Plans for a steadicam.

A

Andrew_Mclean

Member
Could someone email me some plans for a steadicam for the DVX100. I have found a person here in Bangkok who reckons he can build anything if he has the plans. email to bangkokindieclub@yahoo.com

PS
Zoomforce you say you use the Glidecam 2000, can you run with it and still get steady shots. Plus what did you pay for it.
Being a DVXuser member can we not get a deal?
 
Re: Plans for a steadicam.

Glidecam isn't the same thing as a steadicam. You can run with a glidecam but you will get some drift here and there. It will not be perfectly steady. A steadicam gives you a very steady shot mostly because it's connected to a spring loaded arm which is attached to a vest you wear on your chest. This takes the pressure off your wrist as well.
Try Ebay and I think they have steadicam plans for sale there. Or do a google search. Plans themselves aren't that expensive.

storyteller32
http://www.industryofwar.com
 
Re: Plans for a steadicam.

I checked out Cody Deegan but he is no longer selling his plans. Do I need a rig that has vest and arm or will a hand held version work just as well for the DVX100.
The pics and notes at homebuiltstabilizers just don't give enough info. Should I just buy the Glidecam 2000 pro or do you recommend spending the bucks on making one with arm and vest? To be honest I am rather confused what to do. People have said I could buy the plans from ebay but when I search for steadicam plans nothing is there. Surely there must be an easier way to get my hands on some complete step 1 step 2 etc plans. Any help will be rewarded in your next life.
 
Re: Plans for a steadicam.

There are some plans on the internet, somewhere out there, for a $14 homebuilt glidecam style stabilizer. It works just fine appearently. All you really need is a plate for the camera, a short pole to hold onto, and a base with some weight to balance the rig out. Once you get the top and bottom balanced from where your hand holds on, you have a stabilizer that will work just fine.

Check here: http://www.student.virginia.edu/~fms-uva/steadycam/

Also: http://www.vfx.co.nz/build.html

hope it helps.
 
Re: Plans for a steadicam.

"People have said I could buy the plans from ebay but when I search for steadicam plans nothing is there. Surely there must be an easier way to get my hands on some complete step 1 step 2 etc plans. Any help will be rewarded in your next life."

Hi there Andrew. Just thought to help you out a little here. First of all. How much work are you willing to put down on building a stabilizer for your camera?

People don't understand or maybe are just confused about the issue of a stabilizer. If a person wants impeccable performance from a stabilizer you are not going to get it from some step i and two sets of plans. Everything depnds on your needs and how much you are willing to put down on achieving your goal.

Now, if you just want to do a few shots with simple movements then a simple hand held device will probably be the right choice. If you want something that will be used in a lot of productions day in an day out with lots of versatility then a full rig system will definately be your best bet.
Now, My good friend Cody, a member on our forum, has stop production due to his involvement in many upcoming productions. Like someone mentioned ealier, he might just consider putting this into .pdf which might be later on down the line.He is also considering other alternatives.

There are many different designs out there and most can be found on the HBS website under 'tips'. The forum provides many helpful answers to the type of system you wish to build. One thing I must state, is that the HBS host info, so much as one member here stipulated, that it is a nightmare for anyone stabilizer manufacturer or an upcoming crook who will use it to sell thier ridiculous product. One of the reasons why the HBS do not host any particular plan is because there are no one way or method to build a system. The easiest is to know exactly what you want by means of criterias and build from them. I tell this to all new comers or those interested in building a system.

You have to understand how the system works in order to get the best out of it. It's not just putting a couple of things together and thinking it will work right outta the bag. Even the steadicam systems needs lots of practice to get descent shots.

When I met one of the operators on the matrix series we had a good discussions on operations. One thing he mentioned that it took time to learn to get good shots. Pratice Practice an then Practice.

So know what you want in terms of performance and then build it using tools of the trade, if it's possible. I've been building for six years and still improving on my rig. I've built so many as you can see on HBS under 'past pics' that it is almost a norm. Trail and errors will be unavoidable so expect that.
I apoloigies for the long post but thought I'd clarify things.
 
Re: Plans for a steadicam.

good point.. I remeber spending almost $500 in parts over time to build just the normal handheld stabalizer.. It just never worked right, and finally I said screw it and paid the $300 for a glidecam 2000. It was fun trying to build one, but I didnt have a machine shop and at the end it looked like crap and since I am by no means an engineer It probally never would of worked as well.
 
Re: Plans for a steadicam.

Another point to those who actually buy these devices usually gave in after a couple of days claiming the device doesn't work, due to bad shots. All this can be pointed to not knowing how to balance or walk properly with the device. You have to remember, We make the machines and we have to train to know how to use it.
Building a device is possible and can reap rewads but you have to know haow to use it and know it's limitation. That's all. Nothing is impossible - my motto 8)
 
Re: Plans for a steadicam.

Thanks Johan. Which part of sweden are you residing?
I'm in Avesta.
BTW. I just checked out your site. Some really awesome clips. Skit bra! 8)
 
Re: Plans for a steadicam.

Hehe, thanks charles. I currently live in Stockholm. Yeah, the DVX can really give you some nice images. Too bad I haven't had enough time playing around with it. This will hopefully change soon. In the meantime, here's some nice autumn colors for you guys.




autumn.jpg


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Johan Lundberg
TECHCREW SWEDEN
 
Re: Plans for a steadicam.

Yeah, kinda sweet =)
I love the DOF when you're down to macro shooting.

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Johan Lundberg
TECHCREW SWEDEN
 
Re: Plans for a steadicam.

Fantastic! Great shot. :oEh Johan. How would you like to take part in the making of a music video I'm working on? I would love to use you and your camera. I'm working together with someone who has a XL1. Let me know.
 
Re: Plans for a steadicam.

Charles, that sounds like alot of fun, actually I'm probably going to be involved in shooting another music video using 2 dvx100s sometime in the near future. Would be great to do yours as well!

What kind of music is it, and when is it planned to be shot? drop me a mail with some more info please!

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Johan Lundberg
TECHCREW SWEDEN
 
Re: Plans for a steadicam.

I'll send you some details through your mail. I'm still trying to get the song remastered and a good location. It's going to be a simple video but powerful. Do you know anyone who is good at storyboarding?
 
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