DIY Camera EasyRig

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ok I think everyone's seen the idea of a tent pole sticking out of a backpack suspending the camera from a wire over your shoulder for improved stability of "handheld" type work.

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Has anyone tried building one of these? I found a link to a guy who's done just that http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Easyrig-Overhead-Camera-Support/?ALLSTEPS but looking for ways to improve upon it.

I wonder if some suspension would be good in the line, and/or possible some shock absorption in the arm connected to the base.

Thoughts, dreams, opinions?
 
i think these things (they were called "turtle packs" i think?) didnt sell well when they came out (as i recall 20 years or so ago) because most people like to have sex from time to time. and using this would almost guaranty that would never happen again!

all kidding aside. i dont think its going to be that helpful as a run and gun "stabilizer" and all a suspension device would do is make it bounce.
 
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I would just shell out the 3k+ for the real thing. There's more then just a bungy cord and a pole with a easy rig. The way that's setup you couldn't pull the rig down to support you while your shooting low. Your basically locked into shooting shoulder height. I wouldn't trust my camera weight on that, or my back. Plus my days of DIY rigs are long over with the clients I shoot for. Easyrigs are so worth the money and is gonna last a long time.
 
Well, I work in the industrial industry and if you are looking to add a device that would retract and allow you to balance a camera i would look at something like this:

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http://www.amazon.com/Chicago-Pneum...&qid=1402108372&sr=1-1&keywords=tool+balancer

We use these to almost the same thing on assembly lines to hold the tool suspended in air for easy access and use. You can adjust the tension and the retracting ability. It would be great to mount it to your rig above and string the cable where the actual unit is int he back of you not at the top.
 
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It's true that there is more than just a bungee cord to the EasyRig, I have disassembled and reassembled one myself. It uses a shock absorber with a pulley wheel system attached to each end, you then thread the cord through, and attach the assembly to the inside of the column in the back then route the cord over two roller bearings and then out the hole at the top. It's a great system but pricey for what it actually is.

I have done some research and found the best options seem to be tool balancers as Aaron Jones has said. Take for example this:

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http://cinemaoxide.com/zero-g.php#

Some of you out there may have seen this contraption before. This is a prototype, as far as I can tell, which uses an adjustable tool balancer, particularly an Aero-Motive brand from what it looks like. You can get one to match the weight of whatever camera you want to throw on it. Search for them on eBay, they go for $100 or under for an 18-24lbs version.

The backpack took a little more time to track down, but I finally found it here:

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http://www.amazon.com/Deuter-Kid-Comfort-Black-Stone/dp/B004IZ40H2

Simply remove the child holder portion and you have a very strong rigid backpack with an integrated metal frame.

The pipe system bolted onto the frame seems simple enough to fabricate and just stick in a couple roller bearings at key points and you should have your DIY EasyRig for less than $1000, and probably more adjustable than one of it's pricier cousins.

I have been considering making one myself but I have too many other projects gathering dust at the moment. Got to finish my 16"x20" camera first...
 
Aaron Jones said:
Excuse my inexperience, but what about something like this for $689 that would keep a steady shot.

http://www.glidegear.net/product/gl...stabilization-kit-with-dna-5050-dna-vest-and/

Click to expand...


It's a different kind of stabilization. Different aesthetic, as well as different utility. Steadicam shots, in my opinion and for the most part, are used to when you want to minimize the noticeability of camera movement. That being said, there are quite a few examples of crazy Steadicam shots that make you sit back in amazement, but that was the intention of the filmmakers most likely. Steadicam shots have a detached, clinical feel to them.

Handheld technique gives a humanness to the composition, whether that be in a reality show or on a dramatic feature. They have fallibility, which I believe makes them more relatable. This is the reason why the EasyRig has been such a popular tool, it allows for handheld shooting while minimizing the strain you put on your body from simply slinging it over your shoulder.

Just my opinions, but you should select which tool best suits your intended outcome. Others feel free to share your thoughts, this might turn into a Stabilizer/Handheld discussion.
 
Oscar thanks for clearing that up for me. I'm current 350Lbs so I'm sure one of those would not fit me right now anyway, LOL! As I said before I'm not that experienced. I have a little more than a year filming. I just jumped in and started learning trial by fire. I did a few gigs for free and then started charging. Business is starting to pick up but mainly because my wife's Photography is awesome and they are drawn by that and they hire for video too because of convenience. Each gig I get better and better. That being said when I shoot weddings and I want to go hand held for other shots what would you say would be the best stabilizer for something like the EA50? I'm learning to be more stable with it using the pull out shoulder pad, but would the EasyRig be a considerable option? It seems practical for the reception and outside festivities, just curious. Looking to see you professionals think.
 
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I think people are missing the point of the Easyrigs. They aren't as much for stabilization as they are to redistribute the weight of broadcast cameras from you shoulders to your whole torsoe. Just like with a steadicam vests, it takes pressure off of your back and let's your legs to most of the heavy lifting.
 
egproductions said:
I think people are missing the point of the Easyrigs. They aren't as much for stabilization as they are to redistribute the weight of broadcast cameras from you shoulders to your whole torsoe. Just like with a steadicam vests, it takes pressure off of your back and let's your legs to most of the heavy lifting.
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I can see that, but looking at the apparatus it does look like you would be able to be in hand held more comfortably where you can get good shots for a longer period of time. Depending on the tension that in on the cable whether if it is adjustable to hold at a certain level then it will help make the cam more stable for a longer period of time. Again just by looking at it that something I kind see not sure if I'm right or not because i never used one.
 
i've had DIY'ing a system like this on my todos for awhile. interesting to see how the other folks/manufacturers are doing it, certainly nudges me to get my sketches off the paper
 
If you're in a studio or setting where you don't have to move around too quickly you can make this super cheap DIY version of an easy rig. Works great!

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I ordered a used Load Balancer off eBay and I'm waiting for that to show up. I'm planning on building something up to see how it works.
 
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