Cheap stabilization rigs - pics!

[Matthew Bennett]

Planning on making a very cheap wooden pad that comes off the camera, and then sort of impacts/sits on chest

Just a very small stabilizer for handheld work, something so the camera's 'arm' can be a little more braced to the body.
(photos here)

[Madmanden]

(critique here)

:D

[theabsurdman]

how about this?

http://www-2.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/steadycam/

cost: $14


Planning on making a very cheap wooden pad that comes off the camera, and then sort of impats/sits on chest
(photos here)

[Matthew Bennett]

Yeah, but not so big, in keeping with the stealth model. It just seems hard to hold this camera out from the body without surgeon-steady hands.

Also, I'm incredibly cheap. I'll make anything I can except something I don't have the ability to manufacture. It drives me nuts I can't make my own chips+cameras. See my andromeda/m2 rig here:

http://www.qmediasolutions.com/guest/CAMERA_TESTS/Rig_1.jpg

scrap wood and felt: cost, $0.00, an afternoon. yes I know it also looks like it... It's actually relaxing and fun to make your own 'crafts' sometimes, too.

[Matthew Bennett]

(critique here)

:D

nice

[utako.o]

D90 will inspire a great resurgence in the fig rig since it means a small lcd screen can be attached as well. although i'm unaware at the moment (since my d90 won't arrive till the 19th) how good the video out is to drive a focusing screen.

[Kholi]

D90 will inspire a great resurgence in the fig rig since it means a small lcd screen can be attached as well. although i'm unaware at the moment (since my d90 won't arrive till the 19th) how good the video out is to drive a focusing screen.

Just talked about this with someone a few days ago. The Fig Rig + D90 will be a great tool, the issue will be focusing the lenses when you're on it. One handed = Shakey, off-Balanced.

[utako.o]

the issue will be focusing the lenses when you're on it. One handed = Shakey, off-Balanced.

dang! i forgot about that... i'm so used to my varizoom controller.

but focusing for me is moot. i am gonna pretend it's 1940:
where film stock was iso 50, requiring a couple 5K hot lights to expose a small background and the fifty pound cameras were all on sticks. using the d90 to shoot similar static shots will be a breeze by comparision.


also, we should keep our fingers crossed and hope that a focusing screen soon becomes available
http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/cat--Nikon-DSLRs--cat_nikon.html

it will minimize the dependance on requiring external lcds in guerrilla shooting situations.

[ekai]

The bushhawk looks pretty tempting.

http://bushhawk.shopol.com/Item/BH-220D.htm

One hand to stabilize (maybe even able to half press the shutter for VR) and the other to follow focus.

Maybe get the safety orange one just to be on the safe side when out in public.

[ekai]

dang! i forgot about that... i'm so used to my varizoom controller.

also, we should keep our fingers crossed and hope that a focusing screen soon becomes available
http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/cat--Nikon-DSLRs--cat_nikon.html

it will minimize the dependance on requiring external lcds in guerrilla shooting situations.

This will only be good for manual focusing stills, D-Movie goes through Live View which bypasses the mirror.

[ESTEBEVERDE]

I am sure we can design a sweet rig that uses mass to balance.

Shouldn't be that hard.

I will be building a few when my D90s arrive and will post them if they don't completely suck arse.

[Matthew Bennett]

I like the bushhawk form factor, think I'll imitate that actually... thanks for posting

[ESTEBEVERDE]

Awesome!

Can't wait to see it!

[kevm14]

The bushhawk looks pretty tempting.

http://bushhawk.shopol.com/Item/BH-220D.htm

One hand to stabilize (maybe even able to half press the shutter for VR) and the other to follow focus.

Maybe get the safety orange one just to be on the safe side when out in public.

VR is already supported when you start recording. And I believe touching the shutter will result in the mirror coming down and LV/movie ending, since it assumes you want to take a still. This is a good thing, of course.

[ekai]

VR is already supported when you start recording. And I believe touching the shutter will result in the mirror coming down and LV/movie ending, since it assumes you want to take a still. This is a good thing, of course.

I played with D90 at Photoshop Qorld and it seemed the only way to get VR to work was to hold the shutter half way down as though you are autofocusing unless there is a VR hold I'm not aware of. The only thing I'm not sure with the bushhawk is if the cable release allows the user to lightly press it as though it were auto focusing or it will just go straight to releasing the shutter.

VR is not even really necessary by seeing how the camera is using the shoulder but like you said Kev it will be great for those times you want a still of what you are shooting. No need to reach up ackwardly and press the shutter button.

[John Caballero]

The situation as far as I have figured out is that as long as you pan slowly or move the camera up and down the same way, you can get a pretty smooth and stable image even hand held. But the second you shake it or briefly till it up and down, there goes the image wobbling. And that becomes a problem when you are focusing on the fly because the tendency will be to move it as you do. I don't know how this will work out with a rig, the only sure thing I know so far is use it on a tripod.

[kevm14]

I played with D90 at Photoshop Qorld and it seemed the only way to get VR to work was to hold the shutter half way down as though you are autofocusing unless there is a VR hold I'm not aware of.

