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To side handle, or not to side handle

Brian M Lynch

Brian M Lynch

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So I'm about to place the order on my first Scarlet (wahoo!!), and I've got a pretty nice kit specced out. The only question I had for you more experienced redusers was whether the side handle is necessary or not. I've worked on quite a few Epic shoots were we didn't have the side handle and only the Touch monitor, and it didn't seem to be a problem at all. So what exactly is the use of it? I am going with a Red Brick system so the ability to have a RedVolt doesn't really matter to me. Is it just for the user buttons at that point? Do AC's find it that much more helpful to warrant another $1,000?

Essentially what I'm asking is this - if I'm not planning to use redvolts and I have the 5.0 inch Touch monitor, do I need the side handle?
 
It becomes a whole new camera when you screw it into the side...
I cannot shoot without it anymore.

But if your camera just sits on a tripod or a shoulder rig 24/7... then you don't really need it.

I use my cameras in very small configurations these days, Mono pod or hand held... Ive divorced myself from making cameras big and cumbersome, so the side grip is a god send for me.

But everyone is different. :)

MY_SMALL_EPIC_SETUP.jpg
 
i recommend side handle + redvolts... for sure.

but if you're really not doing redvolts or never going hand-held - maybe not, but it's still kinda nifty. still, i recommend redvolts/SH
 
The fast answer is NO you do not NEED the side handle in order to operate the camera if you have the Touch Monitor. However some good reasons for spending the extra dollars would be:

Ideal for small run and gun setups as it adds stability.
Provides a secondary command option if ever you can't attach the touch.
Provides a secondary power option.
User programmable buttons make it incredibly fast to select and adjust common options or custom looks.
Adds and anchor point for a wrist strap.
And my number one reason, keeps grubby fingers away from the monitor so there is no need to constantly clean the screen which is my only monitor when I shoot.
 
Agreed... you'll benefit greatly from the side handle, especially if you plan on shooting with the EVF. But yes, in general, the camera becomes much easier to operate with the side handle (either on its own, or in combination with the touchscreen)
 
Thanks for all your input guys - you've enlightened me on a bunch of things I didn't even think about. The majority of stuff I do is on shoulder rigs or handheld (especially recently, working on documentaries), so I think I will indeed get the handle. My next question is this: If I have a redvolt in the side handle, and also a red brick attached to a quickplate (the battery belt clip), will the redvolt keep the camera running if I were to disconnect the brick? This would be a nice feature since we have to keep timecode jammed, and shutting down the camera requires us to re-jam.

Thanks!
 
I have the touch and the redmote and so far this is enough for me.
I´m sure I would love to have a side handle though.
 
The side handle is not necessary for the camera to work, but it is (more or elss) necessary for you to work with the camera.
I'd say a side handle + the 7" monitor (without touch, instead of the 5" touch), would be the best option. There is a slight inconvenience to not have the touch but the increased monitor is more important I say.
 
What about with the latest firmware, the touch screen will have 8 short cut keys, that sure takes away from the value of a side handle
 
Ryan Emanuel said:
What about with the latest firmware, the touch screen will have 8 short cut keys, that sure takes away from the value of a side handle
Click to expand...

No, it doesn't at all. Definitely not when you're shooting with an EVF, or wearing gloves etc. I still prefer the side handle in many cases over the touchscreen... but that's just me :)
 
Trevor Meeks said:
No, it doesn't at all. Definitely not when you're shooting with an EVF, or wearing gloves etc. I still prefer the side handle in many cases over the touchscreen... but that's just me :)
Click to expand...

I honestly didn't even think about the gloves thing. That could be a dealbreaker on its own.

Will the RedVolts power the camera continuously while I am swapping out Red Bricks? This would be nice to avoid re-jamming timecode every time we have to change batteries and power the camera down.
 
If your touchscreen ever dies it becomes a mandatory interface to continue using the camera. It's a fine idea.. but its build quality is very poor. It's a shame something is so important and so badly made.
 
Yeah I don't like the build of the handle. You can always get two outrigger handles to go handheld, and without the side handle and battery it's even lighter. Just pop the battery on the belt clip and bam you've got a super portable device.
 
But then again, if your shooting on canon lenses and plan on using AF you have to have the side handle for it to be effective at all. Ask mark toia, he's got some pretty good knowledge of the canon mount system.
 
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