Home Made Stedycams at DVinfo.net

Kevin Gilvear · November 14th, 2004, 09:02 AM

Hey all,

I was wondering if anyone here uses a home made steadycam?
I have found a place where you can order one here:

http://littlegreatideas.com/steadycam/#kit

I doubt I could build one myself - i'm pretty rubbish with this kind of stuff. The only thing stopping me from getting one is that you basically have to wait your turn, meaning it could be months and months before he gets round to you :/ On the plus side the results look good, check out his videos.

Does anyone know of other alternatives, aside from buying an expensive "proper" one? UK would be even more preferable.

Cheers,
Kev

Kevin Gilvear · November 14th, 2004, 09:13 AM

Actually the XL2 might come in too heavy for that one.

Jeff Miller · November 14th, 2004, 10:21 AM

It says right on there that the XL2 is too big. And imagine the counterweight you would need to balance it. I've messed up my arms from holding homemade steady-rigs too long, it's no fun. Next year when the weather's nice and I have the time I hope to build one of the Cody Deagan rigs...

David Lach · November 14th, 2004, 11:04 AM

Unless you're one strong guy and are into serious body building, I don't think any steadicam like rig should support the XL2 if your arm is not in turn supported by your back or hips.

I tried just for fun to use my Glidecam 3000 with the XL2. It balances all right, but after 2 minutes of holding, I couldn't stand it any longer, my arm was shaking uncontrollably.

I have the Glidecam armbrace also so I decided to make a little broken arm type of support with a series of bunggie cords. It works, but I'll eventually build a vest with a mechanical arm. A plan for one can be obtained through Cody Deegan's Web Site

Lars Gustav · November 14th, 2004, 11:46 AM

...and if you need help building it, then just go to the nr. one site on the net for such devices - HBS website. Very knowledgable guys there.
as well as home to Cody Deegan forum. He practically resides on that site.

Aaron Shaw · November 14th, 2004, 03:23 PM

I'm not sure a cheap stabilizer would provide any benefit with the XL2 anyway... the OIS on th e 20x lens is so good.

David Lach · November 14th, 2004, 04:16 PM

It is extremely good, but it has it's limitations. You cannot walk or run with it and get a silky smooth image. It is designed for stationary shooting.

November 14th, 2004, 09:02 AM	#1
Kevin Gilvear Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Milton Keynes, UK Posts: 126	Home Made Stedycams Hey all, I was wondering if anyone here uses a home made steadycam? I have found a place where you can order one here: http://littlegreatideas.com/steadycam/#kit I doubt I could build one myself - i'm pretty rubbish with this kind of stuff. The only thing stopping me from getting one is that you basically have to wait your turn, meaning it could be months and months before he gets round to you :/ On the plus side the results look good, check out his videos. Does anyone know of other alternatives, aside from buying an expensive "proper" one? UK would be even more preferable. Cheers, Kev

November 14th, 2004, 11:46 AM	#5
Lars Gustav Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: sweden Posts: 33	...and if you need help building it, then just go to the nr. one site on the net for such devices - HBS website. Very knowledgable guys there. as well as home to Cody Deegan forum. He practically resides on that site. __________________ Lars

November 14th, 2004, 09:13 AM	#2
Kevin Gilvear Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Milton Keynes, UK Posts: 126	Actually the XL2 might come in too heavy for that one.

November 14th, 2004, 10:21 AM	#3
Jeff Miller Major Player Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: St Louis, MO Posts: 227	It says right on there that the XL2 is too big. And imagine the counterweight you would need to balance it. I've messed up my arms from holding homemade steady-rigs too long, it's no fun. Next year when the weather's nice and I have the time I hope to build one of the Cody Deagan rigs...

November 14th, 2004, 11:04 AM	#4
David Lach Major Player Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Montreal, QC, Canada Posts: 570	Unless you're one strong guy and are into serious body building, I don't think any steadicam like rig should support the XL2 if your arm is not in turn supported by your back or hips. I tried just for fun to use my Glidecam 3000 with the XL2. It balances all right, but after 2 minutes of holding, I couldn't stand it any longer, my arm was shaking uncontrollably. I have the Glidecam armbrace also so I decided to make a little broken arm type of support with a series of bunggie cords. It works, but I'll eventually build a vest with a mechanical arm. A plan for one can be obtained through Cody Deegan's Web Site

November 14th, 2004, 03:23 PM	#6
Aaron Shaw Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 587	I'm not sure a cheap stabilizer would provide any benefit with the XL2 anyway... the OIS on th e 20x lens is so good.

November 14th, 2004, 04:16 PM	#7
David Lach Major Player Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Montreal, QC, Canada Posts: 570	It is extremely good, but it has it's limitations. You cannot walk or run with it and get a silky smooth image. It is designed for stationary shooting.