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GUERRICAM Camera Stabilizer

Low-Cost Camera Stabilizer for Guerrilla Filmmakers!

  • Created by:

    249512
  • Location:Montreal, Canada

  • Category:Design

UPDATE (2012-05-08):

Ok, this is going to sound ridiculous, but the 2nd machine shop did not complete the work and doesn't even want to send me the unfinished parts so that I can hand them over to another shop to finish.

So, I'm back to square one. This is turning out to be ridiculously complicated for no reason.

I want you guys to know that I'm still not giving up on this. You WILL get your stabilizer. When? I'd love to be able to give an answer to that question, but as you noticed, it is impossible at the moment!

So, again, I apologize for the delay, but rest assured that I will deliver!

 

UPDATE (2012-01-25):

Hello funders!

Here's an update on the status of the project.

After completing the manufacturing of the stabilizer, we noticed a defect. The aluminum frame had cracks at the bends, which could compromise its strength. The cracks were not visible until the frames had been anodized.

I did not want to ship a sub-par products so we are having all the stabilizers re-manufactured from scratch using a different grade of aluminum.

The machine shop I'm working with is kind enough to put a rush on this project. So the waiting shouldn't be as long as for the first try.

I sincerely apologize for the delay. And I hope you can understand that there can be complications and unexpected delays with a start-up company like mine.

Thank you for your understanding.


IF YOU MISSED THE CAMPAIGN BUT STILL WANT TO BUY ONE, THE GUERRICAM CAMERA STABILIZER WILL BE FOR SALE SOON. AN ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE POSTED ABOUT IT.

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UPDATE (2011-11-21): The campaign is now over! Thanks everyone for the support! The first batch is currently in production and will be ready in about 2-3 weeks. The first stabilizers will start shipping out a few days later.

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UPDATE (2011-11-14): Only 5 days left! The first 25 stabilizers are all spoken for. And there are already 9/35 of the $35 stabilizers gone. Also, a bunch of local filmmakers have arranged to pay me directly. This was enough to convince me to go ahead and order the first batch of 100 stabilizers. THE FIRST BATCH SHOULD BE READY IN ABOUT 3 WEEKS!!!

If you're a member on a forum (filmmaking-related or not), it would be great if you could start a thread about this campaign. If you're on Twitter, please write a quick tweet like: Why DIY when you can buy it so cheap? $35 Camera Stabilizer! http://igg.me/p/45439

To everyone that already paid for a stabilizer, or anyone that helped spread the word in any way: thank you so much for your support guys!

PS: If you forgot to pay for the shipping fees, please do so ASAP! To do this, select the "Other Amount" contribution, enter the appropriate amount ($12 for Canada, $15 for USA, $20 International), and click the "CONTRIBUTE NOW" button.

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UPDATE (2011-11-02)Already half-way through the campaign! 18 of the first 25 stabilizers are already spoken for. Also, a bunch of local guys are excited about this and have arranged to pay me directly. So, that leaves a few more spots at the $25 price point.

Also, I have made a short video showcasing the capabilities of the stabilizer. I have made it the main video for this campaign. The old video is still available here: http://vimeo.com/30698113

Next up is a video showing exactly how the stabilizer works with different kind of cameras (DSLR, Point-and-Shoot, etc...). I'll show you how to balance the stabilizer and maybe a few tips on how to use it, but I'm still very new at this, so we'll see!

Finally, we need to make even more noise! If you're a member on a forum (filmmaking-related or not), it would be great if you could start a thread about this campaign. If you're on Twitter, please write a quick tweet like: Why DIY when you can buy it so cheap? $25 Camera Stabilizer! http://igg.me/p/45439

Again, to everyone that already paid for a stabilizer, or anyone that helped spread the word in any way: thank you so much for your support guys! 

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UPDATE (2011-10-26): We're already a little more than 1 week into the campaign! 10 of the first 25 stabilizers are already spoken for. That's a great start :D Thank you so much for your support guys! A few blogs are talking about this campaign (NextWaveDV, FishXpressions, and Video For Real Estate). The word is also starting to spread on Twitter and Facebook.

