of support gear they have been using extensively for about four years. They aim to share their insights on the best use cases, benefits, and tips for maximizing its utility. The Easy Rig is described as a weight distributor that alleviates pressure from the arms and allows for holding heavy camera rigs for extended periods without fatigue. The speaker suggests that the best footage is achieved when standing still with slight, natural movements. They also compare the Mini Max to higher-end models like the Mario 5 and Cinema 3, highlighting its cost-effectiveness and suitability for most users' needs, including their own 18-pound camera rig.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Easyrig Minimax

The Easyrig Minimax is a camera support system designed to distribute the weight of a camera rig across the user's body, reducing strain on the arms and back. It's a favorite piece of gear for the video creator, who has used it extensively for four years. The Minimax is a cost-effective alternative to higher-end models, suitable for most camera weights and offering significant benefits for shooting, especially when standing still with slight movements.

💡Weight Distributor

A weight distributor, as mentioned in the context of the Easyrig Minimax, is a device that helps to evenly distribute the weight of a camera rig across different parts of the body. This is crucial for reducing fatigue and allowing for longer shooting periods without discomfort. The Easyrig Minimax acts as a weight distributor, taking the pressure off the arms and distributing it through the torso.

💡Camera Rig

A camera rig refers to the complete setup of a camera and its associated equipment, which may include lenses, stabilizers, monitors, and other accessories. In the video, the creator mentions that their camera rig weighs around 18 pounds, and the Easyrig Minimax has been effective in supporting this weight without issues.

💡Tension

Tension, in the context of the Easyrig Minimax, refers to the tightness or strength of the support system that holds the camera rig. The creator notes that the tension of the Minimax is strong enough to securely hold the camera, which is an essential feature for stability and comfort during shooting.

💡Carabiner

A carabiner is a type of metal loop with a spring-loaded gate used for securing or fastening items. In the video, the creator uses a Kong Frog carabiner to attach their Easyrig Minimax to the camera rig, creating a quick-release system for easy and fast camera detachment.

💡Customer Service

Customer service refers to the assistance and support provided by a company to its customers. The video creator praises the customer service of Easyrig, recounting an incident where a suspension cable issue was resolved promptly and professionally, showcasing the company's commitment to customer satisfaction.

💡Waist Strap

The waist strap is a part of the Easyrig Minimax that wraps around the user's waist to help distribute the weight of the camera rig. The video suggests that tightening the waist strap more than the chest strap is crucial for proper support and to prevent back strain, highlighting the importance of correct setup for comfort and effectiveness.

💡Pacing

Pacing, in video shooting, refers to the act of moving or walking with the camera to capture dynamic shots. The creator advises against using the Easyrig Minimax for pacing or running shots due to the potential for unwanted up and down axis movement, which can affect the stability of the footage.

💡Manual Follow Focus

Manual follow focus is a technique where the camera operator manually adjusts the focus of the camera while shooting. The video creator finds it more manageable to use manual follow focus with the Easyrig Minimax, as it allows them to focus on composition and focus adjustments without the strain of carrying the camera.

💡Strain

Strain, in the context of the video, refers to the physical effort or discomfort experienced by the camera operator when holding a camera rig for extended periods. The Easyrig Minimax is praised for reducing strain, allowing the creator to work all day without fatigue, which is a significant benefit for professional videographers.

Highlights

The Easyrig Minimax is a favorite piece of support gear for camera work.

It has been used extensively for about four years.

Easyrig is a weight distributor that alleviates pressure from the arms.

It allows holding heavy camera rigs for extended periods without fatigue.

Best footage is achieved with the Easyrig when standing still with slight sway.

The Minimax is a cost-effective alternative to higher models like the Mario 5 and Cinema 3.

It can support a camera rig of around 18 pounds without issues.

A Kong Frog carabiner and a 3/8 inch eye bolt create a quick release system for the camera.

Easyrig's customer service is responsive, kind, and professional.

Tightening the waist strap more than the chest strap is recommended for proper support.

The Easyrig is not recommended for pacing or running shots due to axis movement.

Manual follow focus systems are easier to use with the support of the Easyrig.

The Easyrig allows for all-day shooting without arm strain.

The ability to shoot continuously without rest is invaluable.

The video creator appreciates the support and engagement from viewers.