DSMC Side Handle vs. Switchblade-M

[Hector M. Sanchez Jr]

I'm trying to decided on which side module I want to have. At the moment, I have the side handle but I kind of want to trade it in for a switchblade. I like the switchblade because it keeps the body small and compact. Also makes it easier to travel with, but the Side Handle is great because you can hot swap bricks as long as you have a red volt inside the handle. Other then that, it's basically the same thing. So if you can tell me why you like either or, that would be awesome.

Thanks!

 

[Alvise Tedesco]

With multiple people from agency/client on set, I love how I can operate rapidly using both my right thumb on sidehandle wheel and left fingers on touch screen, staying on left side.
A couple of days ago I went to see the Raven and Scarlet-W at a local event and operated by the sidekick for the first time. My thumb couldn't move nearly as fast there. I'd say my thumb couldn't move at all. I thought It is really much more for the 1st AC than for you, alone.
I sold my Scarlet mx, but I'm pretty sure I'll have a serious look at the dsmc2 sidehandle, when buying a Raven

 

[Bobby Farokhzad]

I almost feel lost without the side handle, I love it dearly.

 

[Jonathan Stevenson]

Yeah, the weapon sidekick is nice, but definitely doesn't allow for the fast scrolling with the thumb like the side handle did. I definitely would go Sidehandle if you have the option. The new DSCM2 sidehandle couldn't come soon enough.

 

[Hector M. Sanchez Jr]

Thanks for the reply guys, I guess I'm going to stick with my Side Handle. I'm curious what the new DSMC is going look like. I plan on getting the Scarlet-W sometime this year, so I'm definitely going to get the side handle for that.

 

[Wil Wong]

I think for handheld work in a light weight setup, the Side Handle is the best option. I haven't been a fan of the other handles. They just don't seem like part of the camera (or solid like a DSLR). The Side Handle may be big and bulky, but I do like how solid if feels and the fact that it holds a battery for added backup protection.

Now if you have a 1st AC for half of your shoot, or don't handhold your camera often, I can see the benefit of a Switchblade being good. Personally the Side Handle does come handy.

 

[Aaron michaels]

I say the switch blade because you can get the read out and use other equipment with out the handle being in the way. i sold mine because i didn't need to buy a battery for it to hold and would rather have something with a red out like the monitor has. If I need to use a crane and the monitor needs to come off the switch blade will still show my settings and i can still switch over to another setting with the push of a button. if i need something for handheld I would buy a red handle or shoulder rig.

 

[Hector M. Sanchez Jr]

Hmmmmm good argument.

 

[PatrickFaith]

I like the side control when I'm using a full rigged studio setup on a tripod, otherwise I like side handle. Mostly I use the side kick but I'm on a tripod with a large studio type rig 95% of the time.

 

[Daniel Kelly Brown]

I am also a huge fan of the side handle, but I am going to give the sidekick a chance before going for DICM2 side handle.

Its my hope to use the dual outrigger handles on the weapon and somehow get the right handle positioned so I can use sidekick to thumb around. Will report back on my findings once my weapon update gets processed.

Thinking about rigging a quick release for outrigger handles. If it works, should be prime time for quick swap from handheld to gimbal/crane mode.