First Attempt At DIY Steadicam

B

Buddy Rock

New member
Hey Guys.

Hope you're well!

I'm new to this site :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)

So, I've just built my first DIY steadicam based on the cheesycam design here:
http://vimeo.com/3523137

It's much stabler than handheld but I still get a little side-side sway. I'll upload the video tomorrow to show you guys. Maybe I haven't balanced it right.

Is it true, that the wider the lens, the stabler the film will appear?

It's quite difficult keeping steady (mind the pun) when operating the steadicam. What would you guys recommend to get better at it?

Thanks!
 
A harness.
It's true, wider lense = more stable looking video.
Practice will make you better at it.
I just made one out of a $5 shelf bracket and the key to not much side to side is balance and weight. On mine I noticed that the top weight (camera and accy's) must be "slightly" lighter than the bottom counterbalance. If the bottom is too heavy, the bottom will sway more.
Also you can make a gyro for it by getting two small, not too small, DC electric motors and some 9volts and a switch, mount the motors one horizontal and one vertical orientations. That will prevent pitching and yawing and stabilize your shots will improve everything and let you use less wide lenses when appropriate.
 
I don't know much about electronics but willing to give it a go.

Do you have a video to this to show me how it would work?

Thanks
 
Ok here's the video I made to show the balance issues. I've used various amounts of counterweight (square plate washers)

http://www.vimeo.com/25463924

The camera still sways. I just need some more advice on balancing this.

Its probably difficult to decide what weight balances the steadicam as all the videos seem the same! Hopefully you can help though!

Thanks
 
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