GB2425185A

GB2425185A - Camera support and associated apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2425185A
Application number: GB0507673A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan Howard Lavender
Original assignee: Pag Ltd
Current assignee: Pag Ltd
Priority date: 2005-04-15
Filing date: 2005-04-15
Publication date: 2006-10-18
Also published as: GB0507673D0

Abstract

A support 100 for a camera includes elements that are able to rotate with respect to one another, enabling a camera supported thereon to be steered in a plurality of axes. In particular, the support 100 enables steering of a camera at least about an axis having a substantially vertical component. The support may include a shoulder brace 102. The shoulder brace 102 can rest on the camera operators shoulder, and is able to twist in order to conform to different operator's shoulders. A balance plate 12 may be attached to the rear end of the shoulder brace (102) to provide a counter-balance to a camera. Two angled handles 2 may be provided, by which the operator can control movement of the camera. An elevator unit 800 enabling a camera to be raised to above its normal operating position may also be provided. The support 100 is particularly envisaged to be used with a digital movie camera.

Description

SUPPORT FOR A CAMERA

The present invention relates to a support for a camera, in particular to a portable support for a digital camera.

In order to track moving images a camera must not be set at a fixed point. It can be attached to a stand upon which it is able to rotate. However, the action that can be captured is still limited by the position of the stand and the degree of rotation possible. In order to capture action that occurs over a greater area, the camera may be carried by the camera operator who follows the action in order to track the shot with the camera.

Digital cameras have recently become popular for the filming of moving images. One of their great advantages is that they are much smaller and lighter than traditional cameras, and so are much easier to carry for tracking shots. However, partly because they are so small and light, they are much more difficult to hold steady by hand. The effect of any unsteady hand movement by the camera operator is magnified in the images captured by a digital camera.

Portable supports for digital cameras have been developed, which help the operator to carry the camera whilst moving around to track a shot.

One type of portable support includes a backpack that is worn by the operator. An arm extends from the backpack over the head or shoulder of the operator, and the digital camera may be suspended in front of the operator from a cord or wire attached to the arm. The problem with this arrangement is that although the digital camera is supported by the arm, there is no steadying effect. In particular, any shaky hand movement by the operator is still translated to and magnified by the camera.

Another type of support includes a shoulder brace that rests on the operator's shoulder. The shoulder brace is coimected to a mounting point for a camera, which the operator can manipulate and use to control the camera. This type of support only allows for up and down tilting of the camera, and so the range of shots that may be tracked is limited. The operator must rely on movement, such as twisting, of his own body in order to track the full range of movement.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable support for a digital camera comprising: body support means; a movable mounting point for a camera coupled to the support; wherein the camera mounting point includes a pivot providing controlled rotation about an axis having a substantially vertical component.

Such a support provides stability to a digital camera, enabling the operator to carry and use a camera supported thereon for long periods without fatigue. Furthermore, it enables a small camera to work as effectively as a large camera in that the effect of any unsteady hand movement from the operator on the shot is reduced, whilst retaining the ability to track a large range of moving action, without the need for the operator to twist his own body, Preferably, the camera mounting point is able to rotate about at least two axes or about three axes. This increases the range of movement that can be tracked without the need for the operator to twist his body.

Preferably, the body support means includes attachment means for attaching the support to the user's body. This increases the stability of the support, and helps to increase the controllability of movement of the camera.

In the preferred embodiment, the body support means includes a support bar and a rigid plate, the support bar attachable to the support at one end and to the rigid plate at its other end, the rigid plate able to rest against the body of the user, to enable at least part of the weight of the support to be borne by the rigid plate resting against the body of the user. This arrangement helps to spread the load of the support onto different parts of the operator's body.

Preferably, the support bar is longitudinally extendable, its extendable members being biased apart, and wherein the bar is attachable to the rigid plate by means of a rigid pouch. This facilitates and helps to support up and down movement of any camera mounted on the support.

Preferably, the extendable members of the support bar are biased apart by spring means.

In the preferred embodiment, the body support means includes a shoulder brace, the shoulder brace comprising: a plurality of bars for resting on the shoulder of a user, the bars arranged substantially parallel to each other along their longitudinal axes; connection means positioned at each end of the plurality of bars for holding each end of each bar in a substantially fixed relationship with the corresponding end of the other bar or bars; wherein each bar is individually rotatable with respect to the connection means, so as to enable the shoulder brace to be twisted. This arrangement allows the support to be comfortably supported on, and to be adapted to the shape of the operator's shoulder. Moreover, it can be adapted to the right or the left shoulder of the operator as appropriate.

