Professional video producers use expensive camera gimbals to keep their equipment level and steady while shooting. These devices can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. Why not make your own passive camera gimbal to keep your videos straight without breaking the bank?
What’s it good for?
This cheap camera gimbal can be used with a tripod of any size, and stops the camera rotating as your arm twists and bends. Use the gimbal to film sweeping shots with changes in elevation.
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:843692
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:843692
|
Item |
Quantity |
From |
Cost |
|
Camera/phone, tripod |
1 |
|
|
|
Heavy bag or weight |
1 |
|
|
|
½ inch PVC endstop |
1 |
anywhere! |
~1000r |
|
M8 nut + bolt |
5 |
anywhere! |
~2000r |
|
Small bearing |
3 |
anywhere! |
~$1 |
|
3D printed gimbal |
1 |
Materials cost |
|
|
|
|
Contact for pricing |
|
|
|
|
Total: |
$2.50 to $10.00 |
How to do it?
We’ll download the 3d design file and find a 3d printer to make it - this service is available for the materials cost at Hackerspace PP or at ArcHub PNH, including customisation and more variety of colours. We’ll use ABS plastic for this print as it’s strong and reliable.
Insert the bearings into the circular holes in the main piece. Drill a 5mm hole in the 1/2 inch endcap pvc, and insert one m8 bolt to attach this piece to the main piece. If you don’t have a drill you can use one at Hackerspace for free.
Attach the two clamp pieces around the neck of the tripod, and bolt them together tightly enough that they don’t slip.
Put the m8 nuts in the slots on the clamp pieces, slide the main piece over the clamps, line it all up, and insert the m8 bolts. Tighten by hand. Add more pvc tubing to make a handle. Add weight at the bottom of the tripod to keep the tripod vertical, even when moving.
Attach the two clamp pieces around the neck of the tripod, and bolt them together tightly enough that they don’t slip.
Put the m8 nuts in the slots on the clamp pieces, slide the main piece over the clamps, line it all up, and insert the m8 bolts. Tighten by hand. Add more pvc tubing to make a handle. Add weight at the bottom of the tripod to keep the tripod vertical, even when moving.
Tips and tricks to improve it
Adjust the 3D files and chose a colour to personalise your gimbal. Adjust the amount of weight on the tripod base so that it doesn’t swing, but is still comfortable to hold. Add more pvc piping in different lengths and shapes to make a custom handle, such as two-hand grip, or a super-high grip. Put oil/lubricant in the bearings to keep it smooth and quiet, especially if you’re using cheap, old bearings.
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