On Tue, 9 Apr 2002 09:00:28 -0400, "Barry Comer" wrote:

>I am shooting a Bat Mitzvah in a few weeks using my Sony VX2000
>and need some advice on camera supports. I currently have a
>very good tripod and fluid head for static shots but I need something
>for when I am "working the crowd". There are many options to
>choose from including monopods through to SteadyCams. Can some
>of you kind souls give me some advice on where to start looking?
>
>There is a reasonable budget in place but we need to consider any
>training time between now and the event if suggesting something like
>a StradyCam. It is very important that I not "get in the way" with a
>bunch of hardware.

For easy hand-held steadying of the VX2000 (combined with
a quick-release plate for the tripod), I have tried MANY
options, and the best was surprisingly simple and easy to
pack: a straight bar that attaches to the tripod socket
and extends out to the left far enough to rest on top of
my left arm when I'm holding from below either the focus
ring or the "blob" on the bottom of the lens (I prefer AF,
and the latter). This provides the axial rotation control,
the hand out front and the hand in the usual grip position
control the left-right (turning) and front-back (tipping))
rotations.
Using a WA also helps (a good zoom-through type is best).
For more, see my reviews (just rewritten and updated) at:
www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/sony_dcr-vx2000.htm