Handheld Camera Build

Wonder how I build out my camera for handheld documentary work? In this video, I break down how I build out my Canon C500MKII, with all the accessories that make a perfect setup (for me).
Please keep in mind this is how I build my personal camera for the work I do. This is no means and be all, end all solution. Each person’s preferences are different. The point of this video is to inspire you with options, as well as present a few things to think about as you decide how to built out your camera.
Also, be sure to do your research on the various camera accessories on the market - because there are a lot of them! This is what I use, whether because I've been a part of the brand's infrastructure for many years, or because this is what I've found for the particular problems I needed to solve. There are many options out there, so be sure to choose the ones that are right for you.
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calendly.com/matt-porwoll/one...
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🔗 VIDEO LINKS 🔗
(IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE)
Canon C500MKII bhpho.to/3LWIafd
Wooden Camera Unified Accessory Kit (Base) bhpho.to/45zICqy
Wooden Camera NATO Rail Top Handle bhpho.to/3rPK2zy
Wooden Camera NATO Rail bhpho.to/46Pb09m
Canon EVF-V70 bhpho.to/45xGjED
Wooden Camera AIR Mount bhpho.to/3tqvUNs
Wooden Camera AIR Mount - Friction Knuckle bhpho.to/3tsfZhD
ARRI Viewfinder Bracket bhpho.to/45ArXTQ
Wooden Camera Unified VCT Wedge Plate bhpho.to/46L5Nzi
VCT Plate bhpho.to/46p4Wo6
Angenieux EZ 1&2 Zooms bhpho.to/46J9oO8
Wooden Camera Zip Box Pro bhpho.to/45vfCAb
Tilta Lens Support bhpho.to/45vaQ5O
Wooden Camera Handgrip (Right) bhpho.to/46vrtj1
Wooden Camera Rosette Arm bhpho.to/46u6xco
ARRI LBS-2 15mm Bridge Support bhpho.to/46u8oxU
Wooden Ball (mine was made by ErgoCine, but they are no longer around) bhpho.to/3ZYKxEa
SmallHD CINE 5 (mine is a Focus5, but they don’t make it anymore) bhpho.to/3ZTdKQA
Small Noga Arm for monitor bhpho.to/3tt7LG9
Sennheiser MKH-8060 bhpho.to/3QgAgzO
Rycote Super-Softie bhpho.to/3twPbgj
Wooden Camera Battery Slide - Gold Mount bhpho.to/3ZSGOI8
Canon EU-V2 bhpho.to/3FeA9OS
Wooden Camera V-Mount to Gold Mount bhpho.to/3ZVedlq
CORE SWX Nano Battery 98WHr bhpho.to/3ZTkNbY
Teradek Bolt500 (they don’t make this anymore)
Teradek Antennas for Bolt500 amzn.to/3RE4qMG
Wooden Camera NATO Lock Clamp bhpho.to/3ty0DbC
Wooden Camera Cold Shoe Mount bhpho.to/48VQWEb
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📖 CHAPTERS 📖
0:00 Intro
1:07 Why a bigger camera?
1:58 Top Plate & Handle
3:12 EVF
3:44 Baseplate & Shoulder Pad
5:19 Mattebox & Lens Support
5:47 Handgrips
7:15 Quick Stripdown to Smaller Build
7:55 On-board Monitor
8:29 Camera Mic
8:58 Side Grip
9:50 Power Options
11:55 Teradek Transmitter
13:06 Audio Receivers
14:35 Conclusion
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DISCLAIMERS
This video is not sponsored by any brand, and most of the gear discussed in the video is equipment I personally bought and own. On occasion, however, videos may feature equipment that has been provided by outside brands, which I will always point out. My review of these products are always without bias and are only shown because I would personally recommend their use.
Many of the external links to products in my videos are affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you if purchases are made using these links and those purchases help me continue to provide free content on this channel.

[@TDCIYB77]

I am MIND BLOWN! Finally a real professional here on KZbin with high level real world experience and advice, instead of sell out hipster influencers! Most stunning is that you dont use a follow focus.. It seems i have been brainwashed by KZbin that they are essential, and here you are making A Level docs without one. Now that is inspiring content! Please keep uploading!

