{"id":3029,"date":"2014-08-19T07:30:33","date_gmt":"2014-08-19T17:30:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/auto-draft\/"},"modified":"2016-05-28T23:22:50","modified_gmt":"2016-05-29T09:22:50","slug":"diy-zacuto-target-shooter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/blog\/diy-zacuto-target-shooter\/","title":{"rendered":"Build Your Own Customized Zacuto Target Shooter Camera Rig"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you’re looking for a compact rig for the Panasonic GH4, Zacuto’s Target Shooter is a great option that gives you rock-solid stability without adding a lot of bulk.<\/p>\n

Even better, I’m going to show you how to save over $150<\/strong> on the Target Shooter while also customizing it for the GH4.<\/p>\n

Who Needs a Rig?<\/h2>\n

The GH4 is small and lightweight– it’s one of the best things about this camera. Why would you want to add a big rig that would make the GH4 more bulky and unwieldy?<\/p>\n

You don’t.<\/p>\n

However, a rig is still highly recommended for shooting jitter-free handheld video without having to limit yourself to lenses with built-in image stabilization (which is basically a small selection of Panasonic lenses).<\/p>\n

The answer is simple– you need a minimal<\/em> rig<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Here are 3 reasons why you should use a minimal rig:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Does the job without adding a ton of bulk<\/strong> — You can stay light and mobile but still shoot stable footage at a moment’s notice.<\/li>\n
  2. Packs up small so you can always have it with you<\/strong> — A big shoulder rig that needs a backpack to transport means you’ll only have it when you plan<\/em> for it. At all other times, you’ll be at the mercy of your shaky hands.<\/li>\n
  3. Keeps you from standing out<\/strong> — You can spot a big camera rig from a mile away, usually because it’s sitting on the shoulder of someone sweating bullets and grimacing in pain. A minimal rig will let you get close to the action without being noticed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    \n

    Bottom line:<\/strong> Who needs a rig? You do (especially if you shoot with lenses 35mm or longer).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    Why the Target Shooter?<\/h2>\n

    An in-depth review of Zacuto’s Target Shooter is coming soon, but I wanted to share this deal with you now because it won’t last forever.<\/p>\n

    For now, here are 4 simple reasons why the Target Shooter is one of the best minimal rigs available:<\/p>\n

    \"Zacuto<\/a><\/p>\n

    1. Highly Adjustable<\/h3>\n

    The Target Shooter has two main points of adjustment– the Zwivel<\/strong> and the Gun Stock<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    The Zwivel can lock the two 15mm rods at virtually any angle, allowing you to position them for optimum comfort and stability.<\/p>\n

    \"Zacuto<\/a><\/p>\n

    The Gun Stock has a ball joint that provides a lot flexibility for dialing in a comfortable position.<\/p>\n

    \"Zacuto<\/a><\/p>\n

    Finally, since the Target Shooter uses standard 15mm rods, you can adjust the length of these rods to fit you perfectly.<\/p>\n

    2. Rock Solid<\/h3>\n

    Every adjustment point (like the Zwivel and Gun Stock) locks down so that you can brace the Target Shooter against your body for support without worrying whether it will fold under the pressure.<\/p>\n

    3. Compact<\/h3>\n

    When you are done shooting, the Target Shooter folds up into a surprisingly small package to easily fit in a camera bag or even a pocket (especially with the customizations we’ll discuss in a bit).<\/p>\n

    \"Compact<\/a><\/p>\n

    4. Expandable<\/h3>\n

    Sometimes you need a bigger rig, and the Target Shooter’s Gorilla Plate<\/strong> is the foundation for that rig. With the Gorilla Plate, adding rods, handles, a follow focus, external records, monitors, and even a shoulder pad are all quick and easy.<\/p>\n

    \"Zacuto<\/a><\/p>\n

    Here’s a video from Zacuto with more information on the Target Shooter.<\/p>\n