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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Do i need the DSMC Handle that much?

I'm assuming you're talking about the DSMC Side Handle. You can operate and run the camera via the 5" Touch LCD and Redmote just fine. However, I couldn't live without my Side Handle. I have critical focus and exposure tools hot keyed onto the buttons. It's also, in my opinion, the quickest way to flat out operate the camera. On top of that it opens up the possibility of running the camera using RedVolts. They don't have the longevity of larger battery solutions, but it is the best way to get the camera down to it's lightest and most compact operating configuration. In this case, the pros out weighed the cons of the price.
 
I equate the side handle to mobile (cell) phones when they first hit the market... yes, you can live withouth them - but once you have it you really couldnt imagine doing without.

All the points Phil mentioned are spot on (as is pretty much anything Phil has said in this forum).. but I'd also add something else: ergonomics.

I love my Scarlet for its footage, but damn if it isnt just a grey-weighty-box. Put the side handle on it with a redvolt in and although you're adding a bit more weight, you're spreading it out on the horzontal and making it a little better to hold, cradle (hug).
 
I bought one, tried it on. Sold 30 mins later. Just felt that I did not need it. And quality of the buttons... cheapeast DSLRs feel sturdier. But hey, that's just me.
 
I initially had my doubts about the side handle. There is definitely a case for simplifying the epic experience. However, being able to program the buttons on it for all the playback functions I needed together with the capacity to strip the camera right down and use a redvolt to power it for really lightweight work sold me on it.
 
It's a critical piece and I'd recommend one. But I can't stress this enough, be more than careful with it. They seem to have issues and break easily and I can't remember seeing anyone getting a free fix for it, even if it is still in warranty. Surf around here enough and you'll see what I mean.
 
U would play with a canon5d or stuff like that without real interface to control it? Yes, there are tons of cameras (dslr) with the only touchlcd, but ehi, we're talking of the real world, and filming experience, and go on with the maximum of the good of this world and the minimum of stress (U should minimize that having a surface U can directly work on.) Another positive point is the whole ergonomic of the Scarlet, U can use it 5d style with that, try it withou it and U need other thinks to get it working...
Of course these are my 2 cents...
 
Carmine Scalzi said:
U would play with a canon5d or stuff like that without real interface to control it? Yes, there are tons of cameras (dslr) with the only touchlcd, but ehi, we're talking of the real world, and filming experience, and go on with the maximum of the good of this world and the minimum of stress (U should minimize that having a surface U can directly work on.) Another positive point is the whole ergonomic of the Scarlet, U can use it 5d style with that, try it withou it and U need other thinks to get it working...
Of course these are my 2 cents...
Click to expand...

That's true, but I don't like DSLRs for 4 reasons:
Rolling shutter
Compression
More pattern
Lack of switches/knobs to controll things
So im trying to make it as far from a dslr as possible. It will be shoulder mounted, but the handle would be nice for manual controll, redvolts, and that nifty LCD screen.
 
I couldn't live without mine. There are so many programmable buttons.....that makes it the easiest way to control the camera for me. I have a RedMote, but I hardly ever use it (but I'm hardly ever on a jib/crane or steadicam). It's also just a good way to hold the camera. It would feel awkward and unbalanced without it, I think. But everyone has their preferences.
 
yes, of course U will not have those problems with the Scarlet, jello effect bad compression etc, we're talking about professional pieces of equipment (those are professional but for the still world)... I'm talking about a real control over your camera and not virtual, and only the ergonomic way U can work on it, U'll not regret. But if you're on budget, U can live without it, I suppose... I think I can't think about me without the sidehandle (and I'm not talkin about emotional taste :))

best

C

Timothy Carr said:
That's true, but I don't like DSLRs for 4 reasons:
Rolling shutter
Compression
More pattern
Lack of switches/knobs to controll things
So im trying to make it as far from a dslr as possible. It will be shoulder mounted, but the handle would be nice for manual controll, redvolts, and that nifty LCD screen.
Click to expand...
 
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Carmine Scalzi said:
yes, of course U will not have those problems with the Scarlet, jello effect bad compression etc, we're talking about professional pieces of equipment (those are professional but for the sill world)... I'm talking about a real control over your camera and not virtual, and only the ergonomic way U can work on it, U'll not regret. But if you're on budget, U can live without it, I suppose... I think I can't think about me without the sidehandle (and I'm not talkin about emotional taste :))

best

C
Click to expand...
i guess thats what i need then. I want as much manual control as possible.
 
Another for the side handle first and foremost for the reasons of ergonomics the guys already mentioned.

I feel like fat fingers sometimes when trying to activate menus on the edges of the touchscreen and sometimes I have trouble getting it to respond as rapidly has I would like. Multiple presses on the LCD or one touch of a button; it helps to keep me moving and minimizes frustration. The LCD is great I'm not slamming it, I just work faster more consistently with the side handle. Having both input options makes for a nice mix.
 
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I have the Touch LCD and the side handle. I love the handle....I actually don't use the touch functionality of the screen that much. I guess I'm just quicker with the side handle and "muscle memory" :)

As some users have said, it does seem a bit fragile...especially the way REDvolts are retained inside the handle.
 
It's a total "personal preference" thing. For me, I love the tactile feel (I worked in a machine shop for a few years; I love things that are made solidly. Much more satisfying than a touch screen). I also love things that are instantaneous (the Redmote, I've heard, can be a bit finicky (though less-so with every firmware revision)). I also love the versatility of having a small configuration for the camera. I have a battery plate that goes on the back of my camera, but if I want to get my Scarlet onto a pico dolly and wheel it around under a table, I can do that for 20-30 minutes before I have to switch to a redvolt.

You do not 'need' the side handle. And you may certainly find that having Side Handle, Touch Screen, and Redmote is redundant. Though they all do the same job in a different way, so you may also find that you can't live without all three.

Personal preference. Versatility. Both are good things.
 
I'm selling my like-new DSMC side handle for $775 firm if anyone's interested. PM me. I'm in Los Angeles.

I like it a lot, but just don't *absolutely* need it, and am freeing up cash for other goodies. ;)
 
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