Looking for a compact stabalizer/rig

I am looking for a stabalizer for my DSLR (T3i) for video shooting.

Does anyone have any experience or can recommend a product?

Since I may be shooting at some public events I'd prefer to have something a bit smaller not large.

I am looking for that smooth glide feeling in a video without much shake.


To start off here are random pictures of products on ebay.
I am not sure what to expect of them but would like to hear some feedback.

to start off would something like this give some improvement? Its only $15 so I may just purchase it anyways wouldn't hurt.

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

http://cheesycam.com/ has a new product that's similar to the bottom handle you showed, but is grippy and has a wider top base for DSLRs and the like. That's for when you're handholding your camera.

If you want to glide your camera, you cannot make any focus changes to the lens without screwing up the balancing. And proper ones cost upwards of US$300.

No.1 is a complete waste of time, IMHO. You would be better off using a mono pod as at least you can get two hands on it and also extend the leg when possible.

No.2 Is a different beast for a different job. It is used for fluid moving shots, with the emphasis on moving. The added weight of the balance weight will be very uncomfortable for static hand hold.

No.3 Some have used this so could report further. Great for low level shots no doubt but I have my doubts.

I think you would be far better spending your money on a mono pod and a viewer loupe. The loupe brings the camera up to your eye so you use it in the conventional way and gives a third point of contact.

I must say that #1 isn't a complete waste - with small lenses, it allows the center of gravity to be just above your holding bar, much unlike normal holding of your camera.

I suggest an LCDVF of sorts (check ebay or www.lcdvf.com) with the cheesycam grip for mobility.

Headshotzx wrote in post #13805601
I must say that #1 isn't a complete waste - with small lenses, it allows the center of gravity to be just above your holding bar, much unlike normal holding of your camera......

Nope, not convinced. If it is a light lens then hold your camera like a camera. No one handed grip is going to give you any greater stability than holding your camera in two hands.

Your left hand will still hold your lens for manual focusing. Your right hand is now holding up the weight, so there is no anti-clockwise moment.

Take a look at this. Its $60 and offers a little more support than that crappy handle, and its adjustable. made of metal too!

http://www.amazon.com …PE4/ref=ox_sc_a​ct_title_5

I believe its been mentioned already, but a monopod is a good investment for dslr filming.

Focusing and stability is the challenge. Once you use a viewfinder, you will stick with it. For compact setups usable at events, I would go with

A) a light monopod and head such as:
http://www.ebay.com …ipods&hash=item​564367a420

B) a LCD viwer and very small shoulder rig:

http://www.ebay.com …ories&hash=item​2a13cbac36

and

http://www.ebay.com …ain_0&hash=item​2eba6f0294

I have the B setup and it works great.

Headshotzx wrote in post #13805810
Your left hand will still hold your lens for manual focusing. Your right hand is now holding up the weight, so there is no anti-clockwise moment.

Still no. If you hold the proper camera grip in your right hand, cup the base of the camera in your left hand you can still focus with your thumb and forefinger of your left hand while supporting the camera with two hands. Simples.

If you want a handle sticking out of the bottom of your camera use a mono pod. It will be a damn sight more useful.

If you check the details of the handle you will see it should be lubricated with snake oil.

1, no
2, yes
3, yes

of course, all three are designed for a specific purpose.. i wouldn't film paintball or basketball with 2, i wouldn't shoot an interview with 3 or 1.. what are you plans for the rig? sometimes a simple diy is the best. for paintball, i literally have a tripod head pushed into my stomach.

the videos are automotive based but it involves different things and angles
I'll buy the 3rd one and text it out, its only $40.

skwirnmn wrote in post #13810944
........ for paintball, i literally have a tripod head pushed into my stomach.

If you fitted your navel with a 1/4" or 3/8" BSW thread that would be really useful.

Speaking of Cheesy Cam, he posted a cool DIY with a modded Steadicam Smoothee the other day. The Smoothee is going for $150 online, and he was able to fly his 5d mk2 with a 50mm 1.4. Much cheaper then the Stedicam Merlin.

http://cheesycam.com …od-cheesycam-baby-merlin/