[@matt-porwoll]

Thank you so much! You know, it’s funny, I’ve never understood people’s fascination of using a follow focus when operating themselves, other than looking “professional.” Obviously, they are essential when you have a focus puller at the camera, but I find they always get in the way and add unnecessary bulk to a handheld camera. Why add more when you don’t have to? The feeling you get right off the lens is the best, in my opinion!

[@TDCIYB77]

@@matt-porwoll No, thank YOU! I am just a newbie currently trying to fund and shoot my first doc, and this is the inspiration i need! Instead of being led down a rabid hole of needing the next shiny thing, and getting stuck in my creative process because i fear i need every piece of kit that Influencers tout.. Thanks again Matt!

[@danbrockettDOP]

@@matt-porwoll I've been right there with you Matt for many years, I eschewed manual FF units. I'm still that way about matte boxes. I see little purpose in dealing with matte boxes unless I have ACs and let them mess with the filters. But for shooting solo or even small crew documentary work, I much prefer screw on filters. Sure, I'll get some flaring once in a while but I can usually adjust my angle to mitigate or use my hand or even a small French Flag on occasion. Recently I bought a set of the Sirui Nightwalker primes and the focus rotation is 270 degrees. I found that trying to manually focus them with my hand on the barrel was causing too much camera movement so I tried an inexpensive Tilta manual FF and it helps to smooth out the focusing operation when handheld or on Easy Rig particularly. 270 degrees is a lot of rotation, I wish they were more like 200 degrees but they are what they are. So now I've become one of those dorks with a manual FF unit but it really does help in this case.

[@motion_pictures___]

Mr Porwoll: you're the man!

[@onleee]

such a great video, thank you so much! wholesome professional big cam talk without shenanigans. luv it!

[@justinuriahphoto]

Subbed. I've been using a Canon C70 and R5 C for over a year now and I've finally been able to afford the pieces to rig both the way I need them. I am still using RF glass though and hope to have enough funds this coming year to pick up some of those new RF Cine lenses from Canon. I was impressed how you use your fingers for changing the focal length and the focus. I was going to buy a follow focus but I believe I want to give your method a shot first. Looking forward to more videos.

[@matt-porwoll]

That’s awesome! The Flex Zooms are awesome lenses. I did a video about the 45-135mm (couldn’t get our hands on the 20-50mm yet) for AbelCine: www.abelcine.com/articles/blog-and-knowledge/tutorials-and-guides/behind-the-lens-canon-45-135-flex-zoom-and-cine-servo-15-120 And I think it’s wise to try the setup without a follow focus first. It’ll allow you to see if you like it BEFORE you spend more money :) Always a good approach! Can’t wait to hear what you think!

[@MattNormanFilms]

I'm a new subscriber. I'm LOVING your videos and can't believe I've finally found a pro camera user who uses my C500mk2. Thanks for all of these awesome videos.

[@user-hq7dd1uy1j]

Great information Matt!

[@matt-porwoll]

Thank you for watching! :)

[@makani3345]

Hey Matt thank you very much for your content. I really appreciate your effort, ecspecially because there arent many documentary camera persons who are involved into cinema or tv productions and share their knowledge of the industry and approaches to filming. much love from germany

[@matt-porwoll]

Thank you so much! And I couldn’t agree more. That’s my hope with this channel - to open a conversation of how we do it at this level.

[@truckakhan]

Agreed!!

[@kikevigp]

Great video, thank you Matt!

[@matt-porwoll]

Glad you liked it!

[@nebukadnezzar3578]

So much good information! Thank you so much! 😊

[@matt-porwoll]

You are so welcome!

[@truckakhan]

Mate, thank you so much - again reinstating my faith in the world! This is so insightful and helpful for doc/verite film makers, it really is not only appreciated but absolutely adored. I’ve not enjoyed watching someone chat shop like this in my life, and I’ve worked across a few creative industries and seen my fair share of people try it. So one more time for now, thank you Matt!

[@matt-porwoll]

Thanks so much!

[@V1ZNS.]

what an awesome video, thank you for sharing

[@matt-porwoll]

Thanks!

[@davidmorefield]

Thanks for the breakdown. I wish more companies had oem evf’s or more efficient third party options.

