DIY Steadicam™ (Camera counter balance) // How-To | I Like To Make Stuff

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  • Опубликовано: 6 янв 2025

Комментарии • 313

  • @charleshanson9467
    @charleshanson9467 9 лет назад +46

    I made one of these (almost identical) about 10 years ago, but I bought a 2.5 lb free weight to bolt to the bottom, and my lower rod was much longer. If you put a 2' pipe on the bottom you'd notice a lot more stability (IE. Long pendulums move slower = steadier shots) and a lighter weight would allow you to hold it up longer.

    • @Iliketomakestuff
      @Iliketomakestuff  9 лет назад +4

      Charles Hanson Good call!

    • @seigeengine
      @seigeengine 9 лет назад +4

      Charles Hanson But also is longer, making it harder to maneuver, especially in tight spaces and when you are moving around with it quickly.
      Definitely a balance there somewhere.

    • @StewartLMcGill
      @StewartLMcGill 9 лет назад +3

      Charles Hanson yep i am sure the farther the weight is from the pivot point (Bob's wrist) and the heavier the weight... the steadier the shot will become.
      But Bob's device is definitely a managable size to carry round... maybe a back to back piper adapter to allow a quick take apart for a longer shaft.... anyway a very useful project Bob. Great Job.

    • @charleshanson9467
      @charleshanson9467 9 лет назад +7

      Stewart McGill , seigeengine The point is that it IS harder to maneuver so it doesn't shake, and the skill and artistry required to use it takes that into account. As far as getting into tight spots, well, if you mean vertically then you have a point, but mostly a 3-4 foot pole isn't too hard to get into most places for shooting video. With my rig, I once used the camera itself as the counter weight at the bottom for a floor level tracking shot. It looked great! A 12" lower pipe with 30 lbs will not be as stable as a 36" pipe with 2 lbs. The weight is actually more important so the camera doesn't make the rig top heavy, reducing control.

    • @charleshanson9467
      @charleshanson9467 9 лет назад +5

      Stewart McGill It's also important to remember with a rig like this, your arm is still doing the vast majority of the stabilizing. The rig is just keeping your arm from overcompensating all the time.

  • @afpwebworks
    @afpwebworks 9 лет назад +1

    For heavens sake dont forget to keep MAKING STUFF!! So many youtubers are makng ads for their sponsors or just making boring chin-wagging pieces about what they might be doing if they ever get back to making stuff, or becoming computer programmers with CNC machines. Thank you for being one of the few people in the past few weeks to actually MAKE something!!!

  • @aksmith68
    @aksmith68 9 лет назад +15

    One simple thing that would probably improve this is to make put grip above the tee, or use a much shorter piece of pipe above the tee. Right now, the grip is about half way between the weight and the camera, so any swing in the weight is translated almost 1:1 to the camera. Whatever you can do to change that ratio will decrease the movement that is translated to the camera.

  • @ig33ku
    @ig33ku 9 лет назад +57

    I came here and sub because of Jimmy and now this guy sends me back to him lol. Come admit it guys DIY is more addictive than soaps and reality TV.

    • @jacobrdiaz
      @jacobrdiaz 9 лет назад

      same

    • @13ermack
      @13ermack 9 лет назад +7

      i think DiY is the new Crack. hahaha

    • @dougieladd
      @dougieladd 8 лет назад +1

      +ig33ku lol :)

  • @merrillben
    @merrillben 9 лет назад +3

    Was just out filming something yesterday with a guy that made his own steady cam. He borrowed a bunch of tips from the UAV community, like taking two carbon fiber plates and partially compressing wire cable and silicon O-rings between them that dampened damn-near everything. You could extend the top of this simple rig with a dampening plate like that and it'd probably go the last mile for you. Good work - and congrats on the "promotion"!

  • @toneddef
    @toneddef 8 лет назад

    A year later and somebody is still watching. Nicely shot video and well explained. Since I'm using a gopro session I think pvc should work well enough weight-wise. Thank you.

  • @tuioficial2937
    @tuioficial2937 8 лет назад +4

    "Hey i'm Bob and I like to make stuff"I liked this intro!

  • @JonPetersArtHome
    @JonPetersArtHome 9 лет назад +6

    Great project Bob , I"m going to make one

    • @LZACCARO
      @LZACCARO 9 лет назад

      Interesting idea.

