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How to Build a steadycam for small hybrid digital cameras

Hand holding a saw while using a roller to assist with cutting a wooden railing.

Need to shoot a film for class and realized you don't have a Fisher Dolly and your cinematographer's hands are a little to shaky for what you would consider good filmmaking? Well, this video tutorial will show you how to make your very own steadycam. Check out how a nautilus design transforms into a more suitable steadycam; the gimbal is the key, and gimbals are very hard to find, especially the right one.

Get the weights and aluminum from a local hardware store:

12 washers plus a small one on bottom

3 on the front small

Screws and wingnuts

16-18 inch metal (aluminum)

Project tools: Drill, vise and file

Project time: 1 hour

Bending radius: 1 1/4 size of camera, or any diameter preferred, no given degree

The second video shows how simple it is to make the bends so you know what exactly is going on for the steadycam construction.

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