Preferably, the shoulder brace includes a counter balance positioned at one end of the shoulder brace for balancing the weight of a camera support thereby stabilising the shoulder brace on a user's shoulder. This increases the stability of the support.

Preferably, the counter balance comprises a holder for a power source. In this way the power source can be carried on the support, out of the way of the operator, whilst contributing to the counterweight effect.

In the preferred embodiment, the support includes a camera elevation unit, the elevation unit comprising: attachment means for attaching the elevation unit to the portable camera support; a movable mounting point for a camera; and elevation means for extending the unit so as to raise the camera mounting point; wherein the camera mounting point is able to rotate about at least one axis. The elevation unit enables a camera mounted thereon to be raised so as to enable recording of images beyond and obstacle.

Preferably, the camera mounting point is positioned at one end of the elevation unit, and the elevation unit includes a counter balance positioned towards the other end thereof, for balancing the weight of a camera. This enables the camera mounting point (and thus any camera mounted thereon) to be lowered by means of gravity.

Preferably, the counter balance comprises a motor for driving extension of the elevation unit.

This enables the position of the motor to provide an additional function.

In the preferred embodiment, the elevation unit comprises extendable telescopic sections, the telescopic sections having angled cross-sections. This prevents unwanted rotation of the telescopic sections with respect to one another.

Preferably, the camera mounting point is able to rotate about at least two axes. This increases

the field able to be captured by the camera.

Preferably, the support includes a handle assembly, the assembly comprising two handles, the handles arranged at an angle to one another and pointing towards one another at an upper end thereof. The handles are preferably arranged at an angle of between about 25 and 60 , and most preferably at an angle of approximately 40 with respect to one another. This has been found to provide a more natural position for the operator compared with parallel handles.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shoulder brace for a portable digital camera support comprising: a plurality of bars for resting on the shoulder of a user, the bars arranged substantially parallel to each other along their longitudinal axes; coimection means positioned at each end of the plurality of bars for holding each end of each bar in a substantially fixed relationship with the corresponding end of the other bar or bars; wherein each bar is individually rotatable with respect to the connection means, so as to enable the shoulder brace to be twisted.

This arrangement allows the support to be comfortably supported on, and to be adapted to the shape of the operator's shoulder. Moreover, it can be adapted to the right or the left shoulder of the operator as appropriate.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera elevation unit for use with a portable digital camera support comprising: attachment means for attaching the elevation unit to a portable camera support; a movable mounting point for a camera; and elevation means for extending the unit so as to raise the camera mounting point; wherein the camera mounting point is able to rotate about at least one axis.

The elevation unit enables a camera mounted thereon to be raised so as to enable recording of images beyond and obstacle.

This enables the position of the motor to provide an additional function.

the field able to be captured by the camera.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a handle assembly for a digital camera support, the assembly comprising two handles, the handles arranged at an angle to one another and pointing towards one another at an upper end thereof.

This has been found to provide a more natural position for the operator compared with parallel handles.

Preferably, the handles are arranged at an angle of between about 25 and 600 with respect to one another. In the most preferred embodiment the handles are arranged at an angle of approximately 40 with respect to one another.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit including a portable digital camera support and at least one of: a) an elevation unit as claimed in any of claims 22 to 26; b) a camera mounting plate; c) a shoulder pad; d) a viewing screen; e) a microphone; g) a radio transmitter; h) a digital camera.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a camera support; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a camera support; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a camera support with a digital camera and battery; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a camera support with a digital camera; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a preferred camera mounting point and handle assembly of a preferred embodiment of a camera support with a digital camera; Figure 6 shows a preferred suspension rod for a preferred embodiment of a camera support; Figure 7 shows a preferred suspension rod location point and belt for a preferred embodiment of a camera support; Figure 8 shows a preferred embodiment of a camera support with an elevation unit and digital camera; and Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiment of a camera support.

A preferred camera support comprises a plurality of elements advantageously fabricated from glass-filled nylon, that are able to rotate with respect to one another, thereby enabling a camera mounted on the support to be steered in a plurality of axes.

