My first Do-it-Yourself (DIY) project.   Inspirited by Cheesycam.com and Just Basl Production tutorial video.  Some of you might say, why waste your time putting one together when you can buy the real thing.  Well here’s my answer to you.  I’m not a videographer, and I am not planning on becoming one.   So why in the world would I go out and spend over thousands of dollars on a rig that I will most likely ended up using a few seconds of video clips.  Maybe when I get much better at it and start making more money from doing it, I will consider.  But for now, this DIY Video Rig Cage will do the trick.  All I wanted was something to stabilize the camera from shacking so much anyway.   Seriously look at this rig.   Doesnt it look like something you can buy at Adorama or B&H Photo??!?!   hahaha!

if you are interested making one yourself, I highly recommend you visit Cheesycam.com and Just Basl Productions Video tutorial.   Here’s a list of stuff I got at Home Depot and Lowes.    If  I didnt list the price, that’s because I already had them in my toolbox at home.

2 – 16″ Strut Channel   $20 included shipping. *
2 – 1/2″ x 12″ Black Steel Nipple  $4.80
1 – 1/2″ x 8″ Black Steel Nipple  $2.43
2 – 3/8-16″ x 6″ Carriage Bolt  $2.10
2 – 3/8-16″ x 6″ Hex Bolt  $1.80
2 – 3/8″ Threaded Rod Coupling  $1.88
1 – Fi-Shock Heavy Duty Ground Clamp – 2″ screw  $2.48
4 – Fender Washers – 3/8 x 1-1/2″ $0.90
4 – Bike Handle Grip from Bell  $14.00 (I am sure you can find cheaper one.  I only needed 3, but they only come in pairs)
Black Flat protective Enamel Spray Paint $5
Primer Spray Paint $4
120/200 grit sandpaper block  $3

1/4-20 x 1-1/4″ screw with nut and locking washer
Get some extra nut, locking washer that will fit both 1/4-20″ and 3/8-16″ screws (depending which one you are using).
some extra Fender Washer 1/4″ x 1-1/4″ and/or 3/8″ x 1-1/4″

* Home Depot and Lowes sell the Strut Channel only in one size – 10ft long.   I don’t have access to a hacksaw, pretty much it was impossible for me to cut this.   Thanks to Google and some looking around, I found a place actually was selling the Strut Channel in two different length, 12″ and 16″.   After speaking with them, I ordered two 16″ Strut Channel.   Totally cost  under $20.   Would have been cheaper, but I didn’t have time to drive out to Long Island, so instead I had them mail it to me.  http://www.gnswireless.com/GNS7084-16.htm So for those that does not have access to a hacksaw or a way to have it cut to size.   This is the best solution.

In case you asked.  I am using a Calumet Quick Release Video Adapter/Plate to hold my Canon 5D Mark II.   The LED Video light is HDV-Z96 that I picked up on ebay for about $61.  I will do a review on it later in the week.

Now that you know a little information about my Rig, here are some images of the Rig and the two videos below.   Like with everything else, it takes time with lots of practice.   So I am sure the next time when you see my video using the Rig, it will be much better then the 1st.

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Damn I look good!   LOL

Here’s a video using the rig.  Like I said, I’m not a video guy.  Still got a lot to learn.  I will say it is 75% better then just handheld the camera alone.

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Here’s a video taken by my good friend William Eng of me in action using the Rig.

If you like to have one made by me, please contact me for a quote.

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Please share….  thanks!!

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