JimmyBox News & Reviews
Los Angeles Final Cut Pro User Group
by David A. Saraceno -
February 2007
Originally engineered as a wireless audio receiver holder for professional digital video cams, the JimmyBox (large) doubles as a lightweight, economical and sturdy cage to house the FS-100 DTE (see lafcpug review) under a HVX200. The enclosure weighs five (5) ounces and is constructed of extruded aluminum in a black finish. Its deck is lined with soft Velcro to simultaneously protect the FS-100 and hold it securely. The company recommends attaching Velcro on the battery side of the FS-100 to better fasten the DTE. At a diminutive 1.42" x3.65x 4.0", the JB(L) is a tight fit for the FS-100, but this contributes to a more secure placement as well. I never was concerned about having the FireStore slip out of the cage. While Focus elects a topside placement for its camera mount, the JimmyBox is fastened to the cam's bottom. This arrangement facilitates a better-balanced marriage of the two devices. The company provides a one-page instruction sheet for attaching the cage, but everything is pretty self-explanatory. It does recommend, however, that users place a few strips of gaffers tape adjacent to the mounting holes at the cam's bottom.
The cage is aligned to the pin insert, and attaches with a supplied _-inch screw. Once secured to the cam, you can immediately attach your quick release plate, or install the support arm and then the plate to it. Either way, the configuration is solid and well balanced. The arm provides additional support for run/gun or hand held shooting, and operates as separate arm for use with your tripod. It includes six separate mounting holes for positioning and a versatile handle that can be attached above or below the arm. A fully attached JB(L) and arm is both lightweight and stable enough for hand held, and tripod use. It is strong and sufficiently rigid to remain attached when storing or transporting the cam. Focus has tested the JimmyBox and has approved its use with the FS-100. The small size and extruded aluminum design makes the JB(L) is a solid, low cost and versatile device for mounting the FS-100. It is reasonably priced, well balanced, can house audio recording units as well, and was designed by a shooter to meet specific shooting needs. This is a nice accessory for anybody shooting with the HVX200 and FS-100.
Copyright ©2007 David A. Saraceno
Video Systems - August 1, 2004 -
Wireless for run-and-gun
Just about anyone using the latest wireless mic system with a MiniDV camcorder faces the same problem: Stick the transmitter on the camcorder's side, and the rig becomes awkward when shooting documentaries, news, and other run-and-gun projects. Emmy award-winning DP James O'Donnell solves that by his JimmyBox; the holder keeps a wireless audio receiver securely out of the way, with no chance of getting bumped or falling off as can happen with improvised rigs. (Put that gaffer tape away!) The JimmyBox's support arm also keeps the camera stable when shooting handheld, according to the inventor, and it even functions as a second tripod handle when mounted on a tripod.
WEVA International - Industry News - May 21, 2004
JimmyBox Wireless Audio Receiver Holder for Pro Mini DV Cameras
JimmyBox, a wireless audio receiver holder for today’s smaller professional DV cameras, is now available and shipping, the manufacturer has announced.
It is compatible with products from Sony, Panasonic, Canon, JVC and other similar size professional DV-format cameras, and used to keep the size and weight of the camera rig and audio accessories down.
JimmyBox’s support arm keeps the camera stable during handheld shooting, and when focusing, the manufacturer describes. It can function as a second tripod handle when mounted on a tripod. The support arm is adjustable for individual preference and comfort. The handle mounts either above or below the support arm, and can be changed without tools.
The inside of the JimmyBox is lined with Velcro; the unit works with wireless audio receivers by major manufacturers including Sony, Sennheiser, AKG and Lectrosonics.
The product was devloped by James O’Donnell, a 20-year veteran of the film and television industry.
By Elina Shatkin
May 18, 2004, 07:08
Director of Photography James O’Donnell, a 20-year veteran of the film and television industry, has unveiled JimmyBox a wireless audio receiver holder designed to work with today’s smaller professional DV cameras. It is compatible with Sony PD150 and PD170, Panasonic DVX100 and DVX100A, Canon, JVC and other similar size professional DV-format cameras used by shooters of reality TV programming, high-end documentaries and newsmagazines. JimmyBox is ideal for any run-’n-gun situations where shooters want to keep the size and weight of their camera rig down.
It wasn’t so long ago that using a wireless audio receiver was considered taking a chance, but as wireless audio technology matured more shooters began taking advantage of it. Initially, wireless audio receiver holders were easily mounted to larger Betacam camera rigs but as professional mini DV-format cameras became a more popular choice for broadcast, other solutions were required.
He has been honored with six Best Show Emmy Awards and one technical Emmy for his camera work on “Sesame Street” and was nominated for an Emmy for Best Single-Camera Photography for field segments of “Reading Rainbow.” O’Donnell’s documentary work has taken him to remote locations around the world where his lighting, aerial camera and special-rigging experience have been challenged time and again.
O’Donnell field tested his cost-effective JimmyBox for approximately 18 months when he shot six episodes of the Showtime original documentary series, “What’s Going On?” Co-produced by RCN Entertainment and the United Nations. Some of the hosts on location included Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, Lawrence Fishurn, Tim Robbins, Danny Glover, Meg Ryan and Sonia Braga. The series dealt with children in crisis situations worldwide and took O’Donnell to Brazil, India, Trinidad, Northern Ireland, New York City and West Virginia.
JimmyBox’s support arm keeps the camera stable when shooting handheld especially when focusing and also functions as a second tripod handle when mounted on a tripod. The support arm is adjustable to five different positions to allow for different hand sizes and individual set ups. The handle is designed to mount either above or below the support arm for shooter preference and can be quickly changed without tools in just a few seconds.
In addition, the interior of JimmyBox is lined with soft Velcro to help protect the wireless audio receiver and hold it comfortably in place. The unit works with wireless audio receivers by all major manufacturers including Sony, Sennheiser, AKG and Lectrosonics.
In addition to accommodating all popular professional mini DV cameras, JimmyBox is the ideal size to work with JVC’s small HD video camera.