Specifically, referring to Figures 1 to 5, a preferred camera support 100 includes Universal Sliding Plate (Manfrotto) 101 to which a digital camera can be mounted. This is located at a camera mounting point that is able to rotate in the preferred embodiment about three axes enabling steering of the camera to follow movement of a subject in any plane. This movement is provided by means of rotation about vertical support 3, which extends downwards from the camera mounting point, rotation about crossbar 5, which extends horizontally and is rotatably attached to vertical support 3 by crossbar block 6, and rotation about main bar 7, which extends back towards the operator and which is rotatably connected to crossbar 5 by means of a second crossbar block 6. Crossbar 5 includes clutch assembly 13, which allows rotation about crossbar 5. Crossbar blocks 6 can be adjusted by means of nuts and enable the support to function similarly to a traditional tripod. When the nuts are loosened, rotation about vertical support 3 and/or main bar 7 is allowed. However, if preferred, the nuts can be tightened to prevent such rotation. In another embodiment, main bar 7 and vertical support 3 could also use a clutch assembly for rotation.

The weight of the camera is supported on the operator's shoulder by means of main bar 7 and shoulder brace 102. Shoulder brace 102 comprises three parallel curved shoulder brace rods 11, connected together at one end by shoulder brace block 9, and at the other end at back clamp 18. Each rod 11 is able individually to rotate within shoulder brace block 9 and back clamp 18. This enables the shoulder brace to twist in order to conform comfortably to different operator's shoulders, and to the left or right shoulder as required. Shoulder brace 102 further includes a removable shoulder pad 103 for added comfort. This is attached to the shoulder brace rods 11 by tabs 104 having a fastener of the hook and loop type.

In order to help support the weight of the camera between the operator's shoulder and waist, balance plate 12 is provided. Balance plate 12 is attached to the rear end of shoulder brace 102 in order to be located against the shoulder blade of the operator, thereby providing a counter balance to the camera. Moreover, balance plate 12 also acts as a convenient holder for battery 300.

For extra support, two straps 105 are provided to secure shoulder brace 102 on the shoulder of the operator. These are fixed to balance plate 12. Where shoulder brace 102 is positioned on the right shoulder, the righthand shoulder strap passes over the right shoulder of the operator to engage with a waist belt (described below), and the left-hand back strap passes under the left arm of the operator to engage also with a waist belt (described below). These straps also ensure that any movement of the support is only directed to the camera as intended, and does not cause shoulder brace 102 to slip.

Two handles 2 are provided, by which the operator can control movement of the camera.

These are off-set from each other at an angle of approximately 40 and point towards each other at their upper ends. It has been found that this is the angle at which most people naturally hold something with both hands when the intention is for it to be vertical. For comfort and ease of use, handles 2 are at least partially covered by rubber grips 106.

Referring now to Figure 6, the weight of the camera is further supported by suspension rod 600. Suspension rod 600 is shown in a contracted form (for storage) in Figure 6. Releasing cord loop 601 causes rod 600 to extend by means of two internal springs (not shown). At one end of suspension rod 600 is rubber spring 602, which allows the suspension rod to bend.

Spigot 603 fits to vertical support 3 (see Figures 1 to 5), whilst the other end of suspension rod 600 is housed in a rigid pouch at the operator's waist (see below).

Suspension rod 600 is able to expand and contract telescopically by means of its two internal springs that bias it into its extended configuration. Suspension rod 600 thus enables, and supports, up and down movement of vertical support 3, and thus the camera on Universal Sliding Plate 101.

Waist belt 700 is shown in Figure 7. This comprises an adjustable strap 701 and clasp 702. It also includes rigid plate 703, which supports rigid pouch 704 for receiving suspension rod 600 (see Figure 6). This arrangement allows part of the weight of the camera and support 100 to be borne at the waist of the user, by means of suspension rod 600 and rigid pouch 704 and rigid plate 703. Strap clasps 705 are also fixed to rigid plate 703. in order to receive straps (see Figures 1 to 4).

It can be seen from Figures 1 to 5 that several parts of camera support 100 are coupled to others part by means of blocks (crossbar blocks 6, shoulder brace block 9). These facilitate disassembly of camera support 100 into several component parts for transport and storage.

Figure 8 shows use of a camera support with a camera elevator unit 800. This fits to the top of vertical support 3 in place of mount plate support 8 (see Figures 1 to 5).

