When I started shooting HD video with the Canon 5D Mark II, and now the Canon Digital Rebel T1i, I wanted a rig for recording on the go so I didn't always have to use a tripod. I investigated commercial steadicams, such as the Redrock micro, but spending $1,000 wasn't in my budget. I also looked into "do it yourself" rigs, such as the $14 Video Camera Stabilizer, but I needed something that looked a bit more professional for client shootings. So, I guess I needed a semi-DIY steadicam: one that I could afford, but also had some style.
Optical stabilization is very important when you're in video mode. The difference between recording with stabilized lenses and non-stabilized is dramatic. But when you're shooting "walk and talks," optical stabilization isn't enough. So I hacked together a stedicam that uses just two components: 1) Stroboframe Quick Flip 350 Flash Bracket ($48), and (2) a $30 monopod, such as the Velbon RUP-40 4-Section Monopod. Total outlay is less than $80, that is, if you don't already have these components laying around the house right now.
Assembly only takes a minute. Screw the collapsed monopod into the end threaded hole on the flash bracket, attach your 5D Mark II, D90, Rebel 500D, etc., and start recording. I hold the grip of the flash bracket in my left hand and monpod grip in my right. This positioning provides the balance I need to record more evenly, even as I walk. You still need a stabilized lens, but this system works great.
For shots where you don't have to walk, try putting the camera strap around your neck and resting the collapsed monopod on your belt. Hold the steadicam so the neckstrap is taunt. It's amazingly solid.
When you're finished shooting video, disassemble the rig and you have a monopod, flash bracket, and hopefully, some great video footage.
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this is in no way a steadicam. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steadicam
This is simply a support system.
I don't see how this helps you too much while walking. It's either not good for self balance or you have to constantly pickup the monopod from the ground.
Bogen makes some shoulder supports for monopods which I think could be adapted to a similar system. Using your should is generally a good method of steadying something. Also, though it still won't be cheap, I think you could right a RedRock shoulder support system for a few hundred dollars.
Fun loving bunch you are!
Michael, you're totally missing the point. You don't put the monopod on the ground. It stays collapsed and serves as a counter balance. And if you hold it the way I show, you can move your body while keeping the camera steady. So there is independence between the two.
So yes, this rig makes it much easier to steady your shots while shooting video. The position of your hands at opposite ends of the rig with the camera "balanced" in the middle makes for much smoother recording. Try it, or something like it, before saying it doesn't work. It does. (It's not like I'm selling them or anything.)
If it's not your cup of tea, no problem. But I think it's a helpful tip for those trying to capture good video with DSLRs.
Both the Zacuto and the Redrock Micro are systems designed to do more than just stabilize a camera.
They are made to mount matte boxes, filters, follow focus controls and support other lens accessories as well.
The "Steadicam" is a patented device designed by Garret Brown and sold by Tiffen Corp. to stabilize a camera by balancing it by the use of gimbals and weights.
The author's method is only a grip system and nothing more.
As the first person in the world to shoot a segment with the Canon 5D Mark II for a feature film "Notorious" and having 3 Canon 5D Mark II shots in ABC -TV's "The Castle" I encourage the use of a heavyweight tripod with a good fluid head or a purpose built camera support system to do a professional job unless you really want that shaky cam look.
Mark Forman
Mark Forman Productions, Corp.
http://screeningroom.com
OK, then, let's call this tip a "DIY Grip System that has really helped me steady the camera while shooting video when a tripod wasn't practical, but of course I recommend using a tripod whenever possible." Does that work?
This looks like a very neat and cost-effective setup. I didn't immediately understand why you had attached a flash bracket when you weren't going to be using a strobe. Then I realized that the bracket is there for your left hand to grip while recording. With your hands widened apart, I think it will feel a bit like holding a steering wheel.
From some of the previous comments, it seems that some folks don't realize that there are enthusiasts out there who are just not going to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on accessories. For less than a hundred dollars this setup offers a remarkable improvement and I appreciate it!
Yes, the flash bracket component is very important. It does two things. First, it gives you a leveraged grip that is counterbalanced by the monopod. It's much easier to balance this way, and it feels completely different than when your left hand is on the camera.
The second important factor is the threaded hole in the bottom of the bracket that is used to quickly attach the collapsed monopod. Having the grip for the monopod offset slightly on the right again helps provide this balanced leverage.
Sorry, I didn't mean it like that. I've seen people use similar things and all but fall on their face, that's all. My point about a shoulder brace was that it's common. Actually, you could probably get a 'shoulder brace' and also make it work with the flash bracket. The one I had in mind is only $25.
http://www.bogenimaging.us/Jahia/site/bius/pid/6780?kindOfProductCollectionRequest=productDetail&productCode=3248&productDescription=SHOULDER%20BRACE%20F/MONOPOD&curBrandId=MAN&market=MKT1
Or, if you really want to go all out, you can add in a belt holder thing for a monopod, but that might hurt more than it helps.
And, I didn't mean to actually recommend the RedRock stuff, it is much to costly, but $300 is a far cry from $1000, that's all.
Derrick,
Seems like you're taking a lot of guff for a really great and cost effective idea. No, of course it's not a Steadicam. But to be honest, I want a rig that fits in my backpack and even if I had the money for one of the more "pro" systems mentioned above, I like the simplicity and size of what you came up with here.
