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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.
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Since I'm no longer selling the DIY Highball steadicam, you may wanna check out these other camera stabilizers. Click on any picture.
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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.
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?)
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!
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man, that looks awesome!!! gotta build one myself.
ReplyDeletehow much does it weigh?
Thanks, Mark!
DeleteI 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.