The VSB1 Video Camera Shoulder Brace

The VSB1 video camera shoulder brace was designed for handheld video cameras such as the Z7U, Z1U, FX7, etc. Since these video cameras were not designed to rest on your shoulder, it's hard for most people to get use to holding the camera out in front of you and keep it steady. This is especially true of some of the newer small AVCHD video cameras.

The idea behind the VSB1 video camera shoulder brace, is to allow you to hold the video camera with your right hand, while resting the padded shoulder brace on your shoulder to help stabilize the camera.

This configuration allows you to have your right-hand on the camera's grip where it's supposed to go, giving you access to the camera's zoom and record functions.

Your left hand is then used to adjust the focus or other camera controls and to provide further stabilize the camera. As shown in the picture to the top right, this videographer is placing their left hand under the camera to balance the weight of the camera, while being able to adjust the focus. The photo below shows the videographer using his left hand to support the camera.

A few people have commented that with heavier video cameras, such as the EX1, when you hand hold them they feel like they are pulling to the left. With the VSB1 you can eliminate this by configuring it to rest on your left shoulder. Click Here for Directions to reverse mount the VSB1. This way when you hold the video camera with your right hand, when it leans left the shoulder brace will support it.

Unlike other shoulder braces, the VSB1 has been designed so you can mount the camera on a tripod without removing the shoulder brace. You can go from tripod -- to handheld instantly. Simply attach your quick release tripod plate to the VSB1 using the tripod mounting holes. These mounting holes work with most tripod mounting plates. (The distance between the tripod mounting hole and the camera mount hole is 3 3/4".) You are also free to connect the tripod plate to any of the threaded holes on the right side if you so choose.

The VSB1 is fully adjustable, so you can shoot using the camera's viewfinder or LCD monitor. You can move the camera from side to side, which is ideal for people who shoot using their left eye. Plus, you can adjust the position of the camera forwards or backwards to fit each individual.

The extra holes can also be use to mount other accessories, such as lights or shotgun microphones, as shown in the demo video above.

The VSB1 video shoulder brace requires no tools to assemble. There are just 4 thumb screws, two to attach the U-Bracket to the shoulder bar and two nylon thumb screws to attach the accessory box. If you need some type of printed instructions, click here and print the page.

The VSB1 has an accessory box for external batteries, mic receivers, or counter weights.

Why would you want to add counter weights? Two reasons: First, it's not the weight of the camera the matters for comfort, it's where the center of gravity is located that makes the difference between comfortable shooting and early fatigue. And second, a heavier camera/mount combo provides more mass and therefore more stability.

The bottom of the accessory box is open, with 4 nylon rods going across the bottom of the box to prevent your wireless mic receiver or battery from falling out. The open bottom allows you to run cables out the bottom and prevents dirt or dust from collecting in the accessory box.

The accessory box inside dimensions are:
2 3/4" x 4 3/4" x 4 3/4"

There is no tools need to assemble the VSB1. We are using thumb screws for the camera positioning and nylon thumb screws to attached the accessory box. The nylon thumb screws can be put on finger tight and they won't work loose.

It's a simple solution for an experienced professional shooter who wants to get the best looking video and comfortable hand-held shooting at the same time.

The VSB1 weights less than 40 oz. and it made from Aircraft grade Aluminum. The padded part of the shoulder brace is approx. 1/2" thick providing a very comfortable fit.

Should you need them, here are the Assembly Instructions for the VSB1 Video Shoulder Brace (Click Here)

To reverse mount the shoulder brace, click here for instructions.

Tip: Adding Weights.
Several people have asked us what kind of weights to use in the accessory box. We recommend diving weights. Check your yellow pages for any dive shops in your area. The weights are lead and easy to drill through. By adding a hole in the weight you can secure it to the accessory box or just lay it in the bottom.

Tip: When I use the VSB1 my camera is so heavy that it leans to the left when I am holding the camera.
The solution is simple. Follow the directions (Click Here) to reverse mount the VSB1. This way the shoulder bar will rest on your left shoulder and thus keeping the camera from leaning to the left.

Tip: The strap on the camera where you put your hand through to hold the camera should fit as tight as a glove. This give you better support of the camera.

Looking for a Zoom Controller for the
Sony PMW-EX1 and EX1R? We got them!

Sony PMW-EX1 and EX1R Zoom Controller

1 Year Warranty, 20 Day Return Policy.