RS2/C200 Rigging Guide
Canon C200 / DJI RS2 Rigging Guide
Introduction:
In this post, I'll be sharing my Canon C200/RS2 rig setup, which allows me to seamlessly switch between handheld and gimbal shooting without the need for any tools.
RS2/C200 Rig In Action
While not lightweight, the C200’s Dynamic range, cinema raw lite, and internal ND’s are worth their weight.
C200 - Handheld:
Let's start with the handheld configuration of my Canon C200 rig. For this setup, I've made some customizations to ensure everything stays secure and convenient. One of the key modifications is the homemade microphone mount for my Sennheiser MKE 600 shotgun mic. I used a NATO rail and some D-ring 1/4-20 screws to achieve this setup.
Custom Shotgun Mic Mount
Since my C200was missing the stock Mic mount when I purchased it used, I made a new one using this Nato Rail and some 1/4-20 D-Ring screws.
Power-wise, I rely on the Power Extra BP-A60 battery, which provides me with a solid 5 to 6 hours of recording time during a wedding day, with intermittent use.
POWEREXTRA BP-A60
Plenty of power for handheld use. Coming from the Pocket 6K, this has been really nice.
Lastly, I have a big Manfrotto plate on the bottom, which is compatible with the RS2 gimbal, allowing for a smooth transition between handheld and gimbal setups.
Manfrotto Mounting Plate
I love how solid this plate is. As you can see I have it mounted with two screws (one 1/4-20, one 3/8ths)
C200 - Gimbal:
Switching to the gimbal setup, my goal was to keep the C200 rig's weight similar to my old Pocket 6K rig. To achieve this, I opted not to use a V-mount on this setup, making it more balanced and portable.
Starting from the top, I mounted the stock monitor without the top handle, and with the addition of a spacer to the C200's thumb screw, it fits perfectly.
Stock C200 Monitor
I prefer using the stock monitor over an external monitor, because mounting an external monitor on the gimbal handle was uncomfortable to me.
Thumb Screw
Add a spacer to the thumbscrew so the threads don’t bottom out on the C200.
Mic Mount
For audio, I use the same microphone mount for my shotgun mic but turn it upside down, placing the mic on the top side of the NATO rail.
Sennheiser MKE 600
The MKE 600 shotgun mic is connected to the 3.5 mm mic terminal port using the supplied cable, which keeps things streamlined and less bulky.
Lens Options
The Sigma 24-70 is my go-to for most weddings, providing the flexibility to zoom in all the way to 70 mm. During receptions, I switch to handheld mode and use the Sigma 18-35, which allows me to be more creative.
Follow Focus:
The follow focus is an essential component for precise focus control. Instead of mounting it as recommended, I attached it to my baseplate counterweight adapter. This setup allows me to easily remove the entire focus system and use it on other rigs as needed.
BPA-30’s are great for gimbal use.
To power the camera, I use the BP-A30 batteries, which are ideal for the RS2 gimbal since they don't interfere with the rear motor. Throughout the wedding day, I switch between two BP-A30 batteries and charge them as needed.
Camera Control:
C200 Pistol Grip Relocation
To have quick camera control at my fingertips, I relocated the pistol grip to the side of the gimbal. This solution is really nice, and I love how much control I have with the C200 grip. Without this solution, I would have to reach all the way around the C200 to press record for every take.
Rosette-Nato Adapter
While the C200 isn't directly compatible with the RS2, I found a solution by using a NATO to rosette adapter to mount the grip.
SHAPE Relocation Cable
Additionally, I invested in the SHAPE relocation cable, which allows me to access the record button, aperture control, customizable button, and joystick when using the gimbal.
Recap:
In conclusion, my Canon C200 rig is highly versatile, providing outstanding performance both in handheld and gimbal shooting scenarios. The camera's internal ND filters, cinema raw lite, and impressive 15 stops of dynamic range make it a reliable choice for wedding films.
With the recent price drop in the C200, I believe it’s now becoming a great option for anyone who wants the performance, and is willing to carry the extra weight to get it.