  • @GregVanGorp
    @GregVanGorp 9 лет назад +7

    Seriously just found your channel and I love how I know what the video is going to be about and through the intro splash within 9 seconds. I don't have time to watch 1 min intro videos every video and I love the content. Instasubscribed!

  • @DavidWaeldervideo
    @DavidWaeldervideo 9 лет назад +1

    Nice rig! I like the ability to tension pvc sleeve.

  • @buckshot0203
    @buckshot0203 9 лет назад +5

    for my eye it does help loads its not herky jerky it does move but its smoother and doesnt hurt my head good project and congrats on the new adventure in life (this being your new full time gig)

  • @amarie9288
    @amarie9288 9 лет назад +1

    Your shows are the best! ! You need to be on hgtv!! I feel that a show like yours definitely encourages family time. After watching the long board episode, Both my brothers want to make one. And my dad is happy he gets to take them to home Depot instead of gamestop.

  • @psukhopompos
    @psukhopompos 8 лет назад

    The bit about commercial Steadicam rigs and other handheld rigs that actually makes them work is the moving parts. The handle you're holding should be connected to the main shaft with pivoting sections. That way, the inertia of the weight at the bottom keeps the camera steady as your hand moves every which way.

  • @BenBrandt22
    @BenBrandt22 9 лет назад

    Nice & simple, good work as always Bob.

  • @MichaelAlm
    @MichaelAlm 9 лет назад

    Great project Bob!

    • @Iliketomakestuff
      @Iliketomakestuff  9 лет назад +1

      Thanks! I was showing someone your work last night!

    • @MichaelAlm
      @MichaelAlm 9 лет назад

      I Like To Make Stuff Hahaha! Awesome! Thanks for passing my work along. I'm jealous that you guys were at Maker Fair. It looks like your having a good time. I might have to go there next year...

  • @electronicsNmore
    @electronicsNmore 9 лет назад

    All you were missing was some black powder to go with your galvanized pipes and caps. Made me think of a Forensic Files episode. :-). Curved jaw vise grips work like a charm to hold small to medium size round objects when drilling. You can make a spinning handle by reaming out a 3/4" SCH 40 PVC pipe using a 7/8" bit. The fit is excellent. Great video.

  • @trxlgnd
    @trxlgnd 8 лет назад +31

    Bob...the builder.

  • @DavidFinchMMC
    @DavidFinchMMC 8 лет назад

    This might be my second time watching this, don't recall, but it looks familiar. A recommendation would be on the locking nut that you are using, use a wing nut, easier to lock down with a little more force if needed, and easy to get undone when needed as well. I have been an avid follower for a few months now, and keep it up!

  • @SuperMakeSomething
    @SuperMakeSomething 9 лет назад

    Nice split screen comparison. Cool video, Bob!

  • @SylverG
    @SylverG 9 лет назад

    I may be wrong but you seem happier now than before quitting the old job. If so, I'm happy for you! Now keep then projects coming! Cheers man!

  • @CMRWoodworks
    @CMRWoodworks 9 лет назад

    Very cool. Looks like I've got another project on my list.

  • @TrustinTimber
    @TrustinTimber 8 лет назад

    Nice one Bob. I'm playing with this idea myself.

  • @timguba8887
    @timguba8887 9 лет назад

    The key to a "SteadiCam" is having a live gimbal to compensate for movement. This can easily be made and there are plenty of instructions on the internet. Check it out; it would make a huge improvement to your rig. Great job!

  • @BruceAUlrich
    @BruceAUlrich 9 лет назад

    I had to go back to see what the text was at the end. ha ha. I personally think it made quite an improvement on all of the tests. It was not so much in the center of the focal plane, but toward the edges. I got more of a "sick feeling" when I was looking at the hand-held ones. Good project.....again!

  • @ashtonlastname489
    @ashtonlastname489 9 лет назад

    Best intro on RUclips

  • @JustinBerke
    @JustinBerke 9 лет назад +3

    Use a loose wingnut instead of a second hex nut on the camera bolt. It's a breeze to tighten and loosen quickly.

  • @tjwoodworkshop1411
    @tjwoodworkshop1411 9 лет назад +1

    Great video. Love how you explain each step and little tidbits for why you do certain things. I've been wanting to make one of these for my go pro, so this should do the trick.