Elevator unit 800 is able to extend telescopically. Its extendible parts have a rectangular cross-section in order to prevent unwanted relative rotation. When used with elevator unit 800, the camera is positioned at the upper extremity of elevator unit 800. Tilt motor 801 is positioned between the camera and elevator unit 800 to provide up and down tilt motion to the camera. Elevator unit 800 is counterbalanced by elevator motor unit 802.

Elevator unit 800 enables the camera to be raised by at least one metre above its normal operating position, and tilt motor 801 enables the camera to be directed downwards. In this way, action that is blocked, for example, by a crowd of people, can be captured. Of course, when the camera is in its elevated position, the operator cannot view the shot through the camera's viewing screen. Therefore, viewing screen 803 is provided on the main body of camera support 100, in a suitable position. Manipulation of the camera is enabled by camera tilt control 804 and elevator control 805. These are positioned within easy reach of the operator's hands: camera tilt control 804 being on vertical support 3, and elevator control 805 on one of the handles 2.

In use, the operator fits a camera to the Universal Sliding Plate (see Figures 3 to 5) in the conventional manner, and fixes remote control module 301 to one of handles 2. This allows easy control of the camera's functions (for example, starting and stopping recording, or zooming in or out on an image) by the operator, without the need physically to hold the camera in his hands.

Shoulder brace 103 rests on the operator's right or left shoulder (according to his preference).

Balance plate 12 rests against the operator's shoulder blade. One of straps 105 passes over the operator's shoulder, and the other passes across his back and under his arm. Both engage with clasps 705 on waist belt 700. Straps 105 are adjustable so that they can provide a comfortable fit for the operator. This arrangement is best illustrated by Figure 8, which although showing camera support 100 being used with elevation unit 800, is equally applicable to camera support 100 without elevation unit 800 regarding the arrangement of the straps. Suspension rod 600 is fitted to vertical support 3 and to rigid plate 703 by means of rigid pouch 704. This arrangement enables the camera operator to support the weight of the camera between his shoulder and his waist, allowing long periods of hands-free operation without fatigue.

The operator uses handles 2 to manipulate the position of the camera to enable him to track shots without twisting his body. For example, if the action involves a person ascending a flight of stairs, the operator can track this by pushing one of handles 2 forwards (whilst the other moves backwards) in order to cause rotation about vertical support 3, at the same time as tilting handles 2 away from him to cause rotation about crossbar 5.

When support 100 is used with elevator unit 800 in place the operator is able to record images over an obstacle (for example, a large group of people). The operator can extend elevator unit 800 by means of elevator control 805 and a gearing mechanism. The camera can thus be raised to at least one metre above the standard operating position. When the increase in height of the camera is not needed, elevator unit 800 can be retracted by means of gravity, and standard operation can be continued. When elevator unit 800 is in its extended position, tilting of the camera can be controlled by means of camera tilt control 804, which is positioned in easy reach of the operator. Signals from tilt control 804 are transmitted to tilt motor 801 by suitable electrical circuitry. The operator can thus control the direction in which the camera points. In particular, when the camera is raised, the operator may wish to tilt the camera downwards to capture action occurring beneath the camera.

There are several advantages to the above-described arrangement.

Since the camera is able to rotate about all three axes it is possible to track a large range of movement, without the operator having to rely on movement of his body. For example, if tracking a person ascending a flight of stairs, with prior art supports the camera operator needs to follow them up the stairs to keep them in shot. With the above-described support, the action can be tracked just by movement of the camera.

Similarly, a simpler embodiment could provide rotation of the camera in only one or two axes.

In the case of one axis of rotation, rotation about the vertical axis is particularly advantageous.

Accessories can be fitted to camera support, for example to main bar 7. Examples of such accessories include a viewing screen 803 (particularly useful when the support is being used with elevator unit 800), a microphone or a radio transmitter. These can be fitted to the support without affecting the manoeuvrability of the camera.

Rotatable shoulder brace rods 11 allow shoulder brace 102 to fit comfortably to different operator's shoulders. Moreover, they enable shoulder brace 102 to adjust to the right or left shoulder of the operator as appropriate.

Removable shoulder pad 103 adds extra comfort to shoulder brace 102. Moreover, because it is removable different types could be employed to suit the operator.

