Bean bags can be a camera persons best friend for stabilizing shots. If you use bean bag objects in your projects then you will be interested in the Cinesaddle. Like a U-shaped beanbag, the Cinesaddle molds around the shape of your camera giving you support and minimizing bumps and jitters. The sample videos show some good examples of the thing in action including strapping it to a car and making a small pocket dolly out of it. Now I suppose you are wondering how it works? From the site: The way the Cinesaddle works is basic. Hi tech foam balls push the sides of the bag tight up against the camera, holding it rock steady.
Hi tech foam balls? I guess that is how he justifies the $350 price tag. I'm sure if you brushed up on your sewing skills you could make something comparable. Anyways, the site gives some good ideas for doing things with little resources. The Dynamite Emails section has some good photos of the thing in action too.
1. I've shot with this before--it works well, especially when used on vehicles.
There is a cheaper alternative, though: the aptly-named SteadyBag (get 'em at B&H for $50).
Posted at 3:21PM on Oct 16th 2006 by Ryan