A very inexpensive, elegant solution. Thanks for posting this.
interesting. are there any video examples with this setup on youtube/vimeo?
Mark,
As the first person in the world to shoot a segment with the Canon 5D Mark II for a feature film "Notorious" and having 3 Canon 5D Mark II shots in ABC -TV's "The Castle" you are coming off like an arrogant jack ass.
This is a perfectly reasonable and resourceful idea for those of us without your resources.
-Aaron
Heh, apparently there is a confusion about which thingy is used for what.
Steadicams are gimbal based devices, they take ages to set up and if they are good they come with a price tag most of us dont wanna see. If you want results you better dress in their SM dress code (leather vests and heavy accessories to make you lose 3 kgs on a July afternoon).
Redrock tries to mimick the shoulder mount camera feel for those who came from the broadcast world with those huge refrigerator shaped old cameras on their shoulders. For them the Redrock rig gives the usual sense of camming. (Or at least it tries.)
Zacuto with its gorilla devices mostly goes after the chest support type of rigs introduced not too long ago and still available, but with the fancy (and exuberantly priced) red Zacuto parts.
Now this rig is what Manfrotto did with Fig rig, providing a better balance and less cam shake while shooting hand held.
For that it looks great and less expensive than the Fig rig. Plus you have a monopod to rest your cam on it when getting tired. Just try to shoot with a 28-3oo Canon EF then you will know. Or even with the 24-7o for that matter.
This is a run-n-gun support and a good one in that. Creative, low cost - congratulations!
Yes, there are a lot of gear snobs out there.
Bottom line is, if it works for you or not.
Hi Derrick:
Thank you for the great idea. Even though it cannot do all the things more expensive gears can do it can do a lot. I am excited to try because I already have monopod and the Stroboframe. I know this thing cannot do same thing Zacuto and Red Rock Micro do but it also can do few things that those rigs can't do. Instead of bashing Derrick you have to be thankful that he has come up with some ingenous ideas.
Remember expensive gears are not enough to produce great images.
Hi Derrick:
Thank you for the great idea. Even though it cannot do all the things more expensive gears can do it can do a lot. I am excited to try because I already have monopod and the Stroboframe. I know this thing cannot do same thing Zacuto and Red Rock Micro do but it also can do few things that those rigs can't do. Instead of bashing Derrick you have to be thankful that he has come up with some ingenous ideas.
Remember expensive gears are not enough to produce great images.
The question is removed
if every editor wrote like you believe me the world would be a better place! this was an excellent read expecting more!
That sure is nice. I wish I could pay for something like this! BTW, has any heard anything on the new 2011 Camaro?.
Hey Derrick! regardless of the posts on your blog that I have read. And, trust, I understand. I was wondering if you have a link to some footage of just how steady your video is?! I am in need of a DSLR steady rig and am considering buying the Merlin Steadicam but of course would love to talk myself out of the 800 dollar price tag. I am not a professional, by any means, and just want steady shots.
Dusty,
there is one thing to consider with using a video/film camera steadicam type device.
It is that they are designed around the weight balance of a video/film camera which is more centered or at least has some amount over the back. A DSLR is all weight at the front and there is no back (physical length sticking out).
The counterbalancing system is then off and it's hard to keep the DSLR from being nose down a bit, to correct this you need a counter balance sticking out the back of the DSLR. an example solution might be a quick release head with an extended bolt through a metal plate sticking out the back.
That's from my limited experience. I am interested in the Merlin for use with a DSLR but for taking stills not jellycam vids. Love to hear how you go because I'll be renting and I want to make the right choice in device.
The solution here wouldn't suit my needs, I need the vest bracing or I'd probably keel over or damage my arm. I have a steadicam jnr I am pondering how to hack into a vest config
I have both a monopod (cheap targus one) and a stroboframe (expensive-med format one-camera flip) so I heeded your advice much to my content..its not really meant to be a steadicam per-se, much more an aid in holding the camera steadier (hmmm steadicam?)and less tiring...tried it in the monopod collapsed (like the diy steadicam tinkertube- walk like your're holding an open cup of coffee) and in the xtended mode-monopod- standing/steady mode & I found the strobo handle really helped (it can be a mike holder too now that lighting seems (mostly) redundant...thanks for the idea...
the manfrotto shoulder brace mentioned somewhere can be a good addition (and a leg brace for the monopod that you step on..) now that's steady albeit cumbersome- I heard of a device called "tripod" now I'm being silly...
I have both a monopod (cheap targus one) and a stroboframe (expensive-med format one-camera flip) so I heeded your advice much to my content..its not really meant to be a steadicam per-se, much more an aid in holding the camera steadier (hmmm steadicam?)and less tiring...tried it in the monopod collapsed (like the diy steadicam tinkertube- walk like your're holding an open cup of coffee) and in the xtended mode-monopod- standing/steady mode & I found the strobo handle really helped (it can be a mike holder too now that lighting seems (mostly) redundant...thanks for the idea...
the manfrotto shoulder brace mentioned somewhere can be a good addition (and a leg brace for the monopod that you step on..) now that's steady albeit cumbersome- I heard of a device called "tripod" now I'm being silly...
This is an idea I've also tried and I think it works, certainly helps a little to stabilise the camera and make things easier to post process.
What a great idea for a DIY steady grip, something I certainly hadn't thought of but we'll be putting it to the test shortly. Stumbled across your article through Google, but glad I did, thanks for sharing such a great tip.