Balance plate 12 provides extra stability to the shoulder brace and helps to support the weight of the camera. In addition, conveniently, balance plate 12 acts as a holder for battery 300 for powering the camera. Battery 103 is thus able to aid counterbalancing of support 100 whilst being kept out of the way of the operator.

Straps 105 fix shoulder brace 102 securely to the operator's body. This not only helps to stabilise the support, but also ensures that any manipulation of handles 2 by the operator is translated directly into the relevant movement of the camera, rather than causing unwanted movement of shoulder brace 102 and support 100 with respect to the operator's body.

The handles 2 have been set at an angle to one another because it has been found to be more comfortable for users than holding parallel handles. This helps ensure that the camera is held at the correct angle (i.e. substantially vertically in normal use) in a comfortable manner for the operator and has been found to provide more natural controllability.

Use of crossbar blocks 6 and shoulder brace block 9 to connect vertical support 3 to horizontal crossbar 5, horizontal crossbar 5 to main bar 7 and main bar 7 to shoulder brace 102 enables the support to be disassembled quickly for storage or transport.

Suspension rod 600 is able to be extended and contracted. Two internal springs provide the biasing. This enables linear extension of suspension rod 600, thereby facilitating raising and lowering of the camera.

Rigid plate 703 and rigid pouch 704 enable part of the weight of camera support 100 to be supported by suspension rod 600. The rigidity of plate 703 and pouch 704 also ensure that any movement of handles 2 by the operator is translated into movement of the camera and not into movement at the waist of the operator.

Elevator unit 800 enables images obscured by obstacles to be captured. Motor 802 acts as a counter balance, which enables elevator unit 800 to be retracted by means of gravity.

The telescopic parts of elevator unit 800 have rectangular cross-sections. This prevents unwanted rotation of the parts with respect to one another, which is important if full control of the camera is to be maintained by the operator.

Figure 9 shows a several modifications that can be made to camera support 100. Although these modifications are shown in combination, they are not mutually dependent. Several features of camera support 100 are omitted for clarity.

It can be seen that only a single vertical handle 2, coextending with vertical support 3, is present, in place of converging handles 2 as shown in the embodiment of Figures ito 5.

Suspension rod 600 is not, in this modification, able to expand and contract, but is of fixed length. Instead of rigid pouch 704, it cooperates with rigid plate 703 by means of block 901.

At its other end, suspension rod 600 is attached to main bar 7 by means of block 902, instead of fitting to vertical support 3. In this embodiment, rigid plate 703 is able to rest against, and be supported by, the abdomen of the camera operator without the need for waist belt 700.

Many other modifications to the preferred embodiment are possible.

Support 100 can be made from any suitable material, that is light enough to be carried and strong enough to provide the necessary support to the camera.

Although Universal Sliding Plate 101 is a particularly suitable means of attaching a camera to support 100, any other suitable means could be used instead.

In the preferred embodiment, three shoulder brace rods 11 are employed. Of course, any suitable number could be used.

Shoulder pad 103 need not be removable, but if it is, it can be connected by any suitable means.

Elevator motor unit 802 could be used to lower elevator unit 800, instead of it being done under gravity. The telescopic parts of elevator unit 800 could have any angled cross-section.

Use of the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "forward" and "rear" are not intended to be construed narrowly, and relate to the general relative orientation of parts of the camera support in normal use.

It will be clear to the skilled person that the various above-described modifications can be interchanged or combined as appropriate.

Claims

1. A portable support for a digital camera comprising: body support means; a movable mounting point for a camera coupled to the support; wherein the camera mounting point includes a pivot providing controlled rotation about an axis having a substantially vertical component.

2. A support as claimed in claim 2, wherein the camera mounting point is able to rotate about at least two axes.

3. A support as claimed in claim 2, wherein the camera mounting point is able to rotate about three axes.

4. A support as claimed in any of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the body support means includes attachment means for attaching the support to the user's body.

5. A support as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the body support means includes a support bar and a rigid plate, the support bar attachable to the support at one end and to the rigid plate at its other end, the rigid plate able to rest against the body of the user, to enable at least part of the weight of the support to be borne by the rigid plate resting against the body of the user.

6. A support as claimed in claim 5, wherein the support bar is longitudinally extendable, its extendable members being biased apart, and wherein the bar is attachable to the rigid plate by means of a rigid pouch.

