Cheap Video Stabilization Gear?

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sammaritan12

Hi i'm looking for some cheap video stabilization gear, i'm planning on getting a cheap fluid head tripod and do some DIY PVC rigs. I'm not so handy so metal and wood DIY is out of the question.
My question is, what are some cheap video stabilization gear for under $150 AUD (includes shipping)?
I'm keen to get a tripod but a self standing monopod or rig may also be in the cards.

I have a cheap Slik F740 but it's not enough.
I don't have heaps of gear but I have the video, audio and lighting covered just some stabilization is needed.

Looking forward to your responses,
sammaritan12
 
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I'm not sure how you will go with getting 'legit' stuff for under $150. This is the cheapest I would go with if I went for an actual made one.
http://www.videoguys.com.au/Shop/p/...ystem-for-camera-weight-0-1-3kg-glhd1000.html

I bought mine from this website, but a Steadicam Merlin which was about double the price, but I could budget for it + I decided I was serious enough.

One of the better DIY builds I've seen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NDsEFy5Iww

Or....
Lift your tripod and stabilize in post if you have the right software.
And tripods are kind 'meh' for short films. They're important for live stuff where you have no second chance and everything needs to be smooth. But I just have a cheap Velbon tripod and it does the trick
 
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I like to shoot documentaries so would a run and gun style work and what gear is needed for this?
I have a CSC so if i'm going handheld I need a rig.
I'm OK with going for cheap eBay brands but it needs to be of decent build quality.
Thanks for the suggestion but looking at the price it looks to be eye-gougingly high for me.
 
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I haven't shot many documentaries and it's not really an area of expertise for me. I know documentaries still require a lot of planning and setting up. Are they natural documentaries or human ones? You can do 'run and gun' I guess if its a street talk type format. I'm gonna say you'll need a decent mic.
Yeah gear is expensive, check out this post for some thoughts surrounding gear in general http://www.indietalk.com/showthread.php?t=44391&highlight=Technology
I'm no good at judging eBay deals usually :/
 
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@Mannie, I quickly looked at the Opteka Steadyvid Pro and it looks good but it's a bit out of my price range and the steadicam-like devices are a bit hard to use for me.

@Mile, I have a Zoom H1 mic, is this enough? The documentaries I plan to make are ones with people in it. Yeah, I know gear is expensive and sometimes it just seems overpriced :P

I looked around for a few options and here are some:

http://cheesycam.com/polaroid-target-shooter-rig/
This seems cheap and useable for under $60. It also says that it uses standard 15mm rails so I can add on to it later.

http://cheesycam.com/spider-steady-multi-config-rig/
Looks very versatile and I could use it in multiple configurations but the build quality concerns me. Filmriot did a video on it and they say it's pretty good, says he used a RED EPIC on it (!!!).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBiRDXoGsCs

http://cheesycam.com/a-s-s-implants-how-to/
This one is even cheaper than the other ones and it can work hands free. I could get this one and save some money to get other important gear. Phillip Bloom did a video on this shoulder support.

Also are monopods flexible for shooting video, or is it good just for stills?

I would like to hear your thoughts on this.
Thanks again.
 
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I haven't used a H1, i have a H4n and I know it's good. H1 is definitely good to start out with but you'll need to eventually move into on with an XLR input.
I've heard good things about the Spider Steady; after a quick look at the others I'd be going with it. Though its not a stabilization rig, just a shoulder rig, but will be better than handheld!

Here's a current thread going about tripods ad monopods. I'd personally start with a tripod then move to add a monopod if you can justify it. http://www.indietalk.com/showthread.php?t=44477&highlight=Monopod

Sorry for the late reply. I am on holiday ("schoolies") and have no time
 
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I think I'll stay with the Zoom H1 for now until I can afford or need something else like the Zoom H4N.
So I have narrowed it down to the Shoulder Support and Spider Steady, both look good and the Shoulder Support is cheaper. I'll definitely look into the Spider Steady.
I think I'll stick with my tripod and practice smoother pans, although it's a "fluid effect" pan head and I cannot remove the head for a fluid head.

Are you those schoolies that are annoying locals in QLD? lol.
 
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Yeah well of course everything costs money so upgrade (or not upgrade) when you are ready.

All I have to judge from them is those links, and I know that the Spider Steady was recommended by Film Riot and I was also considering buying one because they are cheap.

I've only got a tripod, never really had a need for a monopod.

Haha no we're not on official schoolies, we're currently in Warrnambool and are just chilling and stuff... Not clubbing or getting drunk :)
 
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Alright thanks, I think I'll go with the spider steady, more versatile.
Monopods and rigs are both good for run and gun IMO, but the spider steady in this situation is more versatile.
Thanks for the advice and have a great holiday.
 
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You'll still need to spend time practicing moving smoothly. Your knees and arms are the part that make this gear all work correctly. It's a dance, and you have to make your body learn the fundamentals before you can go to rehearse a specific choreography.
 
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I'll go back to a quote elsewhere from the steadicam operator who did the printer scene in "Office Space" and the hallway walk and talks in the "West Wing":

When asked what tips he uses to get such great shots, he said he starts every morning lifting weights and doing cardio work.
 
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