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How to Make a Steadicam For the Sony FX1000

The Sony FX1000 is an HD MiniDV high-end video camera. A Steadicam is a mount that helps in stabilizing the camera for hand held shots. Professional Steadicams can be expensive, but making one at home can be done fairly inexpensively. A Steadicam is almost a necessity when shooting handheld in HD. Jolts and shakes are much more pronounced in HD, which means the camera must be extra steady.

Things You'll Need

  • Tripod
  • Weight
  • Duct tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Acquire a five to 10 lb. barbell weight.

    • 2

      Slip the barbell onto the bottom of a tripod that has its legs extended fully.

    • 3

      Wrap the tripod in duct tape below the barbell at the bottom. Wrap enough duct tape on the tripod so that the weight will not slip off.

    • 4

      Attach the Sony FX1000 to the tripod.

    • 5

      Grip the tripod in the middle with one or two hands and use as a Steadicam. The weight on the bottom acts as a counterweight to the camera on the top, steadying the movement of the operator. This type of Steadicam is surprisingly effective.

Film Production

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