  • @nathangek
    @nathangek 9 лет назад

    If you want to remove even more upwards vibration, it could help to put a spring between the handle and the T splitter, maybe even a linear bearing instead of the handle?

  • @GlassImpressions
    @GlassImpressions 9 лет назад

    Nice and simple! I like it!

  • @WebbedToedWorkbench
    @WebbedToedWorkbench 9 лет назад

    Nice rig Bob. I want to get more into story telling and will be building some DIY camera rigs to use in the field. Thanks for being sharing. Jeff

  • @thetrunkshop1499
    @thetrunkshop1499 9 лет назад

    Very cool, been wanting to make one of these for a while. Might have to do that soon!

  • @jacktibbetts1337
    @jacktibbetts1337 9 лет назад +1

    Really cool love these camera type videos

  • @NettAirLa
    @NettAirLa 9 лет назад

    Thanks for sharing! and good luck with the new full time venture.

  • @QuantumBeats
    @QuantumBeats 9 лет назад

    Great video, Bob! :)

  • @amgrant
    @amgrant 9 лет назад

    Inertia is the number one factor in all Steadicams. They work by both adding mass, and distributing that mass in different directions. You'd be surprised what results you may get by simply folding up the legs of your tripod and running around holding it by the legs.
    One key ingredient that make the big rigs work as they do is having your hands be as close to the center of gravity of the entire rig as possible. This gives you the most control over the rig. Perhaps play with adding weights to the top as well. The ONLY benefit to adding weights to the bottom, or moving the hand grip farther up the post (which achieves the same bottom-heavy effect) is to help maintain a level horizon. However, there is a sweet spot you must find. Too bottom heavy, and you have a rig that acts like a pendulum. Not bottom heavy enough, and it's more difficult to detect when the rig isn't perfectly plumb (and yes, I mean PERFECT - like within a half a degree of 0). We call this measure of the bottom heaviness of a rig "drop time", and although it is mostly used when talking about rigs with gimbals, the same principles can be applied to any rig.
    Feel free to throw any other questions about these contraptions my way. They really are amazing machines - so simple and yet so complicated at the same time. My very first rig, I made myself ages ago and looked very much like this one in the video. I've since upgraded to the monster seen in my profile picture, but the principles guiding both are still the same. Fascinating!

  • @larrymlynch9608
    @larrymlynch9608 5 лет назад +1

    Nice job on this video ... clear, simple instructions with explanatuon of process all the way through. Good!!! I subscribed for more ...

  • @imperialguard13
    @imperialguard13 9 лет назад

    the pvc grip idea was clever!

  • @Cezary1234567890
    @Cezary1234567890 8 лет назад

    Hey, You can use foam absorbing foam and mechanism that can block PVC's grip in order to make rid of bouncies when walking or running :)

  • @jetpowered1
    @jetpowered1 9 лет назад +26

    You gotta try Gaffers tape, it's similar to Duct tape, but better in every way!

    • @LogieT2K
      @LogieT2K 7 лет назад +1

      bro if you can't duct it fuck it

    • @drewlop
      @drewlop 4 года назад

      jetpowered1
      Heck yes, gaffers tape is awesome. I still keep a roll of duct around for any pseudo-permanent applications, but gaffers is my go-to

  • @JituVyasJAIBHOLENATH
    @JituVyasJAIBHOLENATH 9 лет назад +2

    Sir U R done very good for every pipal to how u can do your self in your life i heats of u thank u very Much

  • @jacobanderson2407
    @jacobanderson2407 6 лет назад

    Thinking about working some bearings into the sleeve, and a shock mount for the top, building the shock mount will be significantly harder

  • @pleasetakemynamenow
    @pleasetakemynamenow 9 лет назад

    Now I know how those things work! Cool. Thanks

  • @mrz175
    @mrz175 7 лет назад

    Awesome videos just found you're channel today! You explain everything very well and it's filmed perfectly !! Love it definitely a fan 👍🏻👍🏻 keep up the good work

  • @martijnvankekem
    @martijnvankekem 7 лет назад

    I made this out of wood actually. Really easy to made and after hanging a 5KG weight on the bottom, it worked perfectly. Thanks for the inspiration ;)

  • @KetoFromScratchdiet
    @KetoFromScratchdiet 7 лет назад

    can you make a overhead with Pipes?tks!

