I am going to be filming a mixed martial arts competition that will be used as a pilot to pitch it to a state wide cable service. I will be using 3 cameras and filming in high definition and downconverting to 4:3 standard. The ring is 6 sided and has 3 halogen lights clamped above 3 of the corners of the ring on poles that extend up from the sides. (the sides are 6 ft tall and chain link).

So, here is where I am asking you for help. One camera I am going to set up further away from the ring and up high (clamp it to a ladder or something). The other two will be manned. The two manned cameras will be set on opposite sides of the ring under 2 of the lights. The operators will be on ladders or something similar so tripods cannot be used. I am looking into some shoulder mounts or a steady stick that attaches at the waist. Do you guys have any suggestions? I already have a shoulder braced steadier, but it is not the greatest when it comes to shoots that last for a couple of hours.

I have 3 Sony HVR-A1U's.

Here is where I have been looking. What do you think about these: This one and this one.

j razz