STEADICAM ||SCRIM/BUTTERFLY || LIGHITING || MY GRIP TOTE
FILM LOOK FX || CAMERA JIB ARM || DOLLY || SOUND

Steadicam

I have a partially completed home-built steadicam. The sled is built. I'm working on a new gimbal design because my last one wasn't working well. The arms are almost done, although I still need to research which springs to use. The vest was almost finished, but then I discovered better materials to make it out of, so I started over there too. Unfortunately, this project was put on hold because I no longer have a garage with metal fabricating tools. So close, yet so far. If this is the type of stabilizing system you're interested in, check out the "links" section where there's a link to homebuiltstabilizers.com.

In the meantime, I’ll discuss a cheap, easy, fast way to get steadier shots for your consumer camera using gear you probably already have (I seriously hope you have a tripod). Many people have heard of the $14 steadicam. Well, I think it’s overpriced for what you get. Using a tripod and some of weights (or anything heavy), the same results can be achieved without spending a cent. Put the camera on the tripod head like you normally would and tape, or otherwise fashion 3-5 pounds of weight to the bottom of the tripod legs, keeping the legs closed. That's it! ...really. If you look at how steadicams work, you'll see that they're complex devices that take advantage of very simple principals. It's creating a greater moment of inertia (making it harder to stop and start). Depending on what kind of steadicam, it increases the moment of inertia on different axis’s (there's six, I think). The $14 steadicam and my free version steadies two of the axes and indirectly three others. It's not bad, but it's not perfect. Build a free one and find out for yourself. I’m sure I’m getting some of the terminology wrong, but that’s how I understand it to work.

With any of these makeshift-steadying devices, how they’re operated is just as important as how they’re constructed. Hold the tripod (or $14 steadicam) at the center of gravity, or just above. The easiest way to figure this out is to rotate the device (complete with camera and weights) horizontally and try to balance it on your finger. The center of gravity is where it best balances on your finger. Practice will also dramatically improve your “steadicam” shots. Use your arms as dampeners as you walk. Keep your legs bent and always glide. It also helps if you repeat "glide" slowly over and over again in your head as you operate it. Try taking your dog to the park and following it around with your “steadicam” until you get the hang of things. Don't expect great results right away.

Steadicam is a registered trademark I don't own. Please don't sue me.

Copyright 2004 Joren Clark | contact webmaster