  • @mrdaniel0078
    @mrdaniel0078 7 лет назад

    thanks for this video, I'm thinking of building something like this and this video helped with some pretty cool ideas. Especially the duct tape sleeve idea.

  • @AlmostWontCount
    @AlmostWontCount 9 лет назад

    You make this seem so easy dude I would love to start making t-shirts

  • @marcogiachi
    @marcogiachi 8 лет назад

    Hello , interesting video . I could know how long the iron pipe ? because there are of various lengths . thank you

  • @benoitr5099
    @benoitr5099 9 лет назад

    Hey bob, what about addind some springs above and below the sleeve to help compensating the walking bounce ? Of course, you'll have to change a little bit the design of the steadycam, to have the sleeve maintained (with springs) from the top and the bottom equally.

    • @Iliketomakestuff
      @Iliketomakestuff  9 лет назад

      Benoit R That's a great idea! It'd be cool to see how that'd work. I assume you've have to play with the spring tension a bit to find the sweet spot.

    • @benoitr5099
      @benoitr5099 9 лет назад

      I Like To Make Stuff should I expect from you the video about that ?

  • @saraltayal8249
    @saraltayal8249 9 лет назад

    Try using a few ball bearings and making it bottom heavy. The ball bearings should be connecting to an external arm which is solely held. This will allow the video to be stabilised with the ball bearings. Look at a few more diy videos, it will help. Thanks

  • @ericallen1045
    @ericallen1045 9 лет назад

    Hmmm interesting Bob, I wonder if a small metal disc with a motor spinning it on the bottom would make a gyroscope effect for even more stability. I bet you can come up with a rig instead of just a counter weight.

  • @woodwhisperer
    @woodwhisperer 9 лет назад +3

    Very cool!!

  • @47ArmyGuy
    @47ArmyGuy 9 лет назад

    Can u make a short pole with the camera on top and a view finder at eye level?
    Something that will video over a crowd.

  • @thecrazyphysicist
    @thecrazyphysicist 8 лет назад

    hey Bob, what if I put a single axis ball-bearing mount. will that help in reducing the vibrations?

  • @yonlehman
    @yonlehman 9 лет назад

    I have something similar but find it very hevy to hold. Is there a way that this can be changed so that it is supported by the shoulder - something like a combined shoulder rig and steady cam ?
    Thanks

  • @dangodoymtb
    @dangodoymtb 9 лет назад

    Good work!!

  • @matthewpollock9685
    @matthewpollock9685 7 лет назад

    Not gonna read all the comments to see if anyone else has suggested it, but what about adding 3 gyros (homemade of course) as a means of stabilizing the pitch, roll, and yaw axis? I'm not a filmmaker, so I don't know if that's a "thing" but I do know that gyros are used extensively in the aviation industry. It seems like three simple battery powered electric motors each spinning a wheel (even just a plywood wheel from say a 3 or 4 inch hole saw) would add incredible stability.

  • @sophiesmith2193
    @sophiesmith2193 9 лет назад

    This is really cool, Im really interested in DIY stuff like this but I don't have any materials and I'm just a teenager lol

  • @Geeksmithing
    @Geeksmithing 9 лет назад +1

    Sweet dude! Have a great time in Cali!

  • @joshwiley881
    @joshwiley881 7 лет назад

    very helpful idea, I'll need to make one for when my nephew helps me video. Thanks for the video

  • @clementeen
    @clementeen 7 лет назад

    I have a monopod, it's got the grip too but it doesn't move. How would I go about turning my monopod into a steadicam?

  • @M4ngstergangster
    @M4ngstergangster 9 лет назад

    Nice video. I really like the new version of brainpick.

  • @Brianuyahoo
    @Brianuyahoo 9 лет назад

    Another way to do this would be to create a "C" shaped object where you mount the camera on the top of the lower part of the "C" and hand hold the upper part. This way, the camera is also the weight. Twisting your wrist give the left & right pan capability. If the upper part if curved, rather than straight, you would have some ability to control the pitch. One downside is that the camera is set lower, although this will be a problem depending on your subject matter.
    It would be fun to develop the details for this alternative.

