A glidecam is a device used mostly in professional video shooting that enables the camera operator to follow the subject (walk or run) on uneven terrain without transfering any of the bumps to the camera. Since an original Steadicam (trade mark) costs several hundreds of dollars or more, it's more convenient to build your own glidecam on a budget as low as $30.
The result of using a DIY camera stabilizer is smooth footage just like in the movies - adding an artistic touch to your videos.
The model I suggest you build consists of a PVC pipe gimbal, a skate ball bearing, a threaded bar, weight plates made of laminate flooring, bolts, nuts and washers (as weights). All the materials you need for this project are available in any hardware store at reasonable prices - basically each item is pretty cheap.
An easier version to build is the Merlin design - made of a ball joint or an universal joint and a bearing. However, I believe the regular glidecam has more advantages than the Merlin.
I use it mostly with my GoPro HD camera but it can accommodate other type of consumer cameras as well, including compact photo cameras.
DIY Glidecam & Camera Stabilizer Resources
- DIY Steadicam Latest Version - Simple Gimbal Design
- DIY Camera Slider Tutorial & Test Video New
- DIY DSLR Steadicam Tutorial
- How To Build Your Own Cheap Glidecam - Steadicam
- How To Make a DIY Gimbal from a Wooden Cube and Ball Bearings
- Gimbal Handle in DIY Glidecam
- Wing Nuts for Fast Adjustments in Your Camera Stabilizer
- How To Balance Your Glidecam for Proper Video Shooting
- How To Carry Your DIY Camera Stabilizer
For any questions leave a comment or drop me an email - I read each and every one of them.
Shoot your outdoor adventures!
Share this article with your friends!
2 Comments:
Please use your personal name and NOT your business name to comment. Any business name or any other links in the comment text will be considered spam. Enjoy the blog, the free vectors and thanks for joining the conversation!