Smartphone photographers wishing they had a gimbal to keep their video footage smooth and steady, may be interested in a new tutorial published on YouTube that provides a low-cost DIY smartphone gimbal solution. Check out the video below to learn more about the project and how to build your very own.
Using a few empty food cans, a paint roller, some elastic bands, and a floor mop head, the COOPH team has fashioned a fantastic working smartphone gimbal. Shop-bought smartphone gimbals can cost around £100 for a basic system, but creating your own allows you to tweak the mechanics to meet your exact requirements.
Materials and Tools Needed
To create this DIY smartphone gimbal, you will need some common household items. The primary materials include empty food cans, which serve as counterweights, a paint roller to act as the handle, elastic bands for tension, and a floor mop head to provide the necessary pivot points. These items are not only inexpensive but also readily available in most homes. Additionally, you might need some basic tools like a screwdriver, pliers, and adhesive tape to assemble the gimbal.
The COOPH team demonstrates how to balance the smartphone using these materials effectively. The key is to ensure that the weight distribution is even, allowing for smooth and stable footage. This DIY approach not only saves money but also offers a fun and educational project for photography enthusiasts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
The video tutorial provides a detailed step-by-step guide on assembling the gimbal. Here’s a brief overview of the process:
1. Prepare the Materials: Gather all the necessary items, including the empty food cans, paint roller, elastic bands, and floor mop head. Ensure that the cans are clean and free of any sharp edges.
2. Assemble the Handle: Attach the paint roller to the floor mop head. This will serve as the main handle of the gimbal. The mop head provides the pivot point, allowing for smooth movement.
3. Add Counterweights: Attach the empty food cans to the mop head using elastic bands. These cans act as counterweights, balancing the smartphone and ensuring stability.
4. Secure the Smartphone: Use additional elastic bands to secure the smartphone to the paint roller. Make sure the phone is tightly fastened to prevent any movement during filming.
5. Test and Adjust: Once assembled, test the gimbal by moving it around. Adjust the position of the counterweights and the tension of the elastic bands as needed to achieve the desired balance and stability.
“The COOPH team is back with a new DIY Friday installment. In the comments on some of our recent gimbal videos, the community challenged us to make a DIY gimbal especially for smartphone filmmakers, and here it is! Using only our smartphone and some items found around the house, we created a rig capable of capturing stable shots of even the most high-speed action! We’re sure you will enjoy it and maybe even try it out for yourself!”
Benefits of a DIY Smartphone Gimbal
Creating your own smartphone gimbal offers several benefits beyond cost savings. Firstly, it allows for customization. You can tweak the design to suit your specific needs, whether you’re filming action shots or smooth panning scenes. Secondly, it provides a deeper understanding of the mechanics behind gimbals, which can be beneficial for those interested in photography and videography.
Moreover, this DIY project is an excellent way to recycle and repurpose household items, promoting sustainability. It also serves as a creative and engaging activity that can be enjoyed by individuals or groups, making it a perfect weekend project.
The COOPH team’s DIY smartphone gimbal tutorial is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to enhance their mobile videography skills without breaking the bank. By using simple, everyday items, you can create a functional and effective gimbal that rivals commercial products. So why not give it a try and take your smartphone filmmaking to the next level?
Source: Adafruit
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