  • @AndreaArzensek
    @AndreaArzensek 9 лет назад

    That is awesome Bob! Love your work and creativity!
    There is still missing one axis movement (front-back)...therefore still a bit shaky. I had the same problem when I was building metal parts for my trailer connection to the bike, however I see this a bit more complicated. Maybe something like ball-bearing, but camera hanging from it instead sitting on top? It would produce upside-down video but that is easy to edit. I'll definitely try to build something with your idea!

  • @jnlg3471
    @jnlg3471 9 лет назад

    This is AWESOME!!! 10/10

  • @tannlknin6926
    @tannlknin6926 8 лет назад

    Would adding a spring between the tee and pvc pipe grip maybe work as a stabilizer? just an idea

  • @peterstewart9376
    @peterstewart9376 9 лет назад

    Really AWESOME :) I film a lot so this will be handy

    • @Iliketomakestuff
      @Iliketomakestuff  9 лет назад

      Peter Matthew Awesome to hear! I'd love to know how it works from someone with more experience, please let me know!

  • @miller6451
    @miller6451 9 лет назад

    Love you videos! Have you thought of doing a quad copter build?

  • @afzalkalam8386
    @afzalkalam8386 9 лет назад

    likes your confidence every single time (Y )

  • @jasontan8327
    @jasontan8327 8 лет назад +6

    Hey bob mind asking can i replace those metal pipe to a pvc pipe instead?

    • @Iliketomakestuff
      @Iliketomakestuff  8 лет назад +10

      You can, but part of using metal is so that it adds weight, which helps stabilize the camera. If you use PVC, you'll need to add more weight to the bottom.

    • @jasontan8327
      @jasontan8327 8 лет назад

      +I Like To Make Stuff
      alright tqvm for ur fast response

    • @bbmowing4262
      @bbmowing4262 8 лет назад +1

      I Like To Make Stuff what are the lengths of the pipe you used?

  • @apinakapinastorba
    @apinakapinastorba 9 лет назад +1

    You could also punch the cap before drilling, so the hole would be near the center. Just a tip.

  • @stevewonder84
    @stevewonder84 9 лет назад

    Hello friends! To anyone who has rebuilt this steadicam. What length of the steel pipes have you used and what weight did you choose for a good result. Thx

  • @davideivone6341
    @davideivone6341 9 лет назад

    a brushless stabilizer? could you make ?

  • @vidsfsx
    @vidsfsx 9 лет назад

    this is really great!

  • @Hunt904
    @Hunt904 7 лет назад +1

    What are the "three lengths of pipe" anyone know ? Really wanting to make one of these

  • @KkmakeUkv
    @KkmakeUkv 9 лет назад

    What kind of bolt did you use to mount the camera Bob?
    Great simple project
    Take care
    Karol

  • @DJTronuk
    @DJTronuk 8 лет назад +1

    Hey Bob, great video! I actually made my own version of a DIY rig using similar steel piping materials. Essentially, I created a dual handheld rig, which is my preferred kind of stabilization. I also wrapped it in Black and Red electrical tape which really made it look awesome. The price only ended up being $45 for me. Please, feel free to look at my video on my channel under the DIY Builds playlist if you'd like to see how it turned out! (it's 13 min long, so scrub thru it if you want). Also, If you'd like me to link it in the comments I can, I just didn't want to be "that guy" haha. Just simply trying to add my suggestions. Thanks for this video!

  • @nisioguitars
    @nisioguitars 9 лет назад

    Do you think it would work to have the camera directly on the bottom (instead of on the top) of the rig so its weight balances the hole thing? it would be considerably lighter and smaller :) great vid as always!!

  • @harsimratjohal1921
    @harsimratjohal1921 9 лет назад

    thanks for showing us

  • @kanaabhimatta3505
    @kanaabhimatta3505 7 лет назад

    Can you make a mini version for a gopro

  • @mfwoodshop
    @mfwoodshop 9 лет назад

    Interesting, thanks for sharing

  • @christophernguyen71
    @christophernguyen71 8 лет назад

    What is the lengths of the 3/4" steel pipes?

  • @SpartaDigital
    @SpartaDigital 9 лет назад

    Hey Bob I was wondering what GoPro mount you used to attach to the steady cam?

