30May Test: DIY DSLR Cage / Fig Rig / Stabilizer
This article is referencing my DIY DSLR Cage / Fig Rig / Stabilizer found at http://cheesycam.com/?p=966
As I do different video projects, you realize there are many different tools for different purposes. This DIY that I’ve created was to provide additional stabilization while walking, be able to carry a few different accessories, but be very quick to setup. It won’t replace a Steadicam / Glidecam setup, but then again it neither weighs as much, is as bulky, or takes time to setup. It’s designed to be a grab-and-go type tool for extra stabilization. Above is an example of me using the tool. As you can see, just by seperating your hands away from the camera you can acheive some fairly nice results. Especially looking at the Horizon in the video footage it stays pretty level. There is just a bit of bounce which can be minimized with a bit of practice, but definitely something you’ll want to have for a DIY price of $25.00 dollars. Read the article for information on how to build your own. http://cheesycam.com/?p=966
You might want to also reference the additional Macro Rail at http://cheesycam.com/?p=1106.
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75 Comments
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May 30th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
Thanks!
Do you have any update on the DIY follow focus?
May 30th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
“Are you recording?”
Classic.
May 30th, 2010 at 11:51 pm
No IS with this lens. It’s an old Sigma 20mm F/1.8.
May 31st, 2010 at 7:08 am
Brilliant, particularly impressed with the stairs scene!! Overall I think your sight is very useful and I really think you should write a book on DSLR DIY cinematography from rigs to dollys with build plans etc. I would definately buy it and im sure others would too who are on a tight budget but dont want to sacrifice quality.
Your skatertraxdolly system looks alot better than some of these products being supplied by redrock nd jag and the others. Really looking forward to seeing what you do next and im here supporting you all the way. Let me know if you would consider a DIY book/DVD though, would be pretty cool.
May 31st, 2010 at 8:50 am
Thanks. If I can find the time, I just might make some better and more clear tutorials into a downloadable PDF.
June 1st, 2010 at 1:14 pm
Beautiful! really considering this.
This is not a canon l lens? a sigma with a red ring??
June 1st, 2010 at 2:17 pm
Oh the image was taken from my first video. The test video was shot on a Sigma 20mm F/1.8 (not seen in the video).
June 2nd, 2010 at 7:50 am
I have to say, I think this blog is really one of the better cam info sites out there. The design is clean, the videos are really well done, the DIY stuff is actually useful. So, kudos.
anyway, i’m really impressed with the rig. i didn’t think it would be as smooth as a gimble based system. especially going down stairs
June 2nd, 2010 at 8:40 am
Thanks! Yes in my first video towards the end, you hear me say something about how surprised I was too. I never used a two handed stablizer before, and by moving your hands away from the camera, it does make a difference.
June 4th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
Wow, looks great and really smooth shot! Thanks a lot for the great tutorials. I’ve been looking at “hangrip” for my 550D, but i might have a go at a DIY this time…
June 4th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
Yeah using two hands and spreading them apart works best for a simple stabilizer. If you need just a handle, check out this article http://cheesycam.com/?p=789
June 5th, 2010 at 11:02 am
How do I buy this rig ASAP?
Dan
June 5th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Question -how did you thread the bolts inside the pipe? Been trying this for about a half hour and am about to throw the damn project out.
June 5th, 2010 at 10:56 pm
hey mate really keen on a Gear List for this as i am going to try make one tommorow. any help would be appreciated.
Cheers
T
June 11th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
Hi Guys,
Is there a way to mount this fig to a tri pod? Also how do you mount a t2i to this rig? (what type of mount would I need) I have all the materials I am just trying to finish it up and am very very new to this. Also I am thinking glide cam as well.
Any help is appreciated
Thanks,
Frank
June 14th, 2010 at 6:16 pm
I would love to purchase this rig? Can you build me one too?
June 28th, 2010 at 7:04 pm
I agree with cyber sapp, can you build us and we’ll just order because some of us doesnt have the tools or time to build your cool rigs.
Great site by the way, very informative and simple.
June 29th, 2010 at 10:06 am
Thanks again for all the work you do with your website! I’m on here everyday checking out what you have in store for us. Two quick questions…
-Which model Rode microphone do you typically use?
-I built the Fig Rig and it came out great, however- I currently have my camera mounted to it using a 1/4″ bolt and wing nut. Do you know where I could find a quick release mount and plate? I can only seem to find the portion that attaches to the camera and not the base- I need a set that includes both the base plate and the quick release plate that attaches to the camera portion. Any suggestions?
Thanks again!
June 29th, 2010 at 4:18 pm
I use the Rode VideoMic, but thinking I might not need the shock mount. I will be looking into another hard mounted Shotgun microphone soon.
July 1st, 2010 at 2:10 am
Cheers from a french director, authentic fan of cheesycam! many thanks for the ingenious an creative demos!
