Splitting modules while in use?

[Marc_L]

As a designer, I love modular stuff especially when it works well. Being a chronic problem solver, I'm always questioning the way things are made, and wondering why not another way.

No, this is not another "Jim, why didn't you do it this way?" question, more of a, "Would it make sense to use this feature in a new way?" idea.

The problem for ENG and other in-the-field work:

Great big, heavy cameras on shoulders, for hours at a time. Surely there are many camera operators with neck and shoulder problems to varying degree.

Why not separate the elements, and have only the necessary stuff at eye level? Lens, sensor, and at least some controls.

The rest, heavy batteries, and data storage and whatever else can be taken away go on a backpack/waist belt, with cables and wireless connecting to the "seeing" part of the camera as needed; probably in an enclosed, yet configurable sheath, with strain relief top and bottom.

It seems to me that the operator would be more nimble, have less pain and repetitive stress injury (somebody tell me if this is an issue at all), and with less fatigue, be better able to concentrate on shooting well.

The same idea, separation of light gathering from power and data, may also work well in situations where space is at a premium; say in vehicles, helmet cams, etc.

That's my blue-sky speculation for the day. Those with real-world experience, and 3rd party developers, please let me know what you think; as I have very little of my own. I'm just, er, speculating about what future RED hardware might do. ;-)

 

[Harry Lipnick]

As a designer, I love modular stuff especially when it works well. Being a chronic problem solver, I'm always questioning the way things are made, and wondering why not another way.

No, this is not another "Jim, why didn't you do it this way?" question, more of a, "Would it make sense to use this feature in a new way?" idea.

The problem for ENG and other in-the-field work:

Great big, heavy cameras on shoulders, for hours at a time. Surely there are many camera operators with neck and shoulder problems to varying degree.

Why not separate the elements, and have only the necessary stuff at eye level? Lens, sensor, and at least some controls.

The rest, heavy batteries, and data storage and whatever else can be taken away go on a backpack/waist belt, with cables and wireless connecting to the "seeing" part of the camera as needed; probably in an enclosed, yet configurable sheath, with strain relief top and bottom.

It seems to me that the operator would be more nimble, have less pain and repetitive stress injury (somebody tell me if this is an issue at all), and with less fatigue, be better able to concentrate on shooting well.

The same idea, separation of light gathering from power and data, may also work well in situations where space is at a premium; say in vehicles, helmet cams, etc.

That's my blue-sky speculation for the day. Those with real-world experience, and 3rd party developers, please let me know what you think; as I have very little of my own. I'm just, er, speculating about what future RED hardware might do. ;-)

All good points and ideas, and, yes, I think RED has announced that this is a feature of the modular approach that they are going to make. The last I heard, it sounded like all the modules other than power (batteries) could be placed downstream with a fiber connection module between them. Your backpack containing big stuff with the little stuff on the shoulder is what I've been hoping to get going since the get go. I'm a young guy, and hopefully will get through a long career without any back problems, so the less weight, the better!
Peace,

-Harry

 

[ericyoung]

My experience at work is that camerapeople who do any amount of handheld work on a regular basis, experience back problems, so any help with allowing configurations that reduce weight that's unbalanced or held away from the body is welcome.

However, it's also true that multicore umbilicals are inherently prone to failure as the outer cores always get more strain than the centre cores. This is difficult to design out. Serial digital umbilicals being physically simpler are much better. Optical cables can be good, but keeping the fibre ends clean may be an issue. But it's good to have options.

 

[Kenneth Elkington]

I can't remember exactly how long the distance was said to be, but you will be able to place modules tethered to several feet at least.

 

[Steven Caesare]

In one of the IBC videos, Jarred mentions 500 feet for optical cable.

I would imagine that shorter distances (ie- a few feet to relocate the modules rear-ward, etc...) might use a standard electrical (rather than optical) interconnect.

-sc

 

[Marc_L]

Can a RED handle be added to a Gunner rig then?

Can a RED handle be added to a Gunner rig then?

I can't remember exactly how long the distance was said to be, but you will be able to place modules tethered to several feet at least.

Experienced shooters, what do you think? My sense is that it might be valuable to have camera controls (A RED handle as one of the hand grips) at your fingertips, especially when the situation calls for quick reactions.