My Under 40.00 Steadicam

[Matt Sconce]

I have designed and used this steadicam-ish stabilizer for all of the events I have done. It has paid for itself well over 300 times its original cost. It produces great footage. I can go up steps and also, sprint full out and still seem to be on "wheels"http://www.eagleasda.com/Steady_Cam_plan_Main.jpg


http://www.eagleasda.com/Steady_Cam_plan_Other_Views.jpg



I am not claiming this is a true steadicam, just that it "Steadies the Cam" for me. :-)

[mikkowilson]

Matt,
Prety decent results.

Seems to be a homemade version of the "Steadytracker" and I suspect it will yield similar results.
Also resembles that $14 thing, but your's is based on the right principles, and really in only related in the materials used.

Still showing some wobble and 'bounce' as you don't have a gimble in there. But especially compared to handheld it looks prety good. Practice practice!

How long can you fly that thing? Looks *really* heavy. - I lighter grip would keep it more stable.

Nice simple hombuild though. Good work.

- Mikko

[cheezweezl]

i made the exact same thing a while back. derived from the "$14 steadicam design" i used a bmx bicycle grip on mine. perfect fit on that pipe and has a big rubber ring for the hand rest. for handheld, this thing is pretty smooth.

[marlenedegrood]

Hey that's great! May have to do some modifications to my homemade steadicam. I'm only using one 2.5lb weight and that's just not enough. Thanks!

Marlene

[Matt Sconce]

Thanks guys! I can fly the thing all day, but I couldn't at the start. I really builds your arms up. I actually use this during the ceremony from the front to get different angles and such, which makes it appear in edit, that I had several different cameras at the front of the wedding. I can hold it through a wedding ceremony and fly it all reception long. You get used to it after a while.

[Matt Sconce]

Some friends just made two of these in San Diego and are amazed at how they work. Extending the weights so they are directly under the nose and rear battery of the camera stops all camera shake completely. If you practice by holding a cup of water and running around without the water moving in the cup (Using your arm and legs as shock absorbers) then you can pull off "dolly like shots" with this device. Good luck and happy building!

[crazycatz]

hey matt, how long is the veritcal piece of pipe? and would you be able to attach a sled tothe top to give the camera more support, or would that take away from the smoothness of it?

[J.R. Hudson]

Thanks guys! I can fly the thing all day

I'd pay money to watch that !

[Jim Brennan]

I built a similar one, and the one recommendation I would make, to protect your investment, (meaning the camera) is to make some sort of sled. Putting the DVX on that screw, even with a big washer made me nervous. So I took the top off of a thrift store tripod and attached it to the top of the shaft. It doesn't use the same size QR plate as my 503 head, but that would be asking way too much for that kind of cash.

[crazycatz]

would a piece of 1/2" wood with the screw going through the middle work as a sled for the camera to sit on? thats what i was thinking of doing...

[twocik23]

The footage is good, not feeling the song though. NICE JOB!

[Jim Brennan]

would a piece of 1/2" wood with the screw going through the middle work as a sled for the camera to sit on? thats what i was thinking of doing...
Sure. You can use a pipe flange to attach it. Screw the flange to the wood, with the screw for the cam sticking through, then put the flange on the pipe.

[Matt Sconce]

Thank you guys! The sled is a great idea!

[mikkowilson]

I'd pay money to watch that !

Me too.



BTW, that whole thing you have there is what is refered to as the "Sled"

The bit at the top where the camera attaches (that is beeing discussed for a peice of plywood) is called the "Stage"

- Mikko

[rook]

I built a similar thing that works well. I attached an inderslung cage for low shots that works nice.

I like the small weights on a T. I may modify mine.

-rook

[Matt Sconce]

Thanks guys! I can fly the thing all day, but I couldn't at the start. I really builds your arms up. I actually use this during the ceremony from the front to get different angles and such, which makes it appear in edit, that I had several different cameras at the front of the wedding. I can hold it through a wedding ceremony and fly it all reception long. You get used to it after a while.

I'd pay money to watch that !

Me too.

Come on over to Fresno, CA, and bring the cash and I will gladly take you up on the offer. I can always use some extra cash! :grin:

Seriously though, once you build up your muscle's endurance, you can hold a thing like this for a long time. It is a life saver for my shots as I cannot afford to buy a proffessional device.