DIY Homebuilt Steadycam Video

Re: DIY Homebuilt Steadycam Video

hey, not bad for 9 bucks! I did the $14 thing... all my tests kinda looked like yours (but I love your bike stuff)... I need to take my own advice and practice, practice, practice... congrats on your investment ;D
 
Re: DIY Homebuilt Steadycam Video

P.K. ... You wait and practice AFTER you go into production. On your own time. Customers are waiting! ;)
 
Re: DIY Homebuilt Steadycam Video

Sorry to say but the video was very shaky. I had a steady tracker extreme that i bought new and once i snap it together my first test was fluid. I didn't even have to practice. I mean once you balance your camera that was it, can't go wrong with it. I guess they're not all the same. I sold my steady tracker extreme recently cause i bought the xl2. If i had the dvx100 i would of kept it. P.K i think you need to have some sort of weight balanced in the middle. At least that's what i had to do with my steady tracker extreme.
 
Re: DIY Homebuilt Steadycam Video

Well let's be fair here. You are comparing a $300 pro built unit to a $9 unit built from a picture saying "make one like this" - It will take some tweaking to get it workable.
 
Re: DIY Homebuilt Steadycam Video

P.K., the video looks pretty good for a first run, ignore the pouters....high end equipment always brings out the jealousy in people ;).

The first thing to do is to move the vertical grip up the pipe, and see where it balances best. Hold on as loosely as possible. (This sounds like one of those 5.99 hotel movies..."The Cheerleader and the Pipefitter")

Don't add weight to the base to make it bottom heavy (mistake), it needs to be neutral to "very very" slightly bottom heavy. The comment "you need to have some sort of weight balanced in the middle" is a mystery to me.

In another past thead asking about moving handheld stabilizers smoothly, I explained a simple exersize I use in workshops....take a glass of water, full to the very top, and practice walking around without spilling any. You'll quickly learn to move smoothly, and how to isolate your arm from the movements of your body....you'll be amazed how well it works.

My bet is your shots will be much more what you're looking for quite quickly.

As far as shoes, no shoes, it really doesn't make any difference.

Pant's, are another matter entirely.


btw, now that you're entering the world of the Steadicam, you'll need to study the Steadicam Operators Manual, it covers EVERYTHING you need to know.

http://filmmakerstore.com/steadicm.htm

Good luck....
 
Re: DIY Homebuilt Steadycam Video

Thanks for all the suggestions and brutal honesty, everyone. That's why this site is the best forum on the Net.

Pookie, your avatar has a steadicam so you must know what you're talking about. Avatars don't lie! ;) Seriously, thanks for the advice. I seem to get steadier shots with no pants. So that answers that question.

Strancali, thanks for the tough love and the tip. And you can say anything you want about my videos. ...I just like looking at your avatar. That's the coolest thing EVER!!!  Man that guy can dance! ;D  My monk can't dance. ...He's not allowed.

Merry Christmas everyone.
P.K.
 
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