Purchasing a Poor Man's Steady-Cam

This page contains the purchasing information for a pre-built ready-to-use version of my popular DIY $14 Steadycam. This is the same low-cost camera stabilizer that has been featured on Slashdot, Memepool, O'Reilly's Make Magazine, PC World Magazine, RES magazine, MobilePC magazine, and countless more independent filmmaking websites. It's also the #1 Google result for 'steadycam'. It has helped thousands of aspiring filmmakers, videographers, and video enthusiasts like yourself hoping to get better looking video without spending hundreds of dollars on a commercial stabilizer. You can read my seller feedback as well as these testimonials to see how other people have enjoyed using this steadycam.

One of the reasons for the widespread popularity of this design is the impressive stabilization quality it produces for the price. If you want to build one yourself, you can do so for only $14 and the instructions are freely available at steadycam.org. It has been free since I made the tutorial in 2000 and hopefully it will stay that way. I build and sell these now as a hobby for people who are unable to build one of these themselves.

Example Footage

To give you an idea of how well this design works, here is some example video captured using the steadycam in a variety of situations. Click on the thumbnail to play the video clips (requires Quicktime).

	Duration/Size:0:13/617KB Description: Sprinting down a hallway with camera about 3-6 inches from the ground. Uses the inverting bracket to position the camera near the ground. The vertical motion is clean, even around the turn and up the ramp. There is a little side-to-side motion because I was only using one hand and not using the side handle. This was a cold run I did a long long time ago. This could have been cleaner with more practice.
	Duration/Size:0:33/1.1MB Description: Tracking fast moving/running subjects playing soccer. This involves running along side and around soccer a player during practice. The steadycam and the inverting bracket are the only pieces of equipment used. Also demonstrates some of the dangers of field recording in active environments.
	Duration/Size:1:00/1.3MB Description: Competitive squash player practicing. The reason she is hitting softly is because she would probably kill me otherwise. :) Lots of circular panning around a moving subject. Uses inverting bracket to dramatize viewing angle.
	Duration/Size:1:31/3.7MB Description: Tracking a subject walking through various environments. Fairly complex camera control, some not acheivable with many commerical stablizers. Rising from ground level to shoulder level while in motion, steep camera pitching, stair navigation, circular panning around subject while ascending a stairwell.
	Duration/Size:1:38/5.5MB Description: A two camera view of a hallway walk through scene at a radio station. The top view is from a camera using a Poor Man's Steadycam. The bottom view is an observer camera watching me use the steadycam. The bottom camera is partially stabilized using a tripod with its legs folded together. You can see the difference in quality of stabilization, particularly in the stationary moments and the tripod also makes a "clacking" sound you can hear in the recording when we move. This is from the loose legs hitting each other. Tripods can help a little to stabilize moving shots, but they have a lot of shortcomings.

What You Get in Your Steadycam Package

(click to enlarge)

The steadycam you will recieve from me includes the following parts shown in the picture to the left:

2 x Foam Grips

3 x Pipes

1 x Pipe cap

1 x Tee joint

1 x Preassembled camera mount

1 x Preassembled counterweight

1 x Powder-coated steel inverting bracket

These parts can be assembled using only your hands to create the 5 different configurations shown in the lower picture (click to enlarge). Each of these configurations have various advantages and disadvantages. This versatile and modular design allows you to reconfigure the steadycam on the spot without any tools to suit the needs of your shot. The steadycam uses standard plumbing supplies found at your local hardware store allowing you to easily make your own customizations and accessories such as changing bar lengths, customizing the handle(s), or even creating a vehicle mount.*

Is your camera compatible?
The camera mount on this steadycam is compatible with any device that has a standard tripod mount which is nearly all consumer grade video and still cameras. The inverting bracket has a 6-1/2" clearance. This allows it to accomodate all consumer grade handheld camercorders. For larger prosumer and semi-professional cameras, please refer to the following list:

Sony: Good: PD-150, VX1000/2000/2100, HDR-HC1/2/3, HDR-FX1/Z1/FX7/V1U**
Canon: Good: GL1/GL2, XH-G1/A1**, Too large: XL series cameras
Panasonic: Good:AG-DVX100, AG-DVC30, AG-HVX200**
JVC: Good: GR-HD1, Enviro G series

**For larger cameras, the modifications descibed near the bottom of steadycam.org are highly recommended. However, the use of any modification made or added to this product is soley your responsibility. These modifications are not available for purchase.

If your camera is not listed, consult your owner's manual for the vertical dimension of your camera. It must be below 6-1/2" to be used with the inverting bracket. If your camera is smaller than these cameras, it should work fine. This steadycam is not recommend for cameras that are heavier than 5lbs with the standard parts included with your steadycam. Luckily, you can easily add your own modifications to better suit the needs of your camera.* See steadycam.org for more information on useful add-ons and easy modifications you can do to the basic steadycam.

Purchasing FAQ
Here is a compilation of frequently asked questions about the steadycams I sell. There's a good chance that your question has already been asked. Other questions can be sent to: info [at] littlegreatideas.com

Warnings, Disclaimers, and Return Policy

This is NOT a precision manufactured device. The quality of assembly will vary. Certain parts may need adjustment or tightening upon receipt. Please check your item carefully before using.

* WARNING: Improper or irresponsible use of this steadycam (or any stabilization device) can result in damage to your equipment or bodily injury to yourself and/or others. Please exercise caution and good judgement when using this or similar devices. By making this purchase you agree that your use of this steadycam is at YOUR OWN RISK. The use of any modifications made to or added to the product is soley your responsibility.

Return Policy: If your steadycam is found defective or unsatisfactory, the item must be placed in shipment for return at your cost WITHIN 7 DAYS OF THE ORIGINAL DELIVERY DATE. Returned items must be in salable condition with all accessories, documentation, and original packaging. Defective parts will be repaired or replaced at no additional cost. Little Great Ideas LLC reserves the right to refuse any refund or replacement request at its sole discretion. Returns must be sent to: Little Great Ideas LLC, 2106 Columbia Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15218.

Disclaimers of Warranties and Limitation of Liability: This product is sold and produced by Little Great Ideas LLC. This product and all associated documents and materials are provided on an "as is" basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including, but not limited to, warranties of title or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness beyond its described purpose. By making this purchase, you have expressly agreed that the use of this product is at YOUR OWN RISK. The use of any modifications made to or added to the product are soley your responsibility. Under no circumstances, including, but not limited to, negligence, shall Little Great Ideas LLC (or any of its affiliates, employees, agents, or third party providers) be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages that result from the use of, or the inability to use, this product. The limitations apply regardless of whether the party liable or allegedly liable was advised, had other reason to know, or in fact knew of the possibility of such damages. You specifically acknowledge and agree that Little Great Ideas LLC (and any of its affiliates, employees, agents, or third party providers) is not liable for any defamatory, offensive, or illegal conduct resulting from the use of this product. In states and instances where the sale of "as is" products are not permitted or the prior disclaimer is deemed unfit, Little Great Ideas LLC will not be liable to a consumer for any damages beyond what the customer has actually paid to Little Great Ideas LLC.

By clicking on this "Buy Now" button you are stating that you have
read, understood, and agree to the above conditions of this sale.

The Purchasing FAQ includes common questions about shipping. Thanks!

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