Shoot Tools: VariZoom VZ PG-EX

Heavy-duty aluminum housing. Price: $499

With the latest generations of small camcorders sometimes awkward to hold for any length of time, add-on grips and handles that work remotely from the camera could save your technique. VariZoom has made just such gear for years, and the company keeps it up with the VZ PG-EX: The pistol-grip control works with Sony's latest PMW-EX1 and PMW-EX3. Offering direct, remote zoom control, the unit employs a pressure-sensitive zoom rocker — which can be clamped to tripod handles, jibs, or support bars. Other features include a red record/pause button, a video return button (plays back last 5 seconds of recording), and rubber-foam grip with a pistol-grip curve for comfort.