  • @yoganlwf
    @yoganlwf 9 лет назад +1

    I love DIY and learning stuff. It's your attitude to the idiot comments that made me subscribe though. Well done!

  • @TobyKennedy
    @TobyKennedy 9 лет назад +1

    Great stuff Bob - is your next project going to be a body harness for this?! ;)

  • @defakosgr
    @defakosgr 8 лет назад

    USE A SOFT SPRING from the pvc to the handle to absorb the vertical movmen more.

  • @dareelcatskull
    @dareelcatskull 9 лет назад

    I put an wing nut upside down on the top to pressure against the camera. It's a lot easier to get a tight fit that way.

  • @DIYdoers
    @DIYdoers 9 лет назад

    is there a specific reason for using metal instead of plastic pipes and connectors? the metal might be too heavy for me (personally)

    • @Iliketomakestuff
      @Iliketomakestuff  9 лет назад +1

      It helps with the overall counterweight but pvc would work fine as well!

  • @rkatz69
    @rkatz69 9 лет назад

    Hey Bob,
    Would it be a good suggestion to use weights (round ones for weight lifting) instead of a brick?

    • @Iliketomakestuff
      @Iliketomakestuff  9 лет назад

      ***** Yes! That's what we used the first time I made one of these years ago, but these days I don't have any of those around :)

  • @rjsdeveloper
    @rjsdeveloper 9 лет назад

    Good job, this very nice, congratulation...

  • @sisman
    @sisman 8 лет назад

    Please tell me how much weight should I put, to make this DIY Steadicam
    for one GoPro Hero 4 Camera and one Nikon D3100 with lens 18-55?
    Thank you very much!

    • @joshignatowski8207
      @joshignatowski8207 8 лет назад +1

      Just use a scale to weigh them and go a little heavier

  • @craiganater3
    @craiganater3 9 лет назад

    How did you start on stuff like this?
    All of your projects seem to be pretty simple anyone can do jobs, I've loved so much of what you have done and added them to my dream to do list and the way you have them set out and filmed them is so easy to follow and to try myself.

    • @Iliketomakestuff
      @Iliketomakestuff  9 лет назад

      Craig Dick That's awesome to hear Craig, I hope you find them helpful!! As far as getting started, I've always tinkered with stuff to some degree. Just a lot of curiosity in me :)

  • @kplandscapinglawncare563
    @kplandscapinglawncare563 8 лет назад

    So I make of my lawn care videos of my lawn care business and was looking into how to make a stabilizer for my zero turn can you help

  • @katiemcghee8919
    @katiemcghee8919 9 лет назад

    Could you tell us where we get go pros from

  • @seanklimczak1793
    @seanklimczak1793 9 лет назад

    Just a suggestion, you should also put the pvc pipe around the horizontal pipe as well

  • @Thermacon
    @Thermacon 7 лет назад

    I feel like you made it "wrong". Should the T be a hinge, so you can grab it on the out peg (or whatever you want to call it)? The way you have it makes it so your hand will always be able to move it, but if it was on the hinge, the counter weight would have more of an effect.

  • @fxc3
    @fxc3 9 лет назад +1

    Hey Bob,
    In the video you use a 1 inch PVC pipe but in the description it state "1 1/2″ PVC pipe".
    Thank you for the great video! I'm building one myself but I got the wrong PVC pipe because of the description.
    Cheers.

    • @Iliketomakestuff
      @Iliketomakestuff  9 лет назад +1

      +Francisco Morgado Gomes Doh! Sorry about that.. fixing now.

    • @TTURBOVOLVO
      @TTURBOVOLVO 8 лет назад

      if you want to make something, you have to think yourself too

  • @dr.bansishinde5888
    @dr.bansishinde5888 7 лет назад

    Please could you tell me how to use this??

  • @yigitcepni5181
    @yigitcepni5181 9 лет назад

    Can you make a DIY Softbox video?

  • @braw87
    @braw87 9 лет назад

    That's awesome, do you use a GoPro for the majority of the videos you make?

    • @Iliketomakestuff
      @Iliketomakestuff  9 лет назад

      +Brad Rawlins Thanks! No, I actually don't use it a ton. You could mount any camera up there, I just used it as an example ince my main camera was shooting :)