Steadi as she Goes, Rigs for less
For a long time now I have been thinking about DIY (Do it yourself) project, specifically camera rigs. Is it really worth just taking the time to build one or should I just dish out the cash for the cheapest thing I can find? As of right now I’ve been looking into rigs I can use for a steadicam that will give me plenty of mobility. Granted I don’t have much experience with using a steadicam rig so I figure I should get some practice in with something cheap I can find.
Here’s a video from indy mogul demonstrating how Zach King from thefinalcutking is able to create a steadicam for just about $15!
King uses some basic materials to build with from pipes, to free weights, to just a simple piece of for a mount. It doesnt get much simpler than this people. I think if I were to create something I would at least want a more efficient way of mounting my camera. I’ve found it amazing the kind of rigs that people can make just by going down to the hardware store. However I am still skeptical whether I should go out and build my own or just invest in a more expensive rig that I know will last and probably be more reliable. But you really can’t beat the price of $15 dollars right?
Being someone on a tight budget I’m always looking to save some money. These DIY projects are perfect for any student, amateur film maker, or anyone that is trying to have that professional look at a lower cost. I plan to be looking into more DIY yourself projects that I may pursue. Because I am always looking for that professional look when it comes to making videos.
Posted on September 19, 2013, in DIY (Do it yourself) and tagged budget., diy, dslr, professional, rigs, steadicam, steady, tutorial, videography. Bookmark the permalink. 9 Comments.
Eyes Through the Iris 
1. “It doesnt get much simpler than this people. ”
The entry has a lot of camera specific jargon in it (duh), so knowing nothing about cameras it’s hard to find an entry place into the writer’s voice. However this sentence breaks out of the more technical, descriptive type language and shows the writer more relaxed and addressing the reader more directly.
2. Nothing in particular, but maybe something about exactly what a steadicam is for those who don’t know.
Going off of the previous comment, this post does break down the jargon. I wasn’t really sure what a camera rig was, but luckily you included the video so I could see and realize I have a few of those lying around the house (my mom’s a photographer). This shows your personality because you’re telling the reader that you’re an amateur photographer, looking to get as much experience as possible. You also let the reader know that you don’t have much money to splurge on fancy products, and you like to do DIY projects to save you money.
I personally can’t find anything to clarify since I don’t know cameras. This is obviously a photography-oriented blog, so someone with the knowledge should be able to understand your message.
I think your post is very informative and knowledgeable but it seems a little difficult to find your particular voice. It’s almost as if you’re actively trying to remain neutral on the topic even though you clearly love photography. It’s not necessary to utilize humour in your posts/blog but aiming for that note of authenticity and personality is key. One of the clearest points where you really come through is here:
“Is it really worth just taking the time to build one or should I just dish out the cash for the cheapest thing I can find? As of right now I’ve been looking into rigs I can use for a steadicam that will give me plenty of mobility. Granted I don’t have much experience with using a steadicam rig so I figure I should get some practice in with something cheap I can find.”
The blunt, straightforward, almost no-nonsense nature of this segment really highlights your own voice. I will say that the most interference I find is in a few grammatical errors but overall it’s well written, if a touch clinical.
“Granted I don’t have much experience with using a steadicam rig so I figure I should get some practice in with something cheap I can find.” Right here, your voice sounds honest because you don’t have a lot of experience with steadicams, but you want to do work with them. Also, I am surprised because reading this, I thought would have had a lot of experience with steadicams.
“King uses some basic materials to build with from pipes, to free weights, to just a simple piece of for a mount. It doesnt get much simpler than this people.” Right here, you should take out the comma after the word, “pipes.” Also, the word, “doesn’t” should have an apostrophe after the “n,” and before the “t.”
Also, with the video, people who read this post will be encouraged to watch the video, which could possibly lead them to doing work with steadicams.
First, I would say maybe you should have mentioned what exactly a steadicam is. I’m sure mostly film/video oriented people will be reading your blog, but it’s always good to clarify what things are just in case! “These DIY projects are perfect for any student, amateur film maker, or anyone that is trying to have that professional look at a lower cost.” – I think it would be great if you could find some other DIY projects and incorporate them into your film blog, and it would spice things up a bit and get the readers more involved in video projects! Overall, this was interesting to read!
“But you really can’t beat the price of $15 dollars right” Your voice shows that you are talking to an audience and have a real passion for this subject.
Your entry was very clear
I had a hard time finding your voice or where your opinion lies. You come off as honest and very knowledgable in your field, there are a few writing errors, “I plan to be looking into more DIY yourself projects that I may pursue. Because I am always looking for that professional look when it comes to making videos.” This should have been one sentence, the second one is not a complete sentence. However, the mistakes are hard to find, overall, this is well written.
I think your style is very informative, however I didn’t see much a voice other than in the opinion section. I think if you embellished upon your opinion a particular voice could come through. “However I am still skeptical whether I should go out and build my own or just invest in a more expensive rig that I know will last and probably be more reliable. But you really can’t beat the price of $15 dollars right?” Your post was very clear. Just be on the look out for grammar issues. Overall, good job!
“Is it really worth just taking the time to build one or should I just dish out the cash for the cheapest thing I can find?” I like this because so many people can relate to that question! Your voice is a little hard to find, but it stands out here and there. I am not camera-savvy so I don’t understand the post all that well, but I’m sure someone who is camera-savvy would understand it just fine! I also like the way you are using your opinion a lot and sharing ideas about what you want to do, which I am sure we will see in your new posts.