After months of anticipation, the Panasonic 4K pride and joy – the DVX200 is now shipping worldwide. We also recently posted about the latest official footage from the camera. The form factor of the DVX200 may be familiar to those who are used to shooting with handheld camcorders, but even that can get tiresome on longer shoots. The folks at Protech have been working on a new should mount solution specifically designed for the DVX200 called – the ST-7RP200 shoulder mount adaptor package, which was designed to make the camera feel and works like an ENG-style shoulder mounted camera.
With the Panasonic DVX200 in its naked form, any prolonged handheld shooting will cause discomfort for the operator in their hand, wrist and arm. By transforming the camera from handheld to a full-sized shoulder mounted setup, much of the weight and strain is supported by the operators’ shoulder – reducing fatigue significantly.
ST-7 shoulder mount adaptors also provide a solution for long-term power. Built directly to the back of the ST-7RP200 is an industry standard V-Lock battery mount. In conjunction with the DC-DVX200 power cable (included with the ST-7RP200 package), the camera can be powered using regular V-Lock batteries.
Accessories can also be powered using the two D-Tap outputs, with one of these ports conveniently located on the ST-7R top handle. This allows easy access to power an accessory mounted here, such as a camera top light. The top handle itself is contoured to improve the comfort of carrying the camera off the shoulder.
Features
- ENG-style full shoulder mount operation of Panasonic DVX200
- Improves ergonomics and handling for mobile shooting
- Aluminium die-cast frame – strong, lightweight and well balanced
- Multiple contact points ensure the shoulder mount feels part of the camera
- V-Lock battery mount allows camera to be powered using professional V-Lock batteries (with the included DC-DVX200 power cable)
- Contoured top handle for comfortable off-shoulder handling
- Battery acts as a counterweight to reduce operator fatigue
- 2 x D-Tap outputs, with one conveniently located on the top handle
- 4-Pin XLR DC output to power other external accessories
- For studio operation, power the camera using the separate 4-pin XLR input
- BNC junction terminal directly part of the shoulder mount frame
- Fully compatible with VCT quick-release tripod plates
Accompanying the two D-Tap ports are two 4-pin XLR connectors – one input and one output. The 4-pin XLR output allows larger accessories to be powered, whilst the input means the camera itself can be powered in studio scenarios, bypassing the need for batteries. Lastly, the ST-7R also features an easy access BNC junction terminal.
The main aluminium die-case frame has been designed to be strong, durable, yet lightweight. According to the manufacturer, the shoulder rig for the DVX200 should feel naturally well balanced, further adding to the ergonomics for shoulder mounted shooting.
To ensure a secure fitting, there are two points of contact between the camera and the shoulder mount adaptor. First, an anti-twist 1/4-20 screw attaches to the base of the camera, with the second connection between the top handle of the ST-7R and the top handle of the DVX200. When installed securely, the ST-7R feels like it’s naturally part of the camera. To ensure quick and convenient transition from tripod to mobile operation, the ST-7R is fully compatible with all standard VCT quick-release tripod plates.
The thing about the DVX200 and many camcorders like it is that they are all-in-one package. And for some shooters they will work fine in their “naked” form without extra shoulder mounts or rigs. However, many camera professionals working in an ENG style environment where extended battery operating times are a necessity and the use of big shoulder cameras like a Panasonic AG-HPX370 for example is either expected or the norm – the Protech ST-7RP200 may come in handy.
The Protech ST-7RP200 is expected to sell for around £950 excl. VAT in the UK and is expected to be available later in October.
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