With great support and best regards,
July 14th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
Big fan of your site. Really great info. Built and used this rig for the first time and worked like a charm http://vimeo.com/13344435 Wanted to share
Best. Alex
July 20th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
just a thought for running shots “could” you put low tension spring in the side handles? stiff enough not to jump but would level out rough ground or fast running, i did so checking at THD looks possible …or is it over kill??
August 21st, 2010 at 3:11 pm
So, would you build this rig before a shoulder mount? or before a small hand-held steadycam rig? Some great info here and am looking to get off the tripod with my 7D and sound rig.
Thanks
MJM
August 26th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
Uploaded some sample video footage shot from my skateboard of some neighborhood kids cruising on their bicycles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaqCaCDitiM
August 26th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
Link blocked?
August 27th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
I just got mine assembled after lots of hard work! Hopefully I’ll get around to writing a parts list for future google reference. http://www.flickr.com/photos/jcardines/4933142713/
It feels very nice! I might need a shoulder assembly for this soon.
August 31st, 2010 at 7:30 am
Awesome site and posts, Emm.
Those of you guys who would like to purchase this rig please let me know on slavic@dslrcable.com (I might make them for you but that depends on how many people will be willing to order)
August 31st, 2010 at 7:31 am
That, of course, provided Emm allows us to.
August 31st, 2010 at 8:26 am
I have had several offers to purchase these DIY rigs from me. I possibly could have outsourced the idea to manufacturing, but didn’t find it worth the overhead, and I was not trying to sell it for 10 times it’s worth like other companies.
If anyone chooses to offer this design for sale, I would suggest that you point them to the DIY link on this blog and let them decide if they can build it or not. I agree not everyone has the time or the tools and would be willing to buy a tool like this, but we should always encourage ways to save a few bucks, and at the same time keeping them aware of any (not just mine) original designs that were used or inspired from.
-Emm
September 1st, 2010 at 1:21 am
Sure, Emm.
September 3rd, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Any chance you’ll be posting a parts list for this soon? That would be swell!
September 11th, 2010 at 11:15 pm
Emm, one question for you: when you shot the sample video did you use the LED light you’ve got mounted on the rig in the pictures? I’ve built a similar rig (almost done it – just waiting for my Zoom H1 to mount to it) and I’m curious to know what you did for lighting in the sample video.
September 11th, 2010 at 11:27 pm
Do you have the link to that particular sample video? For this particular test, no I didn’t use any lighting. I think you’ll catch the rig in the mirror and there’s nothing but the camera on.
September 16th, 2010 at 8:37 am
Thanks for inspiring someone with 2 left hands to go out and make his own.(ie ME)
I want to screw a couple of coldshoes onto the top bar so I can slip a wireless receiver on, or my monitor, or a mic. Does anyone know if you can buy these things? Tried Googling but didn’t get anywhere.
September 16th, 2010 at 9:48 am
Take a look at these links:
http://cheesycam.com/the-diy-shoulder-rig-lives-on/
http://cheesycam.com/mounting-zoom-h1-on-camera/
September 18th, 2010 at 11:44 am
Thanks, Emm, you rule! I’ve been saving AND spending a lot of money because of you…
What a paradox! These yellow packages with the Chinese stamps just keep coming in.
Stay true & keep the good stuff coming!
September 25th, 2010 at 9:45 am
I would love to purchase one if you ever decide to sell them , let me know.. thanks. love this site..
October 7th, 2010 at 1:23 am
Hi, where I can buy those quick release things to mount camera and other accessories? Thanks
October 7th, 2010 at 5:36 am
For camera mounting, there’s a quick release shown here: http://cheesycam.com/flycam-nano-gear-review/
To mount accessories, you can read this http://cheesycam.com/the-diy-shoulder-rig-lives-on/ or this article http://cheesycam.com/mounting-zoom-h1-on-camera/
October 8th, 2010 at 5:24 am
I was wondering if something like this would work for a camcorder as well? I have a cannon gl2 and have been looking for something like this for that. It will do wonders for my Nikon but like i said i need it for the camcorder. What are the dimensions and parts used?
October 13th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
Just finished making the framework. Painted it today. We are having a RARE sunny day in Seattle-65 deg!!! Anyway- received a quick release RC2 and a spare RC2 from Amazon today. When frame dry will have to figure out how to mount the Quick release. I think its back to the store for some more washers/shims/nuts/etc.
I think it is going to work well. was quick to build.
October 14th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Thx man, very helpful. Buying these quick release parts will increase the price of rig but I think it worths.
November 14th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
what did you use to mount the monitor and mike to the top of the rig?
