Create an Inexpensive DSLR Shoulder Rig

Posted on by Jeff Riegel, Producer/Editor

October 11, 2013

by , nofilmschool.com

DIY Shoulder Rig

There are many options when it comes to stabilizing your camera, but sometimes, even when money’s tight, you don’t want to sacrifice some essential customizations that’ll make your rig truly your rig. About 3 years ago, DSLR Video Shooter’s Caleb Pike  shared a video explaining how to build a rig using the CowboyStudio Support Pad, and this week he has updated the whole thing by replacing the old hardware with newer hardware. So, if you’re ready to invest in some descent stabilization, but are scouring your couch cushions to do it, check it out.

Now, if you’re a professional filmmaker or videographer, a rig that offers more versatility, as well as stability (and a larger price tag) is probably what you’re looking for. But, if you’re just getting into filmmaking and wanting to experiment with something inexpensive, Pike’s rig seems like a quick and easy way to do that.

From what I could see from the video, Pike’s rig looks simple to assemble and easy to operate the camera once it is. I have heard that the downfall of the CowboyStudio Support is that it isn’t really designed to be walked around with much, but for static handheld-looking shots. However, for the money, you’re looking at some pretty decent image stabilization.

Here is a video showing some  footage shot with Pike’s rig:

https://vimeo.com/16899378

In the video below, Pike explains what materials you’ll need, where to get them, and how to assemble them to make the rig:

https://vimeo.com/75971153

Here is a list of the parts Pike uses to put his rig together:

So, depending on how you customize your rig, the final cost will range from $250 – $375, which is a pretty decent deal given the add-ons. It’s easy to look at the latest technological advances in camera stabilization, like the MōVi and other 3-axis gimbals, and drool over the results, but sometimes you just need something easy and inexpensive to put together in order to start making films.

What do you think about Caleb Pike’s rig? Feel free to share any insight into adding modifications and accessories onto shoulder-mounted stabilization systems.

Links:

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  3. Catclaw: An Inexpensive Solution for Powering Your Blackmagic Cinema Camera or DSLR

[via Filmmaker IQ]

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For two decades, Jeff Riegel was a senior level Producer/Editor for the Department of Defense and various government contractors in Northern Virginia. Outside of the workplace, Jeff keeps himself busy with the creation of festival worthy documentaries "Tori Nelson: Fighting for Her Future" and the once nominated and two-time Emmy award winning "A Journey of Education and Remembrance." His short film "The Great Realisation" captured the eyes at 18 international film festivals with various winning honors; a poem that takes on heavy themes such as fevered capitalism, man-made ecological issues, digital addiction during the global Covid blight. Jeff is looking for funding investors and co-producing "The Lost Clipper," a two+ decades project about the first hijacking in U.S. history and the search for those 15 lost souls abducted in 1938, the true first act of war with Japan. Filming takes him to Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, Canada, and locations across the U.S. (see www.LostClipper.com) He enjoys creating media-marketing social networking campaign for personalities such as 13-time world boxing champion Tori Nelson, Netflix's "Narcos" personalities Steve Murphy and Javier Pena, and renowned landscape photographer Frank Lee Ruggles. Jeff is eager to attack any project head-on. Jeff's Motto: think beyond convention...and consider it done!