This device is an overhead camera support system that is designed to transfer the weight of the video camera from your arms and shoulders to your hips. The rig is basically an overhead arm that you attach the camera to. The other end of the arm is attached to your back by way of a backpack or dedicated brace..
The commercially-made equivalent is an effective device, but at over $1000, it's well out of the reach of most hobbyists, me included. So I decided to make my own with parts I had at home.
The commercially-made equivalent is an effective device, but at over $1000, it's well out of the reach of most hobbyists, me included. So I decided to make my own with parts I had at home.
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My Homemade Overhead Camera Support is made up of just a few parts. and in my case, most were recycled and FOP (Found on Property).
1. Laptop-type Backpack - The type that has a separate sleeve area for a laptop. Mine's an STM.
2. Straight pole - salvaged from a kid's wading pool.
3. Curved pole - Salvaged from the same pool.
4. Base section - Piece of wood roughly the same size as a laptop.
5. 2 x Hoop Brackets and screws - Same diameter as the straight pole
6. 1 x Threaded hook.
7. Some type of strap to hold your camera - Mine was salvaged from a old babckpack.
Optional
- Hook packing. I've used old bike innertubing.
- Pipe joiner bolt. Not needed if you use a one-piece pipe
1. Laptop-type Backpack - The type that has a separate sleeve area for a laptop. Mine's an STM.
2. Straight pole - salvaged from a kid's wading pool.
3. Curved pole - Salvaged from the same pool.
4. Base section - Piece of wood roughly the same size as a laptop.
5. 2 x Hoop Brackets and screws - Same diameter as the straight pole
6. 1 x Threaded hook.
7. Some type of strap to hold your camera - Mine was salvaged from a old babckpack.
Optional
- Hook packing. I've used old bike innertubing.
- Pipe joiner bolt. Not needed if you use a one-piece pipe
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Or you could always get a video camera with the movement canceler.
At the end of the day, it's a great rig for relieving back strain and it's just about a substitute for a tripod.
The concept is really suited to "move, stop, shoot", and honestly, unless you can walk like a ninja, it won't replace a steadicam rig.
I've found that the biomechanics mean that your 'bum' will move the camera up and down no matter what you do. :)
Hope this helps.
A dog leash would probably do it. :)
Used it last night for the first time last night at a muscle car rally, and it was astounding. Most of the shots were static interviews or pans and portraits so it suited the rig. My back and neck were ache-free after 3 hours shooting. And the shots came out great.
Awesome! Now I can get some exercise!
I don't see how this transfers weight to your hips specifically but rather generally to your core? Either way it works. Arms weren't meant to stay extended for long periods of time.
I originally took the hips reference from the info supplied with the commercial version, but I reckon it sits true. The weight seems to be based around the lower strap of the backpack, slung under my belly in my case.
As such, movement in that area pivots the whole device during walking causes vertical bounce. So it's essentially a static rig.
Whatever the case, it is soooooo comfortable to use. And you can leave the tripod at home.
Love this idea; great post!
The mad-scientist in me wants to attach a double cantilevered steadicam arm between overhead arm and the camera, but I may be over-thinking it. Hehe.
I've briefly tried a bungie cord and that seemed dampen things slightly. The is movement exactly vertical , so I'm unsure as to whether a counterweight would help, just add weight. In essence, the camera already serves as a counterweight.
But now it's built I'll try all the suggestions, maybe even a laptop cradle!!