November 15th, 2010 at 11:58 pm
I want to buy this gadget. How if i can do it? I am from Russia. tolya39@yandex.ru
November 30th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
can i use this quick release for this rig?
thanks,
b
http://cgi.ebay.com/QUICK-RELEASE-PLATE-QR-BOGEN-486RC2-BALL-HEAD-New-/220508648261?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item335756f345
November 30th, 2010 at 10:54 pm
@Boris – that only looks like the top plate, doesn’t come with a quick release ‘locking’ adapter.
December 1st, 2010 at 11:46 am
@Emm- I saw it now, pretty stupid of me. so basicly there is no cheaper solution for buying quick releases than those ones in your video? I would love to have this rig but if I buy several quick releases from your video, it will be too much for me, having in mind the money I’ve spent on camera and accessories lately…
December 10th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
Great work! It would really be helpful to have a materials list and instructions for this rig.
Thanks!
February 25th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
Emm: ever thought about a PVP fig rig? I built one over the weekend, and I really appreciate how light it is (compared to a metal frame).
Only just started video (since I got the 60D last month), so I’m still trying to produce something worth sharing
February 25th, 2011 at 12:55 pm
@Alex – Yeah thought about it, but wanted something a bit more pro looking and something that held paint well. PVC is great though, like LEGOS for adults.
February 25th, 2011 at 2:20 pm
@Emm: right, had some issues with the paint too. Gotta use some sandpaper on the pipes first to make them rough, paint will stick better afterwards.
Personally I like how mine turned out, if it’s pro enough – that’s anyone’s guess/taste (link: http://juve.ro/blog/projects/01298387572)
February 28th, 2011 at 8:20 pm
Hey I was curious…I made a rig similar to yours but i used something different instead of the long steel bar…So I was wondering after you have your rig and just your camera attached to the rig…how much did your completed rig w/ cam weigh? basically yours looks a lot lighter than mine! =/
March 5th, 2011 at 1:15 am
I am planning on making a PVC version of this because I am a student and cannot afford those two dollar shelf brackets you suggested. Wish me luck!
By the way, I love your site and check it almost every day. Thanks for taking the time to make and review these products, God bless!
March 8th, 2011 at 3:07 pm
good work – but its not steadycamlike
March 8th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
@ethan – You are correct. Not all stabilizers are steadicam like. They are simply called stabilizers. Much like shoulder rigs, they are used to stabilize the camera while holding.
April 5th, 2011 at 2:06 pm
Hey great tutorial!
I was wondering if I can get a list of all the parts? would be really helpful!
Thanks!
July 25th, 2011 at 7:49 pm
Using your guidance I built my own cage. I found the original dimensions to be a bit small, and the overall weight a tad on the heavy side. So I shortened everything by 2 inches and used PVC pipe to lighten the rig a tad (as I plan on attaching a monitor). I also just put some pipe insulation over the PVC to make the “handles” more comfortable. I know you were going for a pro look, which is likely why you didn’t go for these options. Regardless, here’s my work in progress: http://clayton-mclaughlin.com/photography/diy-dslr-camera-cage-for-video/
August 4th, 2011 at 8:48 am
emm – would this cage (or others like it) be a good alternative instead of using steadicams, was wondering if it can function well for real estate (web tours of the home/property)
August 4th, 2011 at 9:14 am
@steve-o – This will not replace a steadicam. This is merely a simple way to mount all accessories and then move the entire ‘rig’ from handheld, to tripod, to monopod, to slider, etc. Cages are mounting brackets, but it does add some features for ‘hand held’ shooting. You will not be able to achieve a floating or flying style of camera movement with this alone.
September 24th, 2011 at 10:29 am
Finished mine a couple of days ago. Thanks for the ideas!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/32681053@N08/6178000513/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/32681053@N08/6178525424/
October 13th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
I can’t figure out how to attach the quick release to the metal frame? can you explain more about that step??
October 13th, 2011 at 2:49 pm
@Landon – Run a long bolt under the frame into the QR adapter.
October 19th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
I love your site…My father just finished assembling my cage for me. I was wondering if someone could tell us exactly how you would get this onto a tripod and what that would require. Thanks, Steve
October 19th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
@Steve – You would mount a Quick release plate under the cage. On top of the bottom rail, you would mount another quick release adapter. You’ll most likely need a long bolt running through both, and sandwich that bottom rail between.
November 3rd, 2011 at 12:05 pm
Flycam nano or this cage? which is better in your opinion.
November 3rd, 2011 at 1:13 pm
@David – They are two different types of gear. One flies very smooth, the other just stabilizes the camera from micro vibrations. You would use them both differently.
December 5th, 2011 at 11:13 pm
How do you attach the viewfinder screen to the bottom of your camera if you have a 2x batter grip on it? Did you have to buy a specific viewfinder?
Thanks
December 10th, 2011 at 9:42 am
Anyone think this cage (with Rode mic, H4nZoom, Small light and camera) would be too heavy for the “hands free” shoulder mount in the A.S.S. Implant blog? Would love to use the two together…if it’ll work.