[@matt-porwoll]

Yeah, it’s hard finding a solid EVF…

[@timdanyo898]

Top level doc camera set up. I really like the wooden hand grip with ball system. Great idea!

[@matt-porwoll]

Thanks!

[@albertolema8583]

Great info Matt, as always! A well tought out setup. Although a bit heavy, but it always depends on the project and needs... Loved your no follow-focus approach and the hot swap plate. Looking forward to your next video!

[@matt-porwoll]

Thanks!

[@pixl8]

Just discovered your channel. My new favourite, no fluff. Very much appreciate you sharing all that you do. Greetings from downunder

[@matt-porwoll]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@KenFlanagan]

Great breakdown. Calmly and professionally delivered. The c500 and evf are a great combo but expensive. The evf is possibly the best one i have tried recently. Very comfortable and clear. The buttons at the side are also handy but i generally am not a fan of reaching to the evf to mag or peak. Camera balance is not something to lose whilst making adjustments and extending the control grip always makes sense to me as a control. At the very least focus on the grip too and start stop. The focus set up? Tilta grips are an option or a vocas manual with grip support. Again i would probably connect up the run stop in a grip. Would maybe have the evf on an extension. Shooting at the waist in daylight looking down on a monitor is not easy with the glare. Monitor hood would help but i would go evf everytime with an extension if i have paid that much for one and its set up. No glare for sure. Just some thoughts but much appreciated breakdown. A great set up. Thx.

[@matt-porwoll]

Thanks so much for your comment! These options could be great for others who might be looking for their solution! This is certainly a “to each their own” setup. I haven’t had glare/brightness issues with the monitor in all the years I’ve had this setup, and the addition of an EVF extension would negate being able to move seamlessly from shoulder to hip for me. I own the Tilta handles, and use them regularly on my Ronin 2, but I am, and always have been, a need-to-keep-my-hands-on-the-lens kind of person. I have better reactionary control without something in between. Plus, the camera is heavy enough without the addition of 3 motors! I know a lot of people love moving the Canon grip off a rosette handle, but as I said in the video, I would again lose the ability to comfortably shoot from the hip. This movement happens constantly for me. I chose not to attach the start/stop because it would again mean losing the connection to the Canon grip. I’ve been through so many iterations of this setup that I’ve found this to be the perfect setup for me. And this is why I’m glad you made the comment! What I have and find perfect may not be for everyone. This is where shooting, finding the things that obstruct your ability to shoot more seamlessly, and solving those problems is the whole point of camera rigging.

[@KenFlanagan]

@@matt-porwoll thanks so much for the fantastic reply. I guess there is a whole other video about evf and monitor use and whether to go shoulder, hand held or easyrig. So much of documentary work seems to be about access and being discreet or not as a result. Again im sure you could do a whole other video about how visible any crew can be or the affect of crew on contributors. In my experience the lowest profile set up is usually the best and it would be great to know how you approach lighting particularly with mobility in mind. Using daylight or practicals i guess is always the first step and find the window in the room but do you maybe carry something like a 2x2 light matt as get out of jail. I used to carry a powerful torch for practical reasons which came in handy so many times. Naturally there is total respect for your work and the Cartel land break down is fantastic and kind of frames the two very different worlds of observational doc where capturing is everything and being there to cover events is essential and more planned set ups. The practicalities of humping gear all day really matter. Then there is often a progression from get what you can to being more ambitious on projects where reputation opens doors and gives better budgets and better access. Would love to know how you see that transition where suddenly budgets are less constrained and maybe set pieces or reenactments become crewed like a narrative or A list vip interviews require a different more managed approach. Fantastic to have your insights. Thanks so much

[@PelicanNorth]

Thanks! This is very helpful. I'm slowly adding to my C300MKiii. Besides cost, I need to get over weight concerns with a fully built-out rig like this. (Staying fit and healthy is vitally important!) Separately, I am struggling with nailing manual focus when my subject and myself are in motion. I suspect it's mostly about practice, but I'd value a video from you about manual focus.

