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The Above video shows some information about how I modified a cheap Targus Monopod into a very lightweight portable DIY Camera Stabilizer for my 5D Mark II and 7D to shoot video. I used this Targus Monopod which is cheap but works well.This obviously will work for any DSLR and if you want to modify the head into one that flips into Portrait mode, i'm sure it would be a great traveling BodyPod for Photographers too. Remember, this DIY is to 'enhance' practicality of Monopod use while still maintaining full functionality. This is not a 'flying' stabilzer.

Here's the Problem:::
Monopods are great and much lighter to travel with than a Tripod. For some reason though, it sucked having to carry one around because I could never get it to fit into a backpack. I searched and searched and searched for a Monopod that could fold up very short, was lightweight, but could still support my camera when extended. The biggest reason Monopods aren't very compact is because 'When Extended, it should at least be Eye-Level". How compact can you get a Monopod and still get it to be Eye-Level??

My Solution:::
So after a bit of thought and a problem I ran into while shooting video in a Vegas Night Club, I came up with the idea of Cutting a Monopod in half and using a Sling as the support foundation. I used this Targus Monopod which is cheap but works well.Straps have long been a great way of support in Shooting Photos, Videos, or even in Rifles. By removing the foot of the Monopod and adding an Eye Screw from Home Depot it was very simple to mount a quick release luggage strap. I could have stopped there, this was pretty nice already, but since I didn't need a Monopod to extend from the Ground to Eye-Level, why not cut it shorter. All I needed was from the hip to Eye-Level. Modifying the Monopod I had was very simple. I slid the foam grip down and found 3 tiny screws. I removed the screws and the head came right off. I measured the length I wanted and cut the Monopod (basically in half). Reattached the Head on and that was pretty much it!!

I went from a 22" folded Monopod to about 10" inches. Now this item travels in Stealth no matter where I go and for the first time ever, I finally have a Monopod that fits inside a backpack. Can't beat that for 15 bucks......
Here's the exact Monopod I used in this video.

I had a quick release plate from a broken Tripod, but If you happen to find a cheap Monopod that does not come with a quick release plate, you can always buy one that attaches directly to standard Monopods such as the ones below.

Sample footage was uploaded at: http://cheesycam.com/?p=116

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I was in Hawaii with the Canon 5D Mark II + 24-70mm F/2.8 and Circular Polarizer last year when I shot this. I was about to trash this video, but then remembers a few friends who had questions "Is a Polarizer worth it?, What do they do?" So here it is peeps and others who might be interested in the Before and After use of Polarizers on Lenses. The video shows the difference in how much contrast and saturation you can obtain. This is not the same as an ND filter that simply blocks light. These circular polarizers are designed to block light from a certain direction, so you turn them in front of the lens depending on the situation. Yes you can use these in combination with ND filters. These are also recommended with normal video camcorders and point and shoot cameras that can accept filters. These are not just for DSLR video and photo cameras. You just have to remember to get the right size for your lens.

cpl-filter
find-price-button Circular Polarizers for Photography and Video Camera Lenses

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So Canon has announced the Rebel T2i and it's causing quite a stir. Especially for those that invested in the Canon 7D recently strictly as a Video camera. Rumors are the T2i is supposed to resemble the Canon 7D video features including framerates, resolution, and ISO settings. Some are labeling it the 'Mini 7D'.

The T2i to be released at $799.00

If that's the case, why go Canon 7D? Well if you're a Hybrid photographer/videographer then I say go Canon 7D. The 7D still holds faster framerates (photos), a more durable body & better weather proofing. There's probably a few more items that still make it the better photo/video camera, but if you're looking into just Video don't second guess that T2i.

The 7D sells for approx. $1699.00

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There are two things i'm playing with in this video. The first is the LCDVF from jag35.com which is a View Finder adapter that magnifies your lcd so that you can clearly see what's in focus or not. (Similar to Z-Finder by Zacuto, but cheaper). It came with two mounts which work great for my 5D Mark II & 7D.

The Second is a cheap $30.00 dollar Shoulder Support from Amazon.
If you prefer eBay over Amazon, grab the item here!!

Well the LCDVF works awesome but I was a bit unsteady shooting handheld and focusing at the same time. I needed a bit more supprt, but something not too professional looking so that I can take around in public places. I saw this video https://vimeo.com/1658379 and decided to grab one.

I decided to order one for $24.00 dollars. Well I guess I can't complain. It supports the weight of the camera so that I can concentrate on focusing. For someone who's just starting out, $24.00 dollars is not a bad deal... Here's a link.

