PVC DIY Steadicam

If you're shooting video of your kid's soccer game, wearing this $50 DIY steadicam rig might look a little silly, but it's almost guaranteed to get better video than trying to shoot handheld through the entire event. For filmmakers on a budget, this is the kind of DIY solution sure to help reduce costs while also dramatically improving shooting options in places where a tripod won't cut it. The PVC is lightweight, reducing fatigue from wearing, although you certainly need to tape the foam for a longer wear life. The swivel mount in the middle of the frame seems to be the real clever hack in this rig, avoiding any need for a traditional tripod mount while building something equally functional. Not to mention this is a more versatile upgrade to the $14 DIY solution from 2004.

Make a PVC DIY Steadicam

If you prefer to avoid the time investment of building your own Steadicam, ebay has affordable Steadicams along with a selection of pro gear.