More and more journalists, VJs, and even some cameramen are using smartphones to capture video for broadcast applications. This has led to a myriad of smartphone rigs flooding the market, but often they are overly complicated and not particularly user friendly, like the example below!
Spanish company Shoulderpod, whose products are being used by broadcasters such as BBC, France TV and CBS, look to have come up with two very simplistic solutions for capturing video from your smartphone.
The first is the Shoulderpod X1 is a modular system that lets you attach your phone, microphone, light or any other accessory that you may need. The rig is made out of aluminium, high grade polymers, and Sapell wood, and can easily and quickly be configured for hand held or tripod use.
Being a modular system you can you can combine different parts to create a rig that most suits your application. Shoulderpod currently offer 7 different parts, and they will be launching more shortly.
If you are looking for something smaller, Shoulderpod also have the S2, which is a smaller traveller version of the X1. The S2 is a single handle grip that fits virtually any type of smartphone. It looks to be a good option if you are looking for something simple and convenient that doesn’t take up a lot of space. It doesn’t have any space for mounting any accessories, but it too can be places on a tripod. In another nice touch there is an included hand strap on the handle as ell as the ability to turn the camera cradle into a stand where you can place your smartphone down on a flat surface.
S2 Specifications:
Includes 3 parts: G1 Grip + H1 Handle + W1 Wrist strap
The smartphones and tripods shown on the images are not included
Has 3 Functions: works as a tripod mount, filmmaker handle and traveller stand
Adjustable from 48 to 93 mm wide
Holds virtually all smartphone model with or without a case
Ultra secure thanks to its thumb-screw mechanism
Can be used under tough action movements
Soft rubber pads grip your smartphone tightly without scratching it
Features brass 1/4″-20 inserts at the bottom of the grip and handle for mounting it on any standard photo-video tripod and rig
Stands on its own in portrait or landscape mode. Great for travelling
Made of durable ABS polymer, wood and leather
Belongs to a modular system. Can be expanded with more accessories
Replacements available
Engineered under high quality European standards to last a lifetime
2 Year Guarantee for any manufacturing defects
X1 Specifications:
Includes 9 parts: G1 · Grip + 2 x H1 · Handle + P1 · Long Plate + 3 x K1 · Knob + Z1 · Coldshoe + W1 · Wrist strap
The smartphones, microphones, lights or action cameras shown on the images are not included
Allows adding two accessories to your smartphone camera like microphones, lights batteries, etc.
Can be used handheld or mounted on a tripod
The smartphone grip is adjustable from 48 to 93 mm wide
Holds virtually all smartphone model with or without a case
Ultra secure thanks to its thumb-screw mechanism
Can be used under tough action movements
Soft rubber pads grip your smartphone tightly without scratching it
Features brass 1/4″-20 inserts at the bottom of the grip, handle, plate and knobs for mounting it on any standard photo-video tripod and rig
Made of durable ABS polymer, anodized aluminum, wood and leather
Belongs to a modular system. Can be expanded with more accessories
Replacements available
Engineered under high quality European standards to last a lifetime
2 Year Guarantee for any manufacturing defects
The retail price for both the S2 is €119.90 and the X1 is €39. For more information head over to the Shoulderpod website.
Do you use a smartphone for capturing video? Let us know in the comments below.
