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The Making of a Steady Cam

By Orlando Masis

Real Estate Appraiser with Appraisal IQ (Real Estate Appraisal) in Austin Texas

May 01, 2011 04:53 PM

I want a steady-cam, one of those things that helps keep your camera stable when you're moving while shooting video.

I've been pricing them on-line, and whoo-whee, them pups are expensive.

My wife is all for photo gear but the prices of these even give her pause.

So, in the spirit of YouTube, which tells me I can DIY, I'm going to give it a whirl. I've seen it on TV! Well, video, actually, and if they can, I can, or at least I can go down trying.

Last week we drew up the plans, then visited a local Austin metal shop for some custom metal fabrication. If all goes well, we've have the main pieces by Monday and we're going to try to make a video of it. Or, lat least take some pix to share.

So, let me ask you: do you have one? Which one? Like it? Hate it? Was it (or is it) worth it?

Orlando at an Austin Metal Shop

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Sarasota & Manatee Counties FL

SaraMana Properties - QuickFreeMLS.com - Bradenton, FL

QuickFreeMLS.com - Listings In Paradise

How much money will you save by making it yourself?

May 01, 2011 06:22 PM

Mimi Foster

Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO

Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

My husband, Mr. I-can-design-and-build-anything, made me a balancing pole and mono-pod that screws into the bottom of any camera. So mine is a short stick for walking or an extendable leg for stationary photos. It makes all of the difference in the world when you are doing video - takes all the shake out of it. But here is a great site for this kind of stuff.

http://www.hdhat.com/store/102-video-stabilizer-bar-store-item.html

May 01, 2011 07:27 PM

Orlando Masis

Appraisal IQ (Real Estate Appraisal) in Austin Texas - Austin, TX

Austin Appraiser, for Real Estate

Well the one I'm trying to emulate is the Steadicam Merlin, and this little thing is just under $800, and that's without including the quick release sliding mount which would add about another $50 plus tax. My cost to produce is coming just under $160 including the mount.

Mimi, thanks for the input! That's awesome that your husband took the necessary steps to help you with this and I'm glad that it actually makes a difference. Thanks for the link!

May 02, 2011 02:06 AM

Allen 2222

Austin, TX

Mimi - a monopod! What a great idea!

May 02, 2011 07:01 AM

The Making of a Steady Cam

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