Loaded up the camera and headed for the field next to me house to test out the new cage. Although it is no steadicam, I have to say I was impressed how well it worked. Leaps and bounds ahead of trying to walk this field with the bare camera in my hand. Thanks again to Doug Hall and the other rider who rode into my video, providing a little taste of action. Look for more test videos coming soon. Be sure to watch the HD version.

Mike and I had a little fun today and built up a camera cage for my 5D Mark II. When he showed up at my front door with a cage like the one you see below, there was no way the day would close without us building another one. This is just a teaser post showing the front and back views of the cage as it sits today. We plan on adding cold shoe mounts for the RODE Microphone that should arrive soon and an LED light. We will also add a LCD monitor mount as well. I can see a shoulder arm being added to the next design as well. Stay tuned…

Oh yeah, we built this for under $30. Some metal, PVC pipe, nuts and bolts, bike grips and paint. The lower arms and upper guide arm unscrew from the cage. The cage holds the camera very tight. No shake, rattle or roll here.

Want one of your own? Once the final version is complete, we may just make a few more. If you are interested drop me a line at jordanmayphoto (at) yahoo (dot) com. Be sure to put Deluxe Camera Cage in the subject line.

Look for some pretty sweet video footage soon! I almost forgot! Here is an inexpensive tool that Mike discovered the other day. If you are looking for an easy way to follow focus without spending top dollar, why not use a can opener. Yes, I said a can opener. This one fits perfectly around my Canon lenses and the teeth fit the grooves on the focus ring. $6 at Bed Bath & Beyond. You’re welcome. No, its not perfect but its much smoother than using your hand and easier to remember focus positions.