The Tools
Equipment, gadgets, and tools an Op use to create a frame. By no means complete and in no particular order. It is important to note that the tools listed here are just that, tools. The fact that they appear on this page is by no means an endorsement of any kind and in fact, we have not actually used every piece of gear listed. Please do your own homework, ask your own questions, and use anything listed here safely and according to the manufacturers recommendations. If you have a suggestion please take a moment to tell us about it, preferably with a link.
Check back often as things are being added all the time.
Handheld
The Holzer Pad - leather and metal shoulder pad that can be molded to fit your form
The Ergorig - body support system for use with handheld
The Easy Rig - body support system for use with handheld
KnuckleGrips - camera grips custom molded to fit your hand
CineSaddle - also used for placing a static shot anywhere, can be worn over the shoulder to support elbows for long takes
HipShot - waist height wearable platform for lower handheld shots
The Zeegee - Handheld look with the support of a steadicam vest and arm
Sneaker Butt Dolly System - Great for scooting around while handheld
Heads and Camera Support
The Duti Dolly - Lightweight skatewheels dolly that runs on speedrail.
Cartoni Lambda 3 Axis Fluid Head - 3 axis manually operated fluid head.
CamWok - Low angle solution for operable shots with a high pun to use ratio.
Candreva Side Offset Plate - Quickly move the camera 3 inches to either side without changing your position.
Candreva Low Mode Plate - Drops the camera instantly to the height of the bottom of the fluid head.
The Phonemitter - Handheld, ergonomic, wireless iPhone holder to allow selfie videos of actors with ease.
Wearable(ish) Camera Stabilization Devices
DJI Ronin - Ronin 2, Ronin 4D, RS3 (can carry a Red Komodo)
Stabileye - As used in 1917, one of the best gimbals out there but sadly not available in the US.
MK-V AR System (AKA Alien Revolution)
Steadicam Moses Pole - Monopod for resting Steadicam rig in between shots
Walter Klassen Slinghsot System - Wearable overslung system for handheld and gimbal work
Cinema Devices Anti Gravity Cam - Wearable overslung system for gimbal work
Remote Heads (2 Axis and 3 Axis) (Stabilized and Not Stabilized)
Remote Wheels
Telescoping Cranes
Chapman - From 5 ft* cranes to 73 ft cranes including the Hydrascopes and which are water proof and small miniscopes.
Scorpio - Multiple models from 10 ft* cranes to 78 ft. in cranes.
Technocrane - Multiple models from 12 ft* cranes to 60 ft cranes. Also known as the Moviebird.
SuperTechno - Multiple models from 10’* to 75*.
Egripment T10/T12* - Smaller footprint telescoping cranes
Louma 2 - 7’ - 32’ Telescoping crane
Los Angeles Centric Crane Comparison Cheat Sheet - Made by a supporter so please double check information yourself.
*It’s worth noting with the smaller telescoping cranes that if they say they telescope from 5 to 12 ft it’s more likely usable from 6 to 11 ft. Beyond that, these cranes due to being much smaller, do not work as well as the larger cranes and are great at going in and out on straight line but due to their small footprint any arc requires incredible backpanning. They are extremely useful but not to be thought of as the same as full size telescoping cranes.
Widgets, Gadgets, And Doodads, Oh My!
Cleans Camera Support - Lots of useful brackets and gadgets to make your job easier
Cinemilled - Amazing array of Gimbal accessories of all kinds
Candreva USA - Custom made camera accessories of all sorts
Miscellaneous Stuff
Knucklepucks - Literal hockey pucks that can screw on the back of a camera handle and act as a great way to grip the camera while on a fluid head
Vintage Analog Video Cameras Updated to Modern Standards - Old school look, new school ease