The Canon C300 mkII isn’t available yet, but that hasn’t stopped rig makers from rushing to announce new accessories for it. Dutch firm Vocas have chosen to offer their own cheeseplate to replace the Canon top helmet that comes as standard with the camera.
   

The Vocas version has multiple attachment points and the ability to add 15mm top rods to the front of the camera. These should allow easy mounting of focus motors and other accessories. A top handle with wooden handgrip then attaches to the cheeseplate to provide a secure grip, and the ability to mount a regular ENG-style camera strap.

The C300 MKII LCD/audio jackpack unit can then be relocated slightly towards the operator by using the new Vocas viewfinder extension plate.

The C300 MKII works with existing Vocas baseplates, but the company have a new version that has a number of improvements. The new generation Universal Shoulder Base Plate (USBP) works with many cameras and the biggest innovation is that the camera can attach to the plate via a quick release dovetail-type mount. This clever design means that the camera can be quickly separated from the rig for mounting onto a gimbal or other device.

According to the company, other improvements include an increase in the range of the height adjustability. Stability when using a broadcast-style VCT-14 quick release plate has also been improved. Overall rigidity of the plate has been increased and the shoulder pad is now removable and adjustable without tools.

The C300 MKII rig and several other new products from Vocas will be on display at the IBC show in Amsterdam next month.