DSMC Side Handle nessecity?

[Michael Pyon]

So I'm trying to cut costs for the RED Scarlet package and I was thinking about not getting the side handle for $950. I know the side handle is needed for battery use, handheld use, and it makes navigating the menu easier... but is it possible to navigate the menu without the side handle???

 

[Stacey Spears]

Yes, you can navigate with the touch screen and redmote. The side handle goes up after the new year. Its one of the larger price increases. If you think you may want one at some point, bite the bullet and order before January 1st.

 

[Kevin Wild]

I wouldn't recommend skipping the side handle, Michael. Without handles, the Epic & Scarlet is a big square box. It really needs to be built out to use especially in handheld configuration. The thing is, once you feel how small and light it is, you'll WANT to use it more handheld. That means having some type of handle. Why not put the one on there that also has a battery compartment and controls. To me, it's a no-brainer. You won't regret it.

 

[Michael Pyon]

well here's the thing. I only have enough money to get the brain, touchscreen, and a 64gb red mag with redmag station OR the side handle. If i get the side handle, i won't be able to shoot right away and have to wait till I get another thousand bucks (could be a long time). But if I just get the media first, I'll be able to shoot even though I know it'll be hard too without the handle.

 

[Petri Teittinen]

Michael, I'm running on a very tight budget, too. Just for the off chance it might be helpful, here's a list of my pros and cons for not buying the side handle.

Pro
+ I like my Epic as small as possible: side handle increases size and adds some weight
+ Redmote lets me control the camera (I won't get a touchscreen either; I already own the 7" Red Pro LCD)
+ If need be, third-party "dumb" side handles, for example Wooden Camera's, enable similar DSLR-style shooting (and cost less, even if you need two)

Con
- Lightweight-ish DSLR-style shooting
- Side handle takes a Redvolt
- Navigation wheel
- More customizable user buttons

Redmote and third-party side handles negate most of the cons. Being able to use a Redvolt makes a strong case for the Side handle, granted. I've decided that if I need to shoot DSLR-style I'll attach the battery (V-mount, not Redvolt) to my body (e.g. belt, belt pack, shoulder pack), not the camera. It's not an ideal solution but it should work; I just need a slightly longer power cable. Alternatively, RED's own Battery Belt Clip is not a bad deal at $290.

(post updated to clarify battery type)

 

[Sam Gordon]

Hi there. Just to note that redvolts are not your only power option. A V-mount battery plate like this: http://www.viewfactor.net/index.php/fmj-top-x-1.html , plus v-mount batteries http://www.globalmediapro.com/dc/C0...ies-and-Power/Mount-V-Lock/V-Mount-Batteries/ will give you longer burn times for less overall cost. As I understand it the camera can be controlled with the side handle OR the touch-screen OR the redmote.

 

[Laco Zamba]

Yes, you can navigate with the touch screen and redmote. The side handle goes up after the new year. Its one of the larger price increases. If you think you may want one at some point, bite the bullet and order before January 1st.

Price increase is from July. Is it sure that RED will really increase prices as Jim mentioned?

 

[Trevor Meeks]

Price increase is from July. Is it sure that RED will really increase prices as Jim mentioned?

No, the price increases in January... and of course they are going to increase the prices, that's why they have posted all of the info saying so.

 

[sam karr]

950 to 1750$, that's a big jump.

 

[Laco Zamba]

My bad I wanted to write: Price increase INFO is from July

 

[Petri Teittinen]

950 to 1750$, that's a big jump.

It certainly is. It's why I spent quite a bit of time convincing myself I won't be needing one

 

[sam karr]

Well, it's a good investment too then, you can sell it for a good price when you're bored in 2012

 

[Petri Teittinen]

Well, it's a good investment too then, you can sell it for a good price when you're bored in 2012

Good point! Unfortunately my carefully planned budget no longer stretches for an additional $950...

 

[Lliam Worthington]

The side handle will be of good use for hot swapping, when i'm using my Bookeplate w V mount batteries. Also a convenient handle. Light guerilla rig if I'm just using redvolts.
So I've ordered one. But it was definitely the area where I have where I thought about saving some bucks, as I do also have both the touch and Redmote coming.

In regards to the OP's question, I think the best answer is in that there are plenty of pics of the serious pro epic rigs on here that are not using side handles.

Best

Lliam

 

[wondocam]

i didnt order it either for a couple of reasons....

while using it on the epic i recognized that you press a lot of buttons by accident.
ergonomics are not really great too.. pretty loose grip, especially when you have big hands.
redvolts don`t store enough power to run the camera for a reasonable time, so in no time, you will be ending up using v-mounts anyways.

i also had my problems with the concept of controlling a camera with a touchscreen.
you smear your fingers over it all day, and then you use it to judge your images?
my key-grip was laughing his ass of when he saw that
AND you get a lot better monitors for lesser money as well, no touch screens though, but you know what i think about them already...

i ordered the redmote instead and i hope it`s as magical as advertised because i love the concept of it with build in wifi, etc...