dslr stabilizer

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First off, sorry on this one. This little stabilizer was a tough one to talk about. There's so many different features on this stabilizer, it's mind blowing. I had to totally skip any mention about balancing it and just spent several minutes going over the different parts. If you want to learn about balancing, the BlackBird comes with an instructional DVD as well as a full booklet with lots of pretty pictures. It almost doesn't matter where you start by placing your camera, you'll always have more than enough lateral to compensate and center the camera to balance. Weather has been very spotty here and i've been caught up with other projects to really get something good online about this one.

In any case, here's a quick look and a few first time samples. There's no denying the resemblance of the design to other stabilizers on the market, but of the ones I've used (and i've used quite a few), none of them has as many different options or features as this. One thing I mention most on this blog about stabilizers, is that I find stabilizers work best when they are 'loaded up' to their max weight. This stabilizer has even been specifically designed to balance both super light and heavier cameras by adding in the Gimbal extension. Dropping the Gimbal allows the stabilizer to become extremely 'less bottom heavy', thus able to support light weight cameras. The unique 'adjustable friction gimbal' also adds to that same purpose. It's well designed, fairly priced against it's competitors, but definitely the most fully featured of the bunch all similar to this design. You might also want to check out the other video demo in this article: http://cheesycam.com/dslr-video-stabilizer-blackbird/.

You can find more information about the BlackBird Stabilizer at their website: https://www.camotionllc.com/

The BlackBird stabilizer can also be found at B&H below
blackbird-stabilizer
find-price-button BlackBird Camera Stabilizer by Camera Motion Research

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Vimeo member MIchel takes a chance on that odd flex DSLR rig that's been on just about everywhere lately. If you can get over the light blue and black Mortal Kombat theme, the rig converts into a few different positions to provide stable shots, and the one he has setup as a double shoulder support looks pretty functional. Setting it up in that fashion would definitely reduce the amount of camera roll. As mentioned in the video the 1/4 x 20 threaded ends could allow use of counter balance weights. When this was first brought to my attention the prices were pretty low. Not sure if demand is driving prices, but it seems to have inflated quite a bit. [Thanks MIchel]


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find-price-button Flexible DSLR Rig Shoulder Support

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visit-button DSLR Cage Rigs on eBay

Here's an interesting DIY DSLR Cage that appeared on auction. It's like a camera caddie meets rotating flash bracket type layout. From the description it's a one off piece, but a very cool setup of handles, base, and accessory mounting points. There's a bit of a back story in the auction details if you want to check it out. It's too bad this thing never flew into production, if the price was right I think it would have done well. This looks like it could have easily stepped in where Varavon's DSLR Armor is trying to take place. Either way, if you're a DIY'er time to take a close peek at this design to spark some creativity. Unless it's sold, you can find it here.

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15mm-Fuel-Line-Clamp

Anyone have access to this clamp? Unlike those ugly common worm gear clamps (like these), this metal band has a bolt and a pass through (on the other side). From the looks of the design, it shouldn't be very hard to drill out the old bolt and swap it out with a standard 1/4 x 20 threaded bolt making it easy to mount accessories to your 15mm Rails. The range for these clamps vary, but there's a few that fit 13mm-16.5mm and some that fit 15mm - 17.5mm. I'll probably pass by a local auto store to see if these type of clamps are on the shelf, and hopefully they work out since you can get a pack of 10 for under 6 bucks.

DIY-Clamp
find-price-button 10 pack Hose Clamps Effective Diameter Range: 15/32" - 41/64" (13.5mm - 16.5mm) for 3/8" Hose

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YouTube member dinthisane shares his first DIY video, and it's pretty clever. Using some ready made inexpensive 'Skate Buds' available online, he was able to create a very effective rotating video dolly. All you'll need is a flat base plate and a Tripod Head or Fluid head. It's a very simple way to go about mounting wheels without creating axles. As you can see these things are designed to carry a bit of weight too. You can find these little Skate Buds below.


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find-price-button Roller Skate Wheel Skate Buds via eBay

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find-price-button Roller Skate Wheel Skate Buds via Amazon

For a cheap sturdy head, you can should check out the one that we used on the Korean Clone of the SpiderTrax dolly found here: http://cheesycam.com/test-drive-spidertrax-clone-korean-dolly/

fancier-heavy-ball-head
find-price-button Professional Heavy Duty Ball Head Quick Release

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camera stabilizer

It's probably been a while since anyone's used something like this. Very overpriced compared to what's on the market today, a bit odd looking, but might give some DIY'ers ideas for a different take on a body mounted camera stabilizer. There's a few more images following the link here.

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Vimeo member Lolo Two is at it again with another DIY project. This time using EMT a.k.a conduit to assemble a solid DSLR style Fig Rig / Cage. Interesting to see the 90 degree Conduit connectors in use, and gives me more ideas on where I could use these things. [Thanks Lolo Two]

If you haven't passed by your local hardware store and looked through the Conduit / EMT section, you'll be surprised to find a whole bunch of clamps and connectors that have a ton of uses. I think I found some very cool clamps that can be mounted to 15mm Rails as accessory mounts.

As far as a DIY cage, I'm still hung up on my DIY DSLR Cage found here: http://cheesycam.com/cheesycam-exclusive-diy-dslr-cage-stabilizer/. Using inexpensive strut channels in my design requires zero drilling and just two cuts to assemble a solid rig with a bunch of different mounting points.

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Chest Pod Camera Support

Reader Jip shares a camera support find. Taking a few tips from the big guys about Camera Shoulder Shooter designs, this 'Chest Pod' acts like a shoulder stock or placed on the knee as a monopod. There's a sling strap included so i'm not sure if it can be worn in any other configuration. Pricing is way too high for something like this, but maybe you guys can track down something cheaper, or DIY something better. [Thanks Jip]


Screen shot 2011-03-22 at 3.58.45 PMScreen shot 2011-03-22 at 3.58.51 PM
find-price-button Adjustable Chest Pod Camera Support Shooter

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Manfrotto-5-section-monopod
find-price-button Manfrotto 5 Section Compact Travel Monopods

The more sections in a monopod, the more collapsed the monopod can be. A 5 section Monopod has more sections to collapse and drop down it's minimum folded length. Manfrotto has a few new 5 section travel monopods that can collapse down to just over 15", making them some of the shortest on the market. It's fully expanded length up to 57". Unfortunately these new lightweight travel monopods are only rated to support cameras at 3.3 lbs, but for light weight Photography or Videography shooters, it should be released at only $25 dollars.

If you're looking for something that holds more beef for cheap, the Cullman 550 - 5 section Monopod with quick release locks, will support up to 18 lbs., collapses to 18" inches and extends to 59.8". Currently on back order on many websites, but for about $50 dollars, it's expected.

cullman-550-5-section
find-price-button Cullman Magnesit 550 - 5 section Monopod