[@kikevigp]

I would love a video from Matt with tips to nail manual focus in different circumstances, hope he listen to us😅😅

[@matt-porwoll]

Thank you! And yes, it definitely takes an adjustment to shooting this way, but if there’s stuff from my rig you don’t need - Teradek, 3-4 audio channels where you could lose the extension unit - then the weight really isn’t that bad. But at least the rig is then ready to add those accessories if you need them. That’s my whole thing with this is to make it as flexible as possible given the shooting needs. And great idea on the manual focus conversation. I’ll definitely keep that in mind for a future video!

[@matt-porwoll]

I hear you! I’ll definitely keep that in mind for a future video!

[@BryceDocherty]

Very nice setup! Too big for me for sure. I use an fx6 or fx3 :)

[@matt-porwoll]

As long as you can support what you need for a project and it’s comfortable to work with, then you’ve won!

[@BryceDocherty]

@@matt-porwoll absolutely! So grateful to be able to tell other people's stories.

[@gb4639]

Great video, Matt! I've been contemplating acquiring the EVF-V70. There isn't much user information on it on youtube or sites like B&H and Adorama. I was under the impression that the EVF and 5" viewfinder could not be used simultaneously?

[@matt-porwoll]

Thanks so much! You’re absolutely correct that the EVF-V70 and Canon LCD can’t be used together, since there’s only one Video Out port on the camera. I’m using a SmallHD Focus 5 as my LCD. Sadly they don’t make the Focus 5 anymore… it’s so simple and light! But any HDMI/SDI monitor will work. I wish you could use both Canon screens!!

[@gnkstudios6138]

That’s a great rig. C500ii is so underrated. How do you feel about the balancing of your rig? It looks very front heavy but maybe it’s not.

[@matt-porwoll]

I love my C500mkii! The balancing is great. I have plenty of flexibility to move the camera forward or back on the dovetail and EVF on its mount to get it to sit right where I want it. I sometimes keep my rig a little front heavy if I’m filming people shorter than me so it does the tilting work for me. But there’s room to get it wherever is needed.

[@marioaarredondo4624]

Thank you for this video. Great tips. What’s the ball wood handgrip? And can you share the link? Thank you

[@marioaarredondo4624]

I just saw the links. Thanks

[@matt-porwoll]

Glad you found them. Sadly, the wooden ball grip is no longer made, but I linked to a Zacuto version that could be adapted to work.

[@bobtronic73]

Thanks so much for these videos. What’s the weight of this setup, including lens?

[@matt-porwoll]

Thanks for your comment! The camera setup I go through here runs around 20lbs, +/- a few, depending on the accessories.

[@bobtronic73]

@@matt-porwoll thank you! Somehow they always end up this heavy :D

[@derkoekje]

Great video! Would you recommend or would you envision shooting a documentary without a shoulder mount, but instead relying on a combination of cinesaddle, neckstrap and top mount, for a medium weight camera (FX6)? Shooting my first documentary but the problem is that I'm much taller than the subject and I want to go for a more intimate style, so a shoulder mount doesn't work for that.

[@matt-porwoll]

That’s such a tough question to ask and one that’s mainly a personal preference. Personally, I would always have a shoulder mount on the camera and then choose how to operate during a given situation. I always have my CineSaddle on, even when the camera is on my shoulder. That way, if I need to swap lower, it’s ready. But if I’m doing something where I need to be lower longer, I’ll grab a chair and shoot from my shoulder, instead of the CineSaddle. So it’s all personal preference of how to get what you need.

[@africanwildlifeonline]

Hello Matt, as a you mentioned a great time to be in - as regards camera makes and models. Have you ever considered the Canon XF705 or even the XF605? Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. TIA

[@matt-porwoll]

Thanks for your comment! The XF series of cameras are great. The work I do requires the use of a lot of types of lenses, accessories, power options, etc so these cameras don’t really work for that. But they very much remind me of my early days shooting on the Panasonic DVX-100 and HVX-200. I look back with nothing but fond memories of working with such a consolidated camera package! As with everything, cameras are a tool to accomplish our goals, so if they deliver what you need, then they are a perfect choice!

[@africanwildlifeonline]

@@matt-porwoll Thank you for taking the time to reply - you are certainly a “breath of fresh air” and look forward to continuing this journey alongside your channel. 🙏

[@gb4639]

Hi Matt: Is the EVF V70m adaptable for use on both the left and right side of the C500 MK II i.e. does it have a mirror option to flip the screen on the right side of the camera?

