A few pics from my new t2i and a video of my custom steadicam build

[nboy22]

Hey everyone,

I've recently joined the DSLR community Managed to snag my first DSLR from craigslist, a brand new t2i kit with the 18-55 mm 3.5-5.6f IS lens for $625. Since then I've read a lot and now I really am understanding all of the settings. I'm a 3D animator so I get a lot of photography and cinematography concepts, it seems to help me catch on pretty quick.

I also built a home made steadicam by fusing two tutorials together and creating my own. It works surprisingly well. You can see it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxbvBf4evTY

This video was taken with me running full speed freehanding the camera, and then with the steadicam. The results are quite great for spending about $40-50 bucks on the parts. If one chose to glue all the parts together, it would most likely be about $10-15 cheaper. I'll throw in a few pictures of the steadicam, followed by a few shots I took a few days ago.

 

[Krioni]

Wow... The steadicam certainly seems to work well based on your video.

Can you provide more details on the build and how it works?


That could come in very handy for that price.
Thanks for sharing!

 

[Krioni]

Also, if u could post how you use/wear the cam, it would be great.

Thanks again for sharing your work.

 

[nboy22]

Also, if u could post how you use/wear the cam, it would be great.

Thanks again for sharing your work.

You're welcome!

Here's a video I made today showing you how I use it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MW1eftO9N7g
I first talk about what pieces you need to build it, and then I take it for another little test run.

Then watch this video: http://vimeo.com/19391248
The video explains more in depth how to make it and has a list of pieces you can get. My only modification was the top mounting area for the camera. I used a 3 dollar PVC conduit box I was also able to find at home depot, but I had to get the thumbscrew from lowes in order to mount the camera. The thumbscrew is a 1/4th-20 thread, 2 inches long.

 

[Throckmorton]

So the heavier the weights and the further they are from the camera the more stability you have?

I guess the dog doesn't appreciate camera stability.

 

[nboy22]

So the heavier the weights and the further they are from the camera the more stability you have?

I guess the dog doesn't appreciate camera stability.

Yeah haha The dog is such a pansy she's afraid of a little PVC pipe.

The iron floor flanges are kind of heavy. Not really heavy, but just enough for a small camera like the T2i. The more weight, the heavier the camera you can put on it. Also keep in mind that it will be heavier to hold which will be tiring for the operator if it gets too heavy. Sounds like you got the idea of it though!

 

[gsellis]

For a steady rig, it is not about how much weight, but were the center of gravity is. The cg has to be below the "hold" point so that the camera stays upright. The heavier the camera, the more weight. If the cg is barely below, you have a really hard time keeping the horizon even. So, the closer you can get the camera to the hold and the further the weights from that pivot, the better.

And you are now discovering the first thing of a steady rig, it takes practice. You have to relearn how to move with it to get it fluid. It takes at least 40-60 hours to become proficient with one.

 

[nboy22]

For a steady rig, it is not about how much weight, but were the center of gravity is. The cg has to be below the "hold" point so that the camera stays upright. The heavier the camera, the more weight. If the cg is barely below, you have a really hard time keeping the horizon even. So, the closer you can get the camera to the hold and the further the weights from that pivot, the better.

And you are now discovering the first thing of a steady rig, it takes practice. You have to relearn how to move with it to get it fluid. It takes at least 40-60 hours to become proficient with one.

True, guess I should have mentioned center of gravity in my video because that is truly what is being manipulated. What makes small cameras like the t2i so good for this type of steadicam is that they are only 18oz, so not a lot of weight is needed.

I don't have anywhere near 40-60 hours with it, but I plan on going to the skate park every once in a while and asking some good skaters if I can film them for a bit. I think the skate park will be a perfect place to get some good practice.