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This is a compilation of several camera projects that I have made and used. I'll show you how you can make anything into a support for your camera or camcorder using less than $2 worth of hardware. Next, I'll show you how to incorporate that idea into building your own monopod or SteadiCam, and finally an idea for getting some unique perspectives in your photos.
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Signing UpStep 1How to make anything into a tripod or camera support
All you will need is a 1/4in-20 thumbscrew, a 1/4in-20 wingnut, a 1/4in fender washer (large-diameter washer), and anything you can drill a 1/4 inch hole into. See first picture.
First, drill the 1/4-inch hole into whatever you want to attach the camera to.
Second, thread the wingnut onto the thumbscrew so that its "wings" are on the same side as the thumbscrew, and add the washer to that (see second picture).
Third, insert the thumscrew and washer through the hole in the object that you are attaching the camera to. See third picture.
Next, screw the thumbscrew into the tripod hole of your camera. Don't tighten it down too much and strip the threads, it need not be very tight. See the fourth picture.
Finally, tighten the wingnut to remove the slack between the camera and the support, so that the camera is solidly attached to the support. See fifth and sixth pictures.
When you are done and have removed the camera from the support, you can store the parts by screwing the thumbscrew through the hole and securing it with the wingnut (see the seventh picture).
First, drill the 1/4-inch hole into whatever you want to attach the camera to.
Second, thread the wingnut onto the thumbscrew so that its "wings" are on the same side as the thumbscrew, and add the washer to that (see second picture).
Third, insert the thumscrew and washer through the hole in the object that you are attaching the camera to. See third picture.
Next, screw the thumbscrew into the tripod hole of your camera. Don't tighten it down too much and strip the threads, it need not be very tight. See the fourth picture.
Finally, tighten the wingnut to remove the slack between the camera and the support, so that the camera is solidly attached to the support. See fifth and sixth pictures.
When you are done and have removed the camera from the support, you can store the parts by screwing the thumbscrew through the hole and securing it with the wingnut (see the seventh picture).
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One other thing I have found - in the 10-second mode, the camera calculates its exposure time and iris setting immediately after you press the button, but when you get the camera up there, the brightness will be different, so the resulting photo may be too bright or too dark. I compensate for this by trying to point the camera at the subject when pressing the button, so its settings will be nearly correct after the camera is raised.
If you have a Cannon point and shoot get a freeware program called CHDK. It gives you all the features of the higher end Canon's. Just google it, you'll like it, maybe as much as I enjoyed your tut .. great stuff ... Thanks !