Digital Video - February 2008 - (Page 18) IN REVIEW LEVELCAM IT GIVES YOU WINGS LEVELCAM IS AN INEXPENSIVE CAMERA SUPPORT THAT ELIMINATES THE SHAKES. BY MATTHEW JEPPSEN T SCORE LEVELCAM here has been a proliferation of high-quality compact camcorders in recent years, with some two- and three-pound units rivaling the image quality of much larger and more costly cameras. But small camcorders by definition will PROS: Tough, lightweight, simple design. Naturally stabilizes camera roll and shake. No training necessary. CONS: The unit would benefit from a second hand grip option and the addition of rubberized matting around the screw mount. BOTTOM LINE: An affordable and deceptively simple tool that improves handheld camera work. MSRP: $50 CONTACT: www.levelcam.com always lack in one area, and that is mass. Their compact design amplifies the tiniest of movements, translating to image shake when shooting handheld. Conversely, greater weight and mass tends to limit camera shake and jitter. One method of combating the shakes is with an accessory called Levelcam. A simply-designed product, Levelcam is a lightweight, hard-plastic platform that assists handheld camera use. In handheld use, Levelcam effectively spreads the camera’s mass out and provide an extra “level” of control. The flat plastic platform juts out from the left side of the camera, with a handle at the outer edge. A small bubble level is embedded in the center of the unit for horizon feedback. The unit locks to a standard 1/4”-20 screw under the camcorder. Included is a small selection of screw lengths to accommodate different cameras, including a longer screw that allows you to attach a tripod quick release plate on the bottom. The cross-drilled, flat, plastic mounting surface is useful for accessories such as lights and wireless audio receivers. Two elastic straps are included to secure accessories to the rig. Levelcam is available in two colors: a bright blue and black. In practical handheld use, the Levelcam excels at stabilizing horizontal roll in a small camcorder. The wider grip on your camera is a big help in keeping shots smooth, and the additional mounting surface will be a welcome feature for videographers. In my own use, I found the unit seemed to work best when shooting at chest level and below, and is particularly well-suited to extreme sports and fast-action shooting. While it is certainly not intended as a replacement for complex counterweighted and gimbaled stabilizers, you can move and run with the rig and expect reasonably smooth results. And while I don’t personally skateboard or www.dv.com 18 dv february 2008 http://www.levelcam.com http://www.dv.com
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