Lots of today’s cameras have some sort of image stabilization tech built in, but none of them really provide the kind of smooth moving shots you can get from a professional camera rig like a Steadicam. A new gadget aims to smooth out bumpy shots, without any mechanism or gyroscopes.
The SteadyWheel takes advantage of a physics principle called the moment of inertia, which helps it smooth out the smaller jitters and shakes thanks to a set of weights at the outside of the ring. Operating the SteadyWheel simply requires that you attach your camera and then carry it by the outer handle.
It’s small enough to fit in a backpack, and will fit just about any small to medium sized camera with a standard tripod mount. It’s made from durable ABS plastic and stainless steel weights, and because it has no moving parts or adjustments, there’s virtually nothing to break, and it can even go underwater.
Best of all, the SteadyWheel is much cheaper than competing rigs. You can get in on the Early Bird action with the basic SteadyWheel for just $50(USD). For $60, you can get the version with a GoPro mount, or for $65 there’s a version with a SnapMount tripod case for the iPhone 4/4S. If you’d like a SteadyWheel for yourself, head on over to Kickstarter now and show your support by March 17, 2013.