By all accounts if VR is switched on at the lens, when you press the OK button in LV to record, VR engages. At least they thought of that...

[Kholi]

Up for this thread:

Glidecam 2000? Plenty of room to pull focus with one hand. And with the camera built up with a mattebox and FF I could see this working out nicely.

Any thoughts?

[Kholi]

The bushhawk looks pretty tempting.

http://bushhawk.shopol.com/Item/BH-220D.htm

One hand to stabilize (maybe even able to half press the shutter for VR) and the other to follow focus.

Maybe get the safety orange one just to be on the safe side when out in public.

Mmm. I don't know about this. Not for moving images. You still have to walk with it against your shoulder which invites shake regardless.

[Madmanden]

How about the Hauge MMC?

http://www.b-hague.co.uk/Camcorder%20Stabilizer%20HCS3.htm

[NikonGuy]

How about the Hauge MMC?

http://www.b-hague.co.uk/Camcorder%20Stabilizer%20HCS3.htm

Looks neat, but apparently it's intended for cameras up to 0.8kg in weight. D90 is 0.7kg with battery and no lens so it will easily go over that weight with a lens attached.

The Hague - HCS which is slightly down the page is probably better as it supports up to 3kg.

[Kholi]

I'm really thinkin' the ole GlideCam is the way to go. hmmm.

[Joseph Stunzi]

I'm really thinkin' the ole GlideCam is the way to go. hmmm.

I'm with Kholi on this one. As a fellow Glidecam 4000 user myself. I must say that the GL2000 will adapt to the D90 in the most cost effective manner out there.

It's easy to balance and also enables the camera to be quickly removed. Additionally you can use the arm brace if your rig get's too heavy for you.


I wouldn't recommend the GL 4000 with a HVX200 with mattebox, but I would recommend it for a D90 with mattebox and accessories.

[Kholi]

I'm with ya, Joseph. I think a D90 with a decent mattebox, rails, FF and maybe one or two other doo-dads would play nice on a GL2000 and a MonoPod.

Think I'm gonna have to grab both of those. Let me ask ya, though, you think a GL4000 + HPX170Ultimate Full out setup would be too heavy?

[Joseph Stunzi]

Define full out setup? Obviously the HPX170 is more in the DVX weight range. What acceessories are you talking about.

[Kholi]

Ne'er mind. i gots it.

Ty Joseph.

[stoiqa]

ModoSteady?
http://modo.manfrotto.com/

[Joseph Stunzi]

The GL2000 or GL4000 from Glidecam give you more options for upgrades as well as more weight options.

If the Canon HV20 is supposidly too heavy for the ModoSteady. I would definitely go with the Glidecam for the Nikon D90!

[Joseph Stunzi]

Here's some good demo of the GL2000. Although corny, it shows so good use.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=839147765674633260&ei=-V3MSLbAKIz6qAL349HdAg&q=Glidecam+2000&vt=lf

[ESTEBEVERDE]

The GL2000 or GL4000 from Glidecam give you more options for upgrades as well as more weight options.

If the Canon HV20 is supposidly too heavy for the ModoSteady. I would definitely go with the Glidecam for the Nikon D90!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixA92dO-1gg

[Joseph Stunzi]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixA92dO-1gg

I watched this dude's video. He does a pretty decent review. Personally, I wouldn't go for the ModoSteady. It's a Steadicam Merlin/Junior look-a-like with some added "bonuses" like a tabletop mount and a shoulder brace. However, it does have the advantage of price point being $200. The tripod legs turning into the grip would just bother me. There's no brace for it at all! And it can only handle up to 1.6 lbs load capacity.

Bottom line on the ModoSteady:
The Nikon D90 body weight 1.375 lbs.
The standard lens that comes with the camera is the Nikkor 18-105 VR weight 0.925 lbs.
Therefore going on camera specs... that ModoSteady cannot work with the D90+lens combination.

It'd be great for those little pocket cameras, just not this situation.

[NikonGuy]

Doesnt get any cheaper then this....

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1041948/1_image_stabilizer_for_any_camera_lose_the_tripod/

Looks like it could be useful for D90 video.

[Joseph Stunzi]

NikonGuy,

That's a pretty interesting idea. My only thing is how well would that work while moving through a house? It seems to be built more for static shots.

[NikonGuy]

NikonGuy,

That's a pretty interesting idea. My only thing is how well would that work while moving through a house? It seems to be built more for static shots.

Thats true. I was just thinking for those that take casual shots around town or at a concert or those situations where you stand still with the camera but dont want to carry a tripod around.

I have no idea if this works though, it just seemed cheap and simple from the video and in theory should help a little with the hand shake.

[Joseph Stunzi]

Keep in mind my friend this is a "community for filmmaking" so most people are looking for solutions like shouldermounts, steadicams, and other higher grade stabilization systems. I think the best solution for around the house shots is always a monopod. You add stability and control to your setup at a low cost.

[Thebes]

Does anyone have any thoughts on how well or poorly doing follow focus with a glidecam 2000 would work?

