The Z Cam is an impressive new camera on the market, and it has the added flexibility of being able to be controlled via Sony LANC cable. But, it’s new, so there aren’t many controllers on the market, and this is where the RVLVR Labs comes in.
The RVLVR Clutch handle is a beautiful looking grip, and it comes in two wood tones and they seem to be experimenting with others. It’s also not cheap, with the least expensive model clocking in at a unnerving $350. That's a handle that costs 17.5% of the camera it attaches to (in this case, the E2, though other Z Cam models are both more and less expensive). The handle attaches via a rosette, so you’ll need to get a rosette adapter for your rig. RVLVR Labs offers a slim line version for 40 bucks, though it appears to be designed to attach directly to the camera, and less elegantly to a rig.
The RVLVR has two flywheels. Click either of the wheels and you can switch to another parameter, making it possible to control four parameters from the handle... Shutter, Aperture, ISO, and Focus for example. They recently created an app to let you customize these options, and this includes the ability to have the click itself be a function. If you choose this, then the flywheel only adjust one function because the click acts as the second. I've got my front flywheel to control the Shutter speed, and if I click it will magnify the image. This new app satisfies one of my biggest complaints with the grip, which was not enough flexibility, so I'm really pleased that the folks a RVLVR released this upgrade.
What do I think of the RVLVR Clutch handle? It’s beautiful, as I mentioned. The functionality of the record button and flywheels are great. It’s also very light, which is a mixed blessing. I honestly thought it was made of plastic when I first picked it up. That lightness goes away when attached to the camera, of course, because now they’re a combined weight. And there’s an argument to be made for keeping the handle, and thus the rig, as light as possible. With the Z Cam E2 fully rigged out, it gets heavy. So after my initial dismay, I found I felt just fine about the weight. But the lightness primed me to be more critical of the flywheels. These feel a bit loose and flimsy, and it makes me a little concerned about durability. Only time will tell, really, so keep an eye on those user reviews.
So do I recommend the RVLVR Clutch handle? Well, if you come from the DSLR or Mirrorless world, you’re going to find this type of control almost essential for the Z Cam. It can be frustrating to have to use the on-camera controls, and it's a considerably slower process. Without a control handle, you have to re-grip the camera to change perameters, press once to enter into the right mode, then multiple times to find your setting, and then hit "OK" to return to the preview screen. That's an awkward 5 seconds, and if you're rushed it's easy to make mistakes with the physical buttons on the E2, which are a little springy. Currently the RVLVR handle is the only one on the market that offers control of the camera from where you hold it, so if want that level of control, it's the way to go. With four parameters under your fingertips, you've actually got a little more control than the Mirrorless shooter standing next to you. So, yes, I'm going to say yes, I’d recommend it for the functionality and the visual craftsmanship.
With the advent of Z Cam’s flagship line of 6k and 8k cameras, there are going to be other companies making handle controls in the near future. I’d expect RVLVR to have some competition within the year. To stay competitive, I really hope RVLR Labs tightens up the controller wheels and stress tests the unit to make sure it can survive being banged around a bag, set, and field. If they can improve feel of the handle, I think they can keep their price tag… at least for the time being.
Want one? You buy directly from RVLVR.
Info about the app bit scarce at the moment (they shared it on Z Cam's Facebook page) but you can download it here.
After posting the YouTube version of this review, Nick over at RVLVR (pronounced Revolver, I'm told) reached out to talk about the dial issue. It's great to see they have this on their radar and are taking steps! Not many companies are that responsive. He also shared that the wiggle in wheel is actual a manufacturing design that allows it to click, and not simply loose components. That's a little reassuring.
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