Here's the product.
You can find the shoulder support from eBay by clicking this link, or the image below.

click image

This item below is the Hoodman loupe. They also sell bands to mount it to a DSLR to help you see the LCD and focus better. This is cheaper than the LCDVF or the ZFINDER (from Zacuto).

Other Items of Interest

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Probably the best rail for a DIY slider, I believe this would be the same as a Glidetrack, is the Linear Guide rail from Igus. Normally used for Robotics, these precision machined aluminum rails use Dry bearings to slide. No greasy bearings. A.K.A. ZaZa slider, you can find more information here https://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=145701

After reading a few threads and checking out the ZaZa slider group over at Vimeo.com, I decided to build my own. This post is really late because I had already ordered this item about half a year ago, but finally decided to finish it with a Fluid Head. It pretty much just sat waiting for this last piece. It's a work in progress, i'll probably change from one Tripod to 2 (1 each side) for more stability. I'll use Quick Release plates on each end to break it down faster. Oh well, here's my first run.

[Update] After the popularity of this DIY Project, the company IGUS now sells the complete kit and some predrilled. Here's the link to grab possibly the cheapest high quality DSLR Video Camera slider: Igus DIY Slider Kits

igus-diy-slider
find-price-button Igus DIY Slider Kits

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These videos are related to a Hybrid Steadicam (Merlin) Vest + Glidecam HD 4000 video camera stabilizer. I had to create a DIY adapter to 'mate' the two different systems together, but very happy so far with the results.

First video is what it sorta looks like (to date).

Second Video shows the DIY adapter up close (and very personal).

Third Video shows some sample use of the rig (at home).

Video #2 was shot with my 7D + Tamron 18-270 (fun cheap lens).

Thanks for the questions and comments BTW, I'm glad people find some of the random stuff I do useful.

Question: Why not just get the Glidecam Vest?
Answer: I have already owned the Steadicam Vest + Merlin, and the vest works awesome. Very light, slim, easy to put on, and allows me to get through narrow doors. It's a 'beast' and other than getting the two to mate, there is absolutely no reason the vest COULD NOT fly this Glidecam.

AND!!!! The Steadicam dual arm Vest is way cheaper than the price of the Glidecam dual arm vest. This Hybrid configuration will save you big bucks and works awesome.

Steadicam + Merlin = 2300?
Glidecam X-10 Vest + 4000 Pro = 2300?

I'm using the Steadicam Merlin Vest + Glidecam HD4000.
Canon 5D Mark II, Battery Grip, Samson Zoom H4n Portable Recorder, and Rode VideoMic. I'm planning on mounting a shoulder rig with quick release for everything on top, and possible LCD monitor at the bottom. It feels like this vest config can hold alot more than it does today. ""UPDATE. I got an awesome monitor, check it out"""

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If you missed the Flip MinoHD $119 dollar deal, not to worry. The next best Portable HD Video Recorders runner ups according to the Gadget Pr0n review are still available under $100.00.

HD Video Media is the next generation on the Internet, so if you want to step up your home movie production or add some punch to your YouTube and Vimeo videos, check out the deals on these HD Video recorders.

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Amazon just dropped the bomb!!! I've been waiting for a great deal on the Flip MinoHD portable HD video recorder for some time, and at the $119.99 price, it's practically a steal. That's still about $50.00 cheaper than Best Buy's "ON SALE" price. Normally $199.99 +, It's Portable, Lightweight, excellent in low light quality and all in glorious HD. Grab it while it's available through Amazon's special Gold Box Deals. We believe this is only a 1 day sale??

Check out this review from Attack of the Show

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Showing how Flash is used for Outdoor Portraits

Flash is normally used when you find yourself in a dark lit situation, but professionals often use Flash in Bright Daylight. The flash is used to lighten the areas of Shadows normally cast by the sun. This technique provides a very unique look to outdoor portraits. To maintain Depth of Field in your aperture, you'll need to work with Flashes capable of High Speed Sync.

Featured in the video is this Rotating Flash Bracket

More flash brackets can be found here: !!Click this Link!!

This video from Pocket Wizards explains Digital SLR cameras and High Speed Sync pretty well.
 

If you're interested in the equipment i've used in this portrait session using High Speed Sync with your Canon Flashes, you can purchase the SpeedLite Transmitter Canon ST-E2 + Canon Speedlite 580 EX II from Amazon.com