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DIY DSLR Rigs

DSLR is an acronym for digital single lens reflex. Professional photographers prefer them because of their speed, high resolution and ability to accommodate a wide range of lenses. Small cameras have become popular among independent filmmakers because of their quality, cost, and ease of use. Still photographers can use a tripod, but when filming motion video with a DSLR, a rig is need to stabilize the camera. Without a rig, the picture will bounce around, creating a documentary-type look. Inventive filmmakers are constantly thinking of new ways to make and modify their own rigs.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 aluminum square tube, 1 inch by 36 inch
  • 2 black pipes, ½ inch by 8 inch
  • 2 all-thread rods, ¼ inch by 12 inches to 14 inches long
  • 4 flat washers, ¼ inch
  • 4 nuts, ¼ inch
  • 1 hex bolt, ¼-20 (1 ½-inch to 1 ¾-inches long)
  • Miter saw
  • Drill
  • ¼-in drill bit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the aluminum square tube in half using the miter saw.

    • 2

      Drill a ¼-inch hole through the aluminum square tube about an inch from each end. Do this to both pieces of tube.

    • 3

      Set the aluminum tubes down parallel to each other. Make sure the ¼-inch drilled holes are facing each other.

    • 4

      Place the black pipes between the aluminum tubes. Each pipe should cover the ¼-inch drilled holes in the aluminum tubes.

    • 5

      Push one all-thread rod through the ¼-inch hole in the aluminum pipe. Continue pushing it all the way through the black pipe. Pull the all-thread out of the ¼-inch hole of the opposite aluminum pipe. Push the other rod through the black pipe the same way.

    • 6

      Drill a ¼-inch hole through one of the aluminum tubes. The hole should go in the same direction as the black pipes. You can place the hole wherever you prefer, as this is where the DSLR camera will mount.

    • 7

      Place washers over the four exposed pieces of the all-thread rods. Secure the rods by tightening nuts on top of the washers.

Film Production

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