How To Build Your DIY Camera Stabilizer - Steadicam

Everything I know about building a DIY steadicam is now is in this new guide. Learn how to get amazing cinematic video with this cool gadget that you can build using parts from your local hardware store.

If you don't like the material, no worries. I'll give you your money back and you get to keep the guide. Guaranteed!


  • Printable PDF document
  • Instant Digital Download
  • 60 Days Money Back Guarantee 
  • Prompt Refunds No Questions Asked
  • One Time Payment/No BS
  • 2 FREE Bonuses:
    • How To Build a DIY Camera Slider
    • 3 Ways To Get Clients as a Videographer (you'll be surprised to find out what the first method is...)
Add To Cart DIY Steadicam Ebook

---

DIY Glidecam
DIY Camera Stabilizer
DIY Steadicam

Want to get smooth, movie-like footage?

You can build yourself a camera stabilizer, also known as a steadicam or glidecam. It's basically device that isolates the camera from the movement of your hand. So, when you watch a video shot with a DIY steadicam, you have the feeling that the camera is flying.
-----
Since I'm no longer selling the DIY Highball steadicam, you may wanna check out these other camera stabilizers. Click on any picture.
GoPro Smoothee Stabilizer by Steadicam
Glidecam HD 2000
Flycam Stabilizer
Check out the stabilizers on Amazon Canada, Amazon.UK and Amazon.DE.
-----
I perfected my model from an ugly looking version to the my latest, sexier, DIY steadicam that works with any type of camera: compact, GoPro HD (with a DIY mount) and DSLRs.

You can use a cross PVC pipe element, skate bearings and the rest is all about nuts and bolts.

The two most important elements are the gimbal and the camera mount - which I made out of Alucobond plates with lots of channels to quickly balance the steadicam. If you can't find Alucobond or other lightweight composite materials, you can use laminate flooring - that's what I used in my first version.

Camera Mount in DIY Steadicam
DSLR Camera Stabilizer
Camera Stabilizer DIY

A warning note though: it's kinda hard to get it right the first time so get ready for some frustrating trial and error times... If you have an important event to shoot and don't want to go through the hassle of building a stabilizer, get one on Amazon - the impression you're gonna make with your video is well worth it.

If you ask me, I'd go with Glidecam HD 1000 or HD 2000. They're not cheap but they outsmart the cheap alternatives in terms of precision of construction and quality of materials.

I occasionally shoot videos for clients but when this becomes a real full time job, I'm gonna get myself a Glidecam. Until then, my DIY is perfect - it's light and works well with my compact cams. (I'm an amateur, filmmaker, remember?)

3 Axis DIY Gimbal
DIY Gimbal - Wooden Cube and Bearings

Here are some example videos shot with this rig

What do you think of the gliding effect? Let me know in the comments.

Installing solar panels in Berlin - Jump to min 1:57 to see what I mean.


Promoting my home city - Brasov


Bike stunts in Skate Park Brasov


Raw video - testing the DIY stabilizer


Over to you

Leave a comment if you have any questions or remarks.

Cheers!


If you enjoyed this article, click to get free email updates.

You like my stuff? Help me out and spread the word. Share this. Thanks!

2 comments :

  1. man, that looks awesome!!! gotta build one myself.
    how much does it weigh?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Mark!

      I haven't actually weighted it. I guess somewhere around a kilo or more. It also depends on the camera you use. (I shoot with compacts)

      For instance if you use a DSLR, then you need to counter balance it with more weights (washers) and thus the whole stabilizer rig becomes heavier.

      But, being heavy is a good thing coz this means it has inertia. And that keeps it steady while flying your cam through the air.

      Delete

Please use your personal name. Any business names or irrelevant links will be considered spam. Thanks for joining the conversation!