Steadicam

Or some variation.

I would like to start experimenting with the 5D video mode more, but find shake a problem.

www.steadicam.com I have been looking into some of these, and like the videos created with them - very nice "gliding" sort of feel to it.

but holy man are they ever expensive (over 5k, $1k being the cheapest I could see)

Are there any alternatives out there? Something that does the same thing but called something different that im not seeing?

The steadicam merlin, and the glidecam series are a little less expensive and very nice. You can also build your own (that doesn't work as well) for very cheap, like $20. google "poor-man's steadicam". There are also shoulder mount rigs, zacuto and redrock micro make the best ones, but they are also pricey.

For most situations, a tripod with a nice fluid head will work great, or even a beanbag on the ground or table. If you want to incorporate a little planned movement, you can make an igus drylin slider system for about $150 or make a little skateboard dolly.

Steadicams are great for some things but not everything.

http://www.google.com …official&client​=firefox-a

GwagDesigns wrote in post #12303253
http://www.google.com …official&client​=firefox-a

And can you offer any comments on any of those search results? People often post questions here after having done Google searches because they would like the benefit of POTNers experience, not a list of 199,000 links of uncertain merit.

I have a Glidecam, with a rather heavy videocam mounted on it. It works well, but it *is* a wrist/arm-breaker. You have to train up to it, as well as develop the skill of smooth motion (it's not as easy as it looks at first.)

When I've been working it a lot, I can do a few hours of shortish shots (two-three minutes each, say) before my arm dies.

With a DSLR, the weight would be quite a bit less, but sometimes you have to add weight to balance it out anyway.

Don't plan on holding it for long, continuous shooting - but for single or short shots they are great for their relatively inexpensive price. Definitely worth having in the bag - but I don't use it for everything.

Also, remember, you have no video autofocus on a DSLR, so you'll have to think about that when the camera's moving around and plan accordingly.

Cheesycam.com is a good resource for DIY or low budget video stabilizers


http://cheesycam.com/

I find that if I extend the legs on my tripod all the way out but don't spread them apart, and then find the pivot point on the tripod with the camera attached to it, that gives a pretty decent steadicam in a pinch. I hope that makes sense. Basically you want to hold the tripod with the camera mounted horizontally and balance it on one hand, that's where you want to hold it when you walk around.

TuanTime wrote in post #12303944
I find that if I extend the legs on my tripod all the way out but don't spread them apart, and then find the pivot point on the tripod with the camera attached to it, that gives a pretty decent steadicam in a pinch. I hope that makes sense. Basically you want to hold the tripod with the camera mounted horizontally and balance it on one hand, that's where you want to hold it when you walk around.

Yep, I've done that in the past.

It's not great but does have a noticeable impovement in steadiness. The glidecam is on another level though...

GwagDesigns wrote in post #12303253
http://www.google.com …official&client​=firefox-a

lot of those vids are beyond my construction level..

this guy calls http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=lXysfKY8NnY THIS DIY? Maybe if you're a 3rd year metal tech...

I'd recommend the Hague Mini-Motion cam (MMC). They have one now that can handle the weight of heavier cameras like 7D & 5D mark II. It has the best price/performance ratio. A lot cheaper than the Merlin steadicam. I decided not to purchase any steadicam yet due to price alone. There is not much competition in this market so the prices tend to be high and there are people who are willing to spend the $ to get their hands on one.