My proposed technique would be to lightly touch the lenses focus ring with two fingers, rather than moving the camera from near the gimbal mount. The only balancing stabilizer I have used was the $15 "poor man's steadicam" type. I know that 35mm shooters use a full on steadicam for this with wireless follow focus and an assistant- that is current far out of the scope of my budget and ability.

I guess I want to know if this seems like it would work better than just handholding with a strap to help stabilize it, which is what I'm currently doing- that works ok for short shots but it is very difficult and just produces ok results.

[Joseph Stunzi]

Well... depending on how heavy your rig is, you might be able to maintain proper focus with on a glidecam 2000. Keep in mind that your arm is going to get tired over time because all of the weight of the camera is put on your forearm and wrist holding the grip.

You're going to move the camera follow focusing most likely, but if you practice... i think it's doable.

[ESTEBEVERDE]

Isn't their a mock up of a matbox, follow focus, and shoulder rig for the D90?

[Joseph Stunzi]

Well I haven't finished the post yet, but there's an actual rig already available through Zacuto using their new micro-baseplate.

http://img.skitch.com/20080920-cfqqgqd7uyhcnyfs71h5j5833y.jpg

Should work like a charm.

[Joseph Stunzi]

Well... the picture before was actually photoshopped and showed the camera on their universal baseplate which is longer than the new micro-baseplate.

This is an actual rig! No photoshopping!

[ESTEBEVERDE]

Yep. That's the one.

Crazy.

Zacuto is ridiculously beautiful and equally ridiculously expensive!

[Thebes]

I'm sure the Zacuto is too expensive for my budget. I also don't quite see how a single person would both handle the camera and do follow focus with the rig as its got 2 grips.... maybe they have some sort of attachment to manipulate a whip from one of the grips?

I do have one of these eBay shoulder rigs, (http://cgi.ebay.com/For-operators-of-Glidecam-equipment_W0QQitemZ360089927956QQihZ023QQcategoryZ 23780QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) maybe I should try to add a grip to it or something. I didn't even consider it because the ergonomics of the D90 are so different from my HV20 (which took a lot of fenderwashers and such to get to halfway balance)

I'm thinking I'll try the Glidecam 2000 though, its cheap and seems to hold its value well on eBay if it doesn't work out.

[Joseph Stunzi]

You hold one of the grips and focus with the other one. The D90 is so light that you don't need a two hand grip on the rig!

Thebes, what we're bringing up is several options for stabilization in different shots. If you get into the Glidecam 2000, you may not want to use that for every shot. Sometimes a little bit of camera shake is necessary (like for a war flick).

eBay shoulder rigs are creative, but don't give you the modular customizability of the a true 15mm rails system.

I liked the Zacuto micro-baseplate cause it enables you to use a nicer mattebox with your camera! It also enables you to balance it on your shoulder in ENG broadcast style. I guess do whatever works for you.

[NikonGuy]

I had a great steady rig in my closet this whole time and i didnt know it. I totally forgot i had this thing......the Fotosnaiper!

http://hellbilly.net/myndir/temp/fotosnaiper1.jpg

The screw mount is on the middle of the telephotolens so when you mount a camera on it you can easily look at the back of the LCD.

Now i just need a D90. :huh:

[Matthew Bennett]

Whoahhh, that's great! It takes the stealth nature of a d90 and turns it 180 degrees, making it into a device SURE to cause public hysteria!!
What's the TRIGGER for? Does it release shutter?

Argh, that reminds I still have to make a cheap mount and post it on the top of this thread!

[stoiqa]

:)go in DC with that thing

[NikonGuy]

Hehe, yeah it's not excactly stealth, but it works. I guess when i get my D90 ill know if it raises eyebrows. I live in a pretty laid back country so i doubt ill get any trouble, unless im standing in front of some embassy. :huh:

And yeah the trigger works. You have to cock the shutter on the camera, then you can release it with the trigger. The camera is specially adapted for this unit.

[timmytimetravel]

Hmmm. Will try the figrig again when my 50-300mm turns up, put a redrock ff on it, and see if I can pull with a whip :)

In answer to the quality on the lcd thing, same as always, a nice hd lcd which takes/dvi in and is good in sunlight and runs off long idx batteries and lions is great. Just cost as much as the camera body :)

I like the look of the zacuto idea. I have some rails and handles and batteries around from dof adapter rigging and a shoulder pad thing. Think I could do up a zacutoish setup out of spare bits. Might try next few days.

[timmytimetravel]

I had a great steady rig in my closet this whole time and i didnt know it. I totally forgot i had this thing......the Fotosnaiper!

http://hellbilly.net/myndir/temp/fotosnaiper1.jpg

The screw mount is on the middle of the telephotolens so when you mount a camera on it you can easily look at the back of the LCD.

Now i just need a D90. :huh:

Oh. And love it!

Wasn't there someone who was using a camera to inject phantom images into tourists photography remotely using infrared or flash or something? Thought I read that on gizmodo or engadget once...

The Fotosnaiper would have really completed that rig!