Introduction: Homemade 'Easyrig' Overhead Camera Support

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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.

Step 1: The Parts You'll Need

 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

Step 2: Building the Overhead Camera Support

Building the Overhead Camera Support is a matter of simple assembly.

1. Attach straight pole to board using the hoop brackets. You may need to put some packing under the bracket to ensure a tight fit.
2. Drill and attach the camera hook to the end of the curved pole.
3. Attach the curved pole to the straight pole.
4. Slide the Rig into the backpack and zip up.
5. Put on the backpack and adjust.
6. Attach the strap to camera. 
7. Attach the camera to the hook and adjust if needed.

Use and enjoy!

Step 3: Using the Rig

Using the Homemade Overhead Camera Support is very easy, and best of all, very comfortable. All the weight of the camera is transferred down to your hips, leaving you to concentrate on keeping the camera pointed and steady. 

This rig is really designed for static shooting and I found it bounced when I walked. But that wouldn't be any different on the commercial version. The main difference between built and bought is that you have to manually adjust the height of the camera, but that's no real hassle when you consider the price advantage.

The Homemade Overhead Camera Support is great for extended shooting without a tripod, and is far more portable. 

My rig is shown here next to the commercially-available version. Hope you enjoyed this Instructable.