[@matt-porwoll]

Hi, the EVF-V70 doesn’t have a mirror option, so it’s only for use on the operator side of the camera.

[@DANAMIONLINE]

Is your EVF comfortable with your glasses? Do you you happen to use an EasyRig? If so, what are your deciding factors for choosing that tool?

[@matt-porwoll]

The EVF is pretty comfortable with glasses. Thankfully, I only need my glasses for distance, so when shooting I usually don’t wear them. But I certainly have from time to time with no issues. I don’t use an EasyRig. While they are nice to have, I feel like they only work well in a larger space. It can be hard to navigate doorways or tight spaces with it. I’m almost always going to be in the situation at some point in the scene, so I just don’t use it. I like to stay as open as possible to whatever happens and not box myself into a corner with gear restrictions. But if it was only doing a round table in a big space, I might consider it.

[@DANAMIONLINE]

@@matt-porwoll Thanks for sharing your experience with glasses and an EVF. I've held off on using one because of 'concern' it wouldn't work with my glasses. I might rent an EVF for a future project. I can imagine you struggling to get in and out of the vehicle during "Cartel Land" if you used an EasyRig. LOL. Open space does make sense with an EasyRig. I rented one for a 5-day production doc out in nature. Tons of open space.

[@phillipbootsma]

Do you ever use an EasyRig to help distribute the weight of the camera on your body for long shoot days?

[@matt-porwoll]

I don’t use an EasyRig. While they are nice to have, I feel like they only work well in a larger space. It can be hard to navigate doorways or tight spaces with it. I’m almost always going to be in the situation at some point in the scene, so I just don’t use it. I like to stay as open as possible to whatever happens and not box myself into a corner with gear restrictions. But if it was only doing a round table in a big space, I might consider it.

[@mtmccornack]

Does Josh Yo, from make art now, know you raided his denim shirt closet? 😅 cuz I don't think he owns anything BUT denim shirts?

[@thinkteam]

Hi Matt - what evf mount are you using for the V70? Thanks! Ian

[@matt-porwoll]

Hi, I have the items I use listed in the description. It’s the Wooden Camera AIR EVF mount and Arri VF bracket. Check ‘em out, it’s great!

[@thinkteam]

Thanks - sorry missed that

[@robinprobyn1971]

Interesting video , personally I don't agree about monitoring audio , listen to whats going on of course ,when you're close in , if they are far away you are either wide or long lens anyway. I don't want to have head phones or ear buds in while hand holding , pretty uncomfortable and actually I don't like that mixer audio right in my ears , you can miss other stuff too that you would have heard naturally and it sort of takes you away from what your doing. Could be an age thing too, I learnt as an assistant in film days , and of course in those days there was no audio from the camera and the doc that were made were very good , 80,s UK . Each to their own of course but I wouldn't necessarily advise that monitoring audio is a total must for doc camera work.

[@matt-porwoll]

Thanks for your comment. I can see your point, but you better really understand the story to not listen to it. If you are in small, controlled spaces where you can hear everything clearly without an audio feed, sure. But it’s rare for me to be exclusively in that situation. If the scene pivots, if they walk outside, I’d want to mace my headphones in, so I’m not fiddling with that to know what’s happening. To each their own.

[@robinprobyn1971]

@@matt-porwoll Yes for sure , out of interest , do you wear actual head phones , if so how is that done when hand held on the shoulder , even ear buds ,I wonder how that would work with camera up against the side of your head . . Thanks .

[@matt-porwoll]

I wear earbuds, never full headphones for the reasons you’re mentioning. If I’m not handling sound myself, I’ll wear light earbuds, like Apple earbuds, so I can hear both what the audio feed is and the surrounding sounds. If doing my own sound, I’ll wear something with more noise isolation. The profile of the earbuds never have an issue with the camera on my shoulder.

[@robinprobyn1971]

@@matt-porwoll Thanks for your reply sir , Cartel Land is one of my all time fav docs too.

[@ericnov]

I work with a 6k pro... not even close to this 🙆‍♀

[@dylannolan7454]

My broke ass shooting on a mirrorless😂