On Mon, 03 Dec 2001 01:43:19 GMT, "Kirk_" wrote:

>I am thinking about getting a Sony VX2000 and am wondering if it is just too
>heavy for a palmcorder type camera?
>
>In a shoulder type camera, 5-6 lbs is fairly light, but 4 lbs in a palm type
>seems like it might get tiresome.
>
>Just thinking for reference, I have a pistol that weighs about 5 lbs and if
>I hold it very long, my hand gets very shaky and I have trouble hitting the
>target down range. I know that you wouldn't normally hold a palmcorder with
>a fully extended arm, but I can't help but compare the weights.
>
>Is there some way to attach a shoulder mount to the VX2000?

Yes. I find the camera not too heavy for extended shooting
(toasts at receptions can be L O N G ! ! ! [I clocked one
at 42 minutes!!!!!]) if it is dropped to fit along one arm,
with the side finder used for framing (only practical
indoors...). As for shoulder-braces, a modified Habbycam
(www.habbycam.com) works well (ask for the slider mount
to be lowered on the shoulder-bow, or you will be looking
up at the camera viewfinder...;-) but for one problem: the
camera is so light, the shoulder bow pops off my shoulder
unexpectedly (I'm tempted to punch a hole in the rear so
I can bungie-cord it to my belt...;-). Otherwise, a
belt-pod appears the best option for steadiness - though
my first choice is a "hurky" side-handle for convenience
(a Stitz, made to attach to still cameras and hold a flash
on top of the handle [this spot can be modified to take
a 1/4" platform for holding lights, mics, etc.]). The
side-handle allows for an easy "rest", since you can drop
the camera to your side without changing grip - and the
grip is easy to hold in a relaxed way... Downside: it
doesn't give enough steady front-tilt/swing resistence to
make hand-held long-lens shooting easy - for this, the
belt-pod works best, followed by the shoulder-pod and the
traditional grip: right hand through strap, left hand
supporting front of camera.