Time Lapse Video

Remote timer for 7D and other Canon EOS models.  What makes this great is the ability to take time lapsed shots over the course of hours.  Combine that with a rail system and you have a breath taking video such as the one below. The device you'll need for your 7D is the timer remote TC-80N3.

DIY Steadicam Merlin WSCLATER

Probably one of the most knowledgeable people on the internet in regards to steadicam merlin builds. Watch his videos and be in awe at his steadicam merlin. Of course all the time he spent on this build he could have easily bought a legitimate steadicam merlin. I think that's the trade off if someone could come up with a solution that is simple and elegant and under $1000 dollars that would be the defacto standard when it came to DIY merlins.  The original steadicam merlin costs about $1000 dollars with taxes I presume.

DIY Steadicam Shoulder Rig with Follow Focus PVC

A PVC version of the shoulder rig. Good use of a camera plate to make mounting the camera on the rig easy.

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DIY Steadicam Shoulder Rig with Follow Focus

Another crazy steadicam but shoulder mount to space out the arms with a nice little follow focus. Unless you know woodworking this will be out of your reach. I've seen pvc shoulder mounted rigs that do a similar job. The idea is to get your arms further away and off the camera. This will lead to a much more stable shot but I can imagine it will also make you much more tired.

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DIY Steadicam Monopod

I really like this design how it incorporates a monopod, a sled and a gimbal handle to create an amazing steadicam. Just look at the results near the end of the video. It's pretty amazing. The bicycle clamp was a nice touch. I really liked that.

DIY Steadicam Merlin Chinese Build

It's amazing how quickly this steadicam is put together without much modifications.  Here's the parts list:


All parts can be found in those shop selling camera accessories in Hong Kong. All are made in China therefore quite cheap.

1. The most important stuff, the "U-shaped foldable bracket" - US $30
2. Tripod top plate for ease of fixing and detaching the camera - US $40
3. Mini tripod with swivel ball head as the gimble- US $10
4. Flat bar for holding and adjusting the counter weight by balancing at different length and angle - US $10
5. Counter weight - US $5



How the Steadicams work

A good primer on how Steadicams work and what you need to do to correctly balance your steadicam.