But we need to make even more noise! If you're on Twitter, please write a quick tweet like "Help make it happen for the $25 Camera Stabilizer! http://igg.me/p/45439". If you're a member on a forum (video-related or not), it would be great if you could start a thread about this campaign.

Finally, I'm working on a new video to better showoff the performance of the stabilizer. And also, to show exactly how it works with a DSLR mounted and balanced.

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Thanks for checking out my IndieGoGo project! Watch the video, become a backer and spread the word! Message me on Twitter or Facebook if you have any feedback or questions. Thanks!



What is the GUERRICAM Camera Stabilizer?

The GUERRICAM Camera Stabilizer is a device to which you mount a camera that enables fluid handheld shots. Watch the video to see what it is capable off.

The Stabilizer was designed to work with most DSLR cameras and consumer camcorders. It is optimized for DSLRs such as the Canon 5D Mk2, the T2i, the Nikon D3000, or the D7000, and it is also compatible with handheld camcorders. With some creativity you can also mount ultra-lightweight cameras like the GoPro. We're working on an adapter to make this very simple.

How different from the Prototype will the Production Stabilizer be?

The Stabilizer you see in the demo video is the Prototype I built myself with limited tools. The production Stabilizer will be professionally manufactured. You can except a much nicer overall finish and higher quality hardware. Some differences include:

- anodized black aluminum frame (instead of black paint)
- brass thumb nuts (instead of wings nuts for adjustments)
- thinner and denser protective felt (instead of low-density felt)
- rubber grip handle (instead of a piece of wood!)




What's the money for?

Backers for this project will be helping to create the first production run of the GUERRICAM Stabilizer. Your pledges will enable me to move forward with orders for each of the 18 different parts in a Stabilizer and to continue building low-cost gear for filmmakers. Backers pledge to pay for their selected perks only if we meet the funding goal of $3,450. I'm grateful for every $1 pledged!

What perks are available?

You can get any perks listed below by pledging the appropriate amount.

First 25 GUERRICAM Stabilizers : $25 each + shipping
Next 35 GUERRICAM Stabilizers : $35 each + shipping
Next 40 GUERRICAM Stabilizers : $40 each + shipping

After the first 100 Stabilizers are pledged for, you can still get one for the regular price.

GUERRICAM Stabilizer - $50 each + shipping

How much does shipping costs?

Shipping is as follows:

Montreal : FREE pick-up available
Canada: $12 for 1 stabilizer + $5 per additional stabilizer
USA: $15 for 1 stabilizer + $7 per additional stabilizer
International: $20 for 1 stabilizer + $10 per additional stabilizer

When will I receive my GUERRICAM Stabilizer?

We will start the production of the Stabilizers as soon as the campaign is over assuming it is successful. We will start shipping the Stabilizers as early as 3 weeks after the campaign is over.

What makes the GUERRICAM Stabilizer so cool?

With a camera stabilizer you will be able to produce smooth, fluid shots that are impossible to achieve handheld. Some examples of such hard-to-achieve shots include: panning, tracking, in-car (or any other vehicle), following someone, running, etc...

How do I use it?

The Stabilizer is very easy to figure out. Simply attach your camera or camcorder like you would on a tripod. Then balance the stabilizer with the weights included. And that's it, you can start recording right away!

Will there be future GUERRICAM products?

You know it! I had a lot of fun designing the Stabilizer. I'm also very happy I was able to achieve this design with such a low-cost which allows practically anyone to gear up, even on the smallest budgets. I want to continue in this direction and offer a wide range of gear for guerrilla filmmakers who can't afford the more expensive stuff. I have already started developing a low-cost slider and a low-cost rig. Send me a Twitter or Facebook message if you have any suggestions!

What is GUERRICAM?

GUERRICAM is the company I started to sell the Stabilizer. It's just me and some friends that have volunteered tons of time toward the company, but we're hoping IndieGoGo can help us take the company to the next level! GUERRICAM is based in Montreal, Canada.

Can I help you in any other way?

Indeed! There are many other ways you can help. The most important is to spread the word about this campaign. You can do so be sharing the link to this campaign on your Facebook, Twitter, Google+. Talk about it in forums, on YouTube, on Vimeo. Email your friends and family about it. You can also invite your friends to "Like" our Facebook Page, follow us on Twitter. Make some noise! :)

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