My pal Jamie suggested I try the Poor Man’s Steadicam to bring a little stability to my video.
"The camera operator may walk (or even jog), move through tight
hallways and doorways, and even climb up and down stairs without
shaking the camera. Unfortunately, professional steadycams cost around
$1500. Even the cheap 3rd party ones cost $600+. Not exactly a bargain
considering many of us use cameras in that price range. So, I decided
to make my own version. It turns out, it only costs $14. Not too bad."
I figured a walk in the woods would be a good way to put the steadicam
to the test. Sort of a Blair Witch Project for wusses. Keep your knees and elbows bent… and walk on the balls
of your feet. Runs about three-and-a-half minutes.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Looks like a pretty cool device. Honestly though, I think the footage in the snow a week ago (two weeks?) without the “home made steady cam” is much better.
Just my opinion.
I agree with Edward. For the snow video, I was standing still and panning the camera. To try out the steadicam, I was walking throughout. Not quite sure when I will ever use the steadicam but I was curious to see the result. This afternoon I think I’ll shoot some more woods video sans steadicam. Thanks for the feedback.
“Good on ya” for trying but I owe you the cost of the kit. The snow clip was ever so much better than your walk in the woods. This clip made me dizzy. However, I think that with a bit of practice you can achieve a more successful result.
On steadycam.org the guy says:
“Don’t expect this thing to perform miracles, you have to practice using your arms and body to create a smooth motion…. Getting good results is not so much about the equipment, but how you use it.”
I suggest “gliding” with it on more level ground to get a feeling for the benefit of using the steadycam. Or just take it apart and use it on your next plumbing problem.
This simple steadicam probably wasn’t designed for a walk over such rough terrain. And I certainly didn’t master the “glide” technique on my first try. I’ll keep this in my kit and give it a try under better conditions.
Can I hunt mushrooms on your place in the spring?