Monopod as Poor Man's Steadycam

Okay, saw and liked Johnny Chung Lee's Poor Man's Steadycam ( http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/steadycam/ ) and was going to make one. Then I looked at my barely used monopod. All it needed was a handle and some weight. I used wrist weights for the weight and PVC for the handle, this way I can remove the weights and handle when I want to use it as a monopod.

This is my first time trying this setup. I'm no Steadicam operator by a LONG shot, but even for a rank beginner this is smoother than my hand held stuff. I'll get better when I learn the steadycam walk.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Sony
• VCL-HG0758
• Canon
• HV30
• Poor
• Man's
• Steadycam
• steadicam
• steadycam
• smooth
• shooter
• monopod
• flying
• camera
• support
• handheld
• stabilizer
• glidecam
• viodeo
• on
• the
• cheap

[VolaireProductions]

Does this steadicam work as well with faster speeds such as running?

[VisorBlue]

@VolaireProductions Yes, with practice. It works like the poor man's steadycam. Seach for poor man's steadycam and click on the link that says $14 camera stabilizer as that's the original. There's some footage if you scroll down that page. Good luck!

[TheBill2468]

Hello V/B

Thw pvc tee to connect right angle is a good idea (eliminates tools for mechanicly challanged)! What did you use foe the weight at bottom (I would guess you used a small camera)?

I recently bought a Kodak Zi6 (despite owning a Canon ZR85). I was woncering how short a verticle lenght could I get by with ? A table top tripod with right angle handle and small weight or center colum of a cheap tripod with its pan head.

BiLL / Brooklyn, NY

[VisorBlue]

I used a ankle weight with Velcro on it for easy attaching and removal. I think it' 2-1/2 pounds. Camera's a Canon Hv30 which is a bit bigger than your ZR85. As far as how short of a vertical height you can get away with I have no idea. Run some tests and see what you can come up with. There are some cool units made from tabletop tripods, flash brackets and weights. Search for DIY steadycam. Good luck!

[SalPedi]

Great watching it, but I wanted much more!.. I'm looking for a HEAVY monopod for under $100, or less. I believe that the heavier monopod will make it steadier, rather than a lightweight monopod!..Please correct me if I'm wrong!..

[VisorBlue]

Yes and no. The heavier the rig is the less you'll be able to hand hold it, too. I wouldn't go overboard thinking more is better. Check the link in the info area for Johnny Chung Lee's Poor Man's Steadycam. You can make one like it pretty cheap. After that it's all technique -- practice a lot! Look at how steady he is with his inexpensive setup. Good luck!

[UnorthodoxPoppycock]

Looking good man! I'm using something similar for some of the very same shots in your vid. Thanks for posting!

[VisorBlue]

Glad it was of help. The Vimeo version is nicer but this one works.

[VicDeHaven]

Thanks Crosby

This vid was just what I was looking four.

Appreciate your other interesting vids also.

Vic DeHaven

Quartzsite, AZ

[jakz999]

Nice mate!