Sony NEX-7 on a Carry Speed Strap System
Here in Maui, i’m taking the Sony NEX-7 out for a more thorough review (I love it BTW). I’m using the lightweight shoulder pad on a Carry Speed camera strap system. There’s a PMA Las Vegas interview with Carry Speed (found here). Carry Speed is quick to attach or remove from the camera. The camera uses a system that floats across the strap for fast action shots.
While running about the island shooting videos and photos, the last thing I want to do is drop my camera or get shaky footage. To combat the possibility of this I have two allies- a Carry Speed Strap System and a P&C Pistol Grip. The grip gives me a comfortable handle when shooting video, and using the the EVF on the Sony NEX-7 adds another point of contact for stability. By pulling the camera away and adding tension with Carry Speed strap adds another element to help stabilize footage. These small tools help me keep the gear light without compromising too much on having an actual video stabilizer rig.
Carry Speed Strap System
The newest Carry Speed straps come in other sizes and feature new attributes including the anti twist baseplate and the ball adaptor. They can be found here.
CarrySpeed CS-Pro Camera Sling Strap Rapid Adapter
P&C Custom Pistol Grip Camera Handle – via eBay
So cool! I’m going to get one of those handles. I’ve had my eye on it since Em had them on his site. Also….I see that you have the HX9 with you. DANG! That’s my pocket cam right there!!! All of that said….you DID see this right? CLICK HERE
WOWSER!!! Can’t wait to upgrade! Cheers Olivia!
I like what I see with the Carry Speed strap system and was thinking about purchasing one. I did read where some folks were having difficulties with the camera tripod threads coming loose from the camera, due to the Carry Speed mounting system. It appears that some manufacturers didn’t intend for the tripod threads, on the base of the camera, to be used in this way. Therefore, no stressful reinforcement was designed and implemented. The Carry Speed strap system tugs on the camera …while when mounted on a tripod …it’s a pushing force …with very little, if any tugging type force. Have you had any problems or bad experiences with the Carry Speed strap system? I still think it’s a fantastic idea …it just might not be that safe with certain cameras.
Hi Martin, I see what you are saying.. there are tons of strap systems out there that have been around for years and they all connect to the camera via the tripod mounting thread. Black Rapid being one of them. These systems have been successful and continue to work well. I have not experienced any issues with the mounting on the Carry Speed system.
LOL, perfect timing in the video. I was looking at getting the Carry Speed, but I am waiting for the new mounting plate to come out, hopefully it comes out soon.
What lens & adapter are you running in the pic?
Aaron, that’s a Canon 20mm FD Lens with one of these Fotodiox adapters (click here for FotoDiox NEX Adapters)
I used to have the same lens, love the old canons lenses.
Hows the NEX7 stock lens? Has Sony stepped up their game with the lens selection for their compact interchangeables? Last I hear that’s usually the dealbreaker for NEX systems?
What lens do you have on your camera?
Hi J Hanna, that’s an old Canon FD Lens.
Carry speed system looks great – too bad they don’t ship to Canada!
Hi Lance, I believe they ship Worldwide following the product link in the article.
Thats all good and well Liv but I just dont feel that pistal grip is worth it, just based on the extra size, weight and cost (even if its cheap). The Carry speed def looks like a better option than the R1 Strap system thru and we be purchasing that soon. Thanks for those reviews.
Some cameras can easily be hand held with video, but the Sony NEX-7 without image stabilized lenses is pretty tricky. It’s one of those things you just have to try to see the difference.
Olivia, I hear it´s difficult to shoot stabilized video with such a tiny camera (jitter and rolling shutter artifacts, too), it would be nice to see the actual difference those gadgets make (Simply shooting a short vid with/without those gadgets would be helpful, if you think it may be a good idea for your next vid…)
Thanks
Andario, on my site, on the right hand “categories” bar, click on “PMA CES” All of those videos were shot on the Sony HX9V (small point and shoot camera) and P&C Pistol Grips. The in-camera Image Stabilization helped out a great deal. If you click on “Macworld” those were all shot on an iPhone4S with NO IS but the P&C Pistol Grips were also used. They made a huge difference with both cameras. The Pistol Grip helps as the small shakes that your hands create are lessened the further away the camera is from your grip.
I tried the carry speed link in your article above to ebay and when I add to my shopping cart it says it only ships to the United States and says “Sorry, one or more items in your cart cannot be shipped to your address.”
If you find any that do ship to Canada – please post – I’m interested.
Oh and I love your new animated logo (pink/grey design with focus dots) – first time I’ve seen it was on this review above! Looks awesome! Kudos to the graphic designer!
Cameta Auction on eBay ships these to Canada, but the price is utterly ridiculous. $42 USD for a $55 camera strap.
Hi Lance,
Just want to let you know that the CarrySpeed straps should be available in Canada by the end of March. They will be available through http://www.carryspeed.ca and likely your local photo store.
Awesome – thanks for the tip – looks like it’s well worth the month long wait for Canadians!
Great vid, Olivia. What was your audio set up on that one? Did a great job battling the wind!
thanks,
dpc
Hi Dan, we actually used the very cheap ATR3350 Lav mic that has a very long cord! The LAV mic is run to the camera where the operator can monitor the sound when it’s plugged in to the Zoom H1. We have about 6 of these LAV mics, and they work really great if there is ambient background noise. If you’re trying to record something with a very silent background, there is a slight hiss. Again not noticeable for most of our run and gun situations. Found here: Audio-Technica ATR-3350 Lavalier Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone
Hi Olivia,
I’m loving the Nex-7 with the pistol grip handle…very ninja even compared to a GH2. Now that the latest greatest canon DSLRs have been announced, I’m comparing all my options for maximizing my capabilities with photo and video since I do both. The Nex-7 is climbing my wish list now that I’m questioning the true benefit of adding another full dslr to my stable.
How much do you like the Nex-7 compared to bigger cameras like a 7D? I could imagine having one of each, plus a proper video camera really would give a demanding single shooter everything they could ask for between features and portability.
Can the base plate lay perfectly flat, or does the metal ball stick out?
Mike, the metal ball sticks out. I know they are designing a new plate to address this. You can always upgrade the plate later.
No love on my original question…oh well…I went out and bought one anyhow. ; )
I’m still playing with putting a grip on it with stuff from the junk drawer but right now it feels like a 60′s Super8 revival…love it so much!
Olivia, great video, well done. I just wanted to know if the new designed plate is out or not? Is it suppose to come with the package? Or should be bought separately?
The newly designed plate is not yet out. You can purchase separately however, once it is available, it will come as part of a set if you choose to purchase everything together.
Hi Olivia,
I have an NEX 7 as well and interested in this grip for videos. I wanted to ask if it’s possible to attached the pistol grip to the NEX7 via a quick release plate so when i am shooting stills i can quickly remove the grip.
Many Thanks!
(From Malaysia)
Hi Eddie, here is a really informative video from Tim, the creator behind the Carry Speed Strap System. He details the strap and what you can do, connect with it. CLICK HERE