7. A support as claimed in claim 6, wherein the extendable members of the support bar are biased apart by spring means.

8. A support as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the body support means includes a shoulder brace, the shoulder brace comprising: a plurality of bars for resting on the shoulder of a user, the bars arranged substantially parallel to each other along their longitudinal axes; connection means positioned at each end of the plurality of bars for holding each end of each bar in a substantially fixed relationship with the corresponding end of the other bar or bars; wherein each bar is individually rotatable with respect to the connection means, so as to enable the shoulder brace to be twisted.

9. A support as claimed in claim 8, wherein the shoulder brace includes a counter balance positioned at one end of the shoulder brace for balancing the weight of a camera support thereby stabilising the shoulder brace on a user's shoulder.

10. A support as claimed in claim 9, wherein the counter balance comprises a holder for a power source.

11. A support as claimed in any preceding claim, including a camera elevation unit, the elevation unit comprising: attachment means for attaching the elevation unit to the portable camera support; a movable mounting point for a camera; and elevation means for extending the unit so as to raise the camera mounting point; wherein the camera mounting point is able to rotate about at least one axis.

12. A support as claimed in claim 11, wherein the camera mounting point is positioned at one end of the elevation unit, and the elevation unit includes a counter balance positioned towards the other end thereof, for balancing the weight of a camera.

13. A support as claimed in claim 12, wherein the counter balance comprises a motor for driving extension of the elevation unit.

14. A support as claimed in any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the elevation unit comprises extendable telescopic sections, the telescopic sections having angled cross-sections.

15. A support as claimed in any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the camera mounting point is able to rotate about at least two axes.

16. A support as claimed in any preceding claim, including a handle assembly, the assembly comprising two handles, the handles arranged at an angle to one another and pointing towards one another at an upper end thereof.

17. A support as claimed in claim 16, wherein the handles are arranged at an angle of between about 25 and 60 with respect to one another.

18. A support as claimed in claim 17, wherein the handles are arranged at an angle of approximately 40 with respect to one another.

19. A shoulder brace for a portable digital camera support comprising: a plurality of bars for resting on the shoulder of a user, the bars arranged substantially parallel to each other along their longitudinal axes; connection means positioned at each end of the plurality of bars for holding each end of each bar in a substantially fixed relationship with the corresponding end of the other bar or bars; wherein each bar is individually rotatable with respect to the connection means, so as to enable the shoulder brace to be twisted.

20. A shoulder brace as claimed in claim 19, including a counter balance positioned at one end of the shoulder brace for balancing the weight of a camera support thereby stabilising the shoulder brace on a user's shoulder.

21. A shoulder brace as claimed in claim 20, wherein the counter balance comprises a holder for a power source.

22. A camera elevation unit for use with a portable digital camera support comprising: attachment means for attaching the elevation unit to a portable camera support; a movable mounting point for a camera; and elevation means for extending the unit so as to raise the camera mounting point; wherein the camera mounting point is able to rotate about at least one axis.

23. An elevation unit as claimed in claim 22, wherein the camera mounting point is positioned at one end thereof, and includes a counter balance positioned towards the other end thereof, for balancing the weight of a camera.

24. An elevation unit as claimed in claim 23, wherein the counter balance comprises a motor for driving extension of the elevation unit.

25. An elevation unit as claimed in any of claims 22 to 24, wherein the elevation unit comprises extendable telescopic sections, the telescopic sections having angled cross-sections.

26. An elevation unit as claimed in any of claims 22 to 25, wherein the camera mounting point is able to rotate about at least two axes.

27. A handle assembly for a digital camera support, the assembly comprising two handles, the handles arranged at an angle to one another and pointing towards one another at an upper end thereof

28. A handle assembly as claimed in claim 27, wherein the handles are arranged at an angle of between about 25 and 60 with respect to one another.

29. A handle assembly as claimed in claim 28, wherein the handles are arranged at an angle of approximately 40 with respect to one another.

30. A kit including a portable digital camera support as claimed in any of claims I to 18, and at least one of a) an elevation unit as claimed in any of claims 22 to 26; b) a camera mounting plate; c) a shoulder pad; d) a viewing screen; e) a microphone; g) a radio transmitter; h) a digital camera.

31. A portable support for a digital camera substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

32. A shoulder brace for a portable digital camera support substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

33. A camera elevation unit for use with a portable digital camera support substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

34. A handle assembly for a portable digital camera support substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.