The Frugal Floater (DIY Steadicam)

http://www.thefrugalfilmmaker.com Everyone wants a Steadicam! Floating tracking shots can add a unique look to your movie as well as severely cut down on your setup time. This DIY version might be just what you're looking for.

PARTS LIST:

12" length of 1/2" PVC pipe
7 1/4" length of 1/2" PVC pipe
5" length of 1/2" PVC pipe (shown with optional bicycle grip)
3x 90-degree 1/2" PVC elbows
1x 45-degree 1/2" PVC elbow
3x 1/2" PVC plugs
1x 1/2" PVC end cap
1/2" PVC pipe scrap
1/2" CPVC coupler

Traxxas 5151 universal joint for RC car
Rollerblade bearing
tiny washer
tiny machine screw
tiny lock washer

Sima Quickonnect
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006JQ6C/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=t...

Macro slider rail
1 1/2" length of 1/4" threaded rod (or machine screw with head cut off)
hockey tape

2x 1/4-20 machine screws (1 1/4" long)
1x 1/4-20 machine screw (2" long)
1x 1/4-20 machine screw (1 1/2" long)
4x 1/4" hex nuts
2x 1/4" wing nuts
2x 1/4" washers
3x 1/4" lock washers

at least 10x 1/4" fender washers (2" in diameter) - large counterweights
2x 1/4" fender washers (1" in diameter) - small counterweights

electrical tape

For the origin of the gimbal design and much more:
http://diycamera.com/stabiliser/index5.html

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• how to
• make
• diy
• dslr
• video
• camera
• steadicam
• steadycam
• stabilizer
• stabiliser

[billyd20012001]

can you please provide me with the link of the video for the pole cam on 00.33 of this show.....please i been looking everywhere for it. thank you in advance.

[thefrugalfilmmaker]

@billyd20012001 Since I can't post a link here, look for "Camera Crane / Jib for $30" and you'll find it.

[ashuntboy]

@thefrugalfilmmaker

i was wondering before i attempt this rig if its possible to use a ball head mount (you use them a lot) instead of the gimble thing? thanks and love ur vids!

[thefrugalfilmmaker]

@ashuntboy I tried using my favorite eBay ball head, which I really, REALLY wanted to work due to its simplicity. Sadly, it failed as a gimble, so I had to scrap it.

[mr4y]

What if this was made to be held with two hands like the PVC Stabilizer?

[thefrugalfilmmaker]

@mr4y It would be trickier to operate, since the rig "floats" on a single point (the gimble). I would think a wider point of control would impede the range of motion.

[JacanaProductions]

Wondering what the max camera weight this little guy can support? I have a smaller camera like yours but was wondering if it's work with a bigger one, 2 or 3 lb?

[venuslnd]

wow, that's smooth. I was wondering if I can use this with my NEX5?

[musicfrendlii96]

@thefrugalfilmmaker do you think this will work for point and shooters? if sowould there need to be any mods? great vid as always

[palicipan]

Traxxas 5151 universal joint for RC car - i cannot find this thing/ part here at malaysia..

[KNbmxer51]

did you use after effects for you intro?

[dennieguitargod]

do you need a backweight when you're using a dslr?

[MrNyuntshwe]

I'm going to try to copy your model, but it's hard to find u-joints considerably cheap in Japan. The cheapest one I bought online was plastic and cost me about 25 US$ and very upsetting! Anyway, I will try my best and show you the result.

[onlywhenpissed]

My diy skills are rubbish plus it would take me too much time to get all the bits together so I'd like to buy a commercial version. Any tips for affordable ready made models? Thanks