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How to Build a Steadicam

A steadicam is a device for mounting a video camera on the operator to reduce his small moves from being transferred to the camera position and creating a jerky look to the shot. Unlike a dolly, steadicams allow better camera control and movement.

Things You'll Need

  • 3 1/2-inch steel pipes (10 inches long) 3 1/2-inch pipe endcaps 1 pipe T-joint 2.5-pound barbell weight (with 1 inch diameter center hole) 1 1/4-inch machine bolt (1-1/2 inch long) 2 1/4-inch machine nuts 2 lock washers for 1/4- inch bolts 3 1 1/2-inch diameter flange washer for 1/4-inch bolts 1 1/4 inch wing nut Stationary vise Drill 1/4-inch drill bit Hammer Wrench Screwdriver Safety goggles
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Instructions

    • 1

      Using the vise to secure the end caps, drill a 1/4-inch hole in the center of two end caps.

    • 2

      Dent one of the flange washers so that the center will be higher than the rim. To do this place the bolt through the washer and set them inside the hole of your weight. Use your hammer to hit the bolt until the washer is slightly concave. This will be a part of the camera mount later.

    • 3

      For the handle that will come out of the side of the steadicam, take one of the pipes. Attach the endcap you did not drill to one end of the pipe. Attach the T-joint to the other end of the pipe.

    • 4

      Now construct the counterweight. Place a flange washer on either side of the hole in the center of the weight and put the bolt through them. Now slip one of the endcaps on the bolt so the open side of the cap faces outward. Insert a lock washer inside the cap on the bolt and then attach the nut. Tighten it by hand. Place the end cap in the vase with the weight above it. Use the screw driver to tighten the bolt until the washer just begins to bend.

    • 5

      For the camera mount, put a lock washer on a bolt. Insert the bolt and washer into one of the endcaps so the threads stick out the top of the endcap. Put a washer and a nut on the screw. Tighten the screw with the vise and wrench.This will keep the bolt from turning inside the endcap.

    • 6

      Screw the last two pipes into either end of the T-joint of the handle. Attach the base to the bottom but screwing the end cap onto the pipe. Attach the camera mount to the top, again by screwing the endcap onto the pipe.

    • 7

      Video cameras with a tripod mount have a hole in the bottom that will fit the screw on the camera mount of your steadicam. If you screwed it on at this point the camera will be wobbly and it will put a strain on the bolt or strip the threads inside the camera. This is where the wingnut and the dented washer come into play. Before attaching your camera put the wingnut so the wings are pointing downward onto the bolt and then the washer on top of it so the rim faces upward. Attach your camera to the bolt and then slide the washer up against the camera and tighten it in place with the wingnut. This will support the weight of the camera on a wider base and make for a steadier rig.

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