Is the Side Handle worth it?

[Ryan Lalonde]

I'm trying to decide whether or not to get the side handle before the March 1st deadline. Every epic package I've used hasn't had one (due to backorders) and I haven't missed it. What do you guys thinks?

Also - would 2 redvolts be enough to cover an entire day of battery swaps? (only using the redvolt during the 1 min between switch Vlocks or blocks)

Thanks.

* I don't plan on shooting any stills or doing any autofocus work. I will already have the touch screen and redmote to control the camera.

[Paul Ellington]

I'm trying to decide whether or not to get the side handle before the March 1st deadline. Every epic package I've used hasn't had one (due to backorders) and I haven't missed it. What do you guys thinks?

Also - would 2 redvolts be enough to cover an entire day of battery swaps? (only using the redvolt during the 1 min between switch Vlocks or blocks)

Thanks.


* I don't plan on shooting any stills or doing any autofocus work. I will already have the touch screen and redmote to control the camera.

Yes it's worth it but no, I have 8 volts and two travel chargers... You only get about 30 mins... Max per battery and they take over an hour to charge. Maybe you would be ok with a 4 pack. A big maybe...

PS ... all my glass is manuel.

[Alexey Milokost]

The biggest benefit of Side Handle for me is that it allows to do a battery hot swap

[Joseph Hutson]

Definitely get the SideHandle. If you aren't getting additional V-Lock battery systems, I'd suggest you to get at least 12 REDvolts, preferably 16 for a full day of shooting if you are unable to have an AC swapping out your batteries.

The small size of run-n-gun with just the SideHandle/REDvolt feels like a completely different camera than what you get when adding a few additional pounds of brick power and the mount.

Here, I worked on a 5 week feature (4 weeks in Spain, 1 week in CA) which we used 100% REDvolts. We used 12 REDvolts and 3 Travel Chargers. The key to its success was having a great 2nd AC "Montel" , and Tony Augustinack our DIT who were able to together maintain the charges throughout the day. In the end, it saved us time and made it easier to have a smaller rig to move around during the many "run-n-gun" situations.



With this much being said, you will eventually want to have both power options on certain gigs.

[Mark Toia]

I'm trying to decide whether or not to get the side handle before the March 1st deadline. Every epic package I've used hasn't had one (due to backorders) and I haven't missed it. What do you guys thinks?

Also - would 2 redvolts be enough to cover an entire day of battery swaps? (only using the redvolt during the 1 min between switch Vlocks or blocks)

Thanks.

* I don't plan on shooting any stills or doing any autofocus work. I will already have the touch screen and redmote to control the camera.

Everyone uses the cameras differently...

Me personally.. I work 2x quicker with the side handle than without it. I have my thump on the toggle and change things very quickly without taking my eye out of the BOMB...

You need at least 8 RED VOLT batteries to get you through a normal shoot day (we take 12)... 6 if you are literally charging them moment they go flat.
Buy your self 4 travel chargers, wire them in a one plug, You have just made your self a cheap QUAD charger. Its saved our arse so many times.

But like I said, Everyone sets there cameras up differently... I like simple, fast and easy mode.

[Joseph Hutson]

For what it's worth, I like multimedia posts... :)

[Mark Toia]

Whats that mean Joseph... Educate me.

[Joseph Hutson]

Whats that mean Joseph... Educate me.

Posts with pictures of people actually getting stuff done. It's not all talk. You're doing a swell job of it!

[Mark Toia]

cheers :)

[Nikhil Kamkolkar]

OT, but, Mark, which top handle are you using? Do you like it?