Suggestion: camera modularity - the next step

[Hrvoje Simic]

Here's a wild thought.

How about making a version of Red One camera body where you could detach the heavier part of the camera, leaving only sensor/shutter board on the lens and connecting the rest of the body with optical/power cable ?

You could make a special vest for carrying the other part of the camera, which could be put on the lower back of the camera operator, reducing the hand, shoulder and back strain and improving the weight balance of the shooters body by lowering the center of gravity. This system could also have benefits in other uses.

I'd buy that upgrade for sure.

[Bruce Allen]

Interesting idea, Omen!

I'll agree with you on the general idea that anything that can be done to improve ergonomics, lower the center of gravity, etc would be good too.

I think Red is just focused on getting world-class reliability, getting a great image, workflow, etc right now... once the technology matures and things calm down a bit, I really hope they start competing with Aaton for that sleek "like a cat on a shoulder" ergonomics thing...

Seems to be whole "cutting edge digital stuff is difficult to make ergonomic" trend - I mean, Arri knows how to make ergonomic cameras, but their D-20 doesn't seem to be the sleekest thing out there...

Bruce Allen
www.boacinema.com

[Dylan Reeve]

The problem with that sort of stuff is always how much of the hardware needs to be where, and what options exist to bridge the gap. At the moment it's my impression that all the RED hardware shares a physical hardware bus, it would be hard to separate and extend that.

[Mike Prevette]

I'll take a heavy camera over a light one any day for handheld work. The mass equalizes all the high frequency vibrations and bumps. It's one of the reasons film handheld has always looked better than dv handheld.

It's one thing to want something like the SI heads for carmounts or POV shots, but it's horrible for anything else.

[Hrvoje Simic]

I'll take a heavy camera over a light one any day for handheld work. The mass equalizes all the high frequency vibrations and bumps. It's one of the reasons film handheld has always looked better than dv handheld.

Valid point, Mike. But...mass is only one factor which influences/decreases vibrations (only higher frequency type, and inertia with higher weights also has drawbacks).

What's also affects vibrations (speaking of shoulder setup):
-length of the rig/rods/setup
-position of the arms
-position of the legs
-weight balance
-hand, shoulder and back strain

I can hold smaller cameras also pretty steady. It's just a matter of practice and different approach.

I just don't want to have back problems in a couple of years, especially if this is not hard to implement. Also, when comparing why film looks better handheld than dv it's important to realize who is behind the camera.