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It doesn’t get too much more annoying than when you’re trying to take high-quality pictures, but bumping and shaking is causing your images to blur. You try to hold the camera rock steady, but you just can’t seem to get the shot you’re looking for. You need something to help you in your task. Maybe you need a DSLR steadicam.
A DSLR steadicam is a device which is designed to hold your camera or smartphone steadily into place so that you can take pictures with flawless resolution. Used by professionals, DSLR steadicams are vital tools in any photographer’s toolbox.
Compare the Top Ten DSLR Steadicams of 2018
| Picture | Name | Weight | Brand | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Neewer Portable FilmMaker System | 3.6 pounds | Neewer | $$$ |
 | FLYCAM HD-3000 Micro Balancing Handheld Steadycam | 8.9 pounds | FLYCAM | $$$$ |
 | Movo VS7 Handheld Carbon Fiber Adjustable Video Stabilizer System | 3 pounds | Movo | $$$$ |
 | Koolertron H-60/S60 Mini Handheld Stabilizer | 4.8 pounds | Koolerton | $$$ |
 | Fotowelt Carbon Fiber DSLR Steadicam | 1.9 pounds | Fotowelt | $$$ |
 | ROXANT PRO Video Camera Stabilizer | 1.8 pounds | ROXANT | $$$ |
 | CISNO Pro S40 Handheld Stabilizer | 4.6 pounds | CISNO | $$ |
 | IMORDEN Aluminum S-40a Handheld Camera Stabilizer | 3.2 pounds | IMORDEN | $$$ |
 | SuteFoto Carbon Fiber S60 Glidecam | 3.3 pounds | Dazzne | $$$ |
 | Opteka X-GRIP Professional Action Stabilizing Handle | 7.2 ounces | Opteka | $ |
| Picture | Name | Weight | Brand | Price |
What to Consider When Choosing a DSLR Steadicam
Contents
The vast majority of DSLR steadicams you come across will appear to be about the same. While many of them are the same, there are some which are quite different. The important thing is to not impulse buy on the first steadicam you see.
There are some things you must take into consideration before making a purchase. They include the steadicam’s construction, its weight, and compatibility, and its ease of use.
Construction
DSLR steadicams come in all shapes and sizes, and are made out of a number of different materials. Most steadicams you peruse will contain metal bodies, and will be equipped with at least one rubber grip. You will also likely see a series of different screwable attachments. These enable you to adjust your camera at different angles.
Weight
The heavier your steadicam is, the harder it’s going to be to hold steady. Generally, you’re going to want something that weighs in under 5 pounds. You can use heavier steadicams, but will likely struggle with them over long periods of use.
Compatibility
Not all cameras work with all DSLR steadicams. You need to find a steadicam that is compatible with your specific device. While some are only equipped to accommodate Samsung smartphones, others are only equipped to accommodate iPhones, or medium-sized cameras. Make sure you read the product description carefully before making a purchase.
Ease of Use
While some steadicams can be easily adjusted and configured, others must be wrestled with in order to make work. Not to mention, some are capable of holding cameras more steady than others. Be sure that the steadicam you’re purchasing will be easy to use. Having to make adjustments time and time again will get annoying.
1. Neewer Portable FilmMaker System
If you’re looking for the absolute best DSLR steadicam on the market today, you might very well be interested in the Neewer Portable FilmMaker System. Available at a mid-level price, it offers more than enough value to make it worth a buy.
One of the great things about this steadicam is that it’s compatible with every DSLR camera or camcorder you throw at it. It attaches most adequately to camera and camcorders with ¼-inch screw holes.
Weighing in at just 3.66 pounds, it’s exceedingly lightweight and easy to hold. It’s equipped with two different textured grips, providing you with superb handle at all times. Made out of a combination of aluminum alloy and stainless steel, it’s as durable as they come.
All in all, this is a terrific DSLR steadicam. Equipped with a sliding mechanism, it can record in motion, or zoom in without have to use any additional functions. It’s also equipped with a comfortable shoulder pad, enabling you to hold it as steady as possible at all points of use.
2. FLYCAM HD-3000 Micro Balancing Handheld Steadycam
The next steadicam we’ll review is this one from FLYCAM. A rather expensive steadicam, it’s not quite at the quality level of the Neewer reviewed above, but is still a superb product overall.
This steadicam is compatible with all DSLR cameras and camcorders up to 8 pounds, meaning that it will accommodate the vast majority of them. To hold cameras into place, it’s equipped with a quick-release clasping plate. All you have to do is hold the plate up, insert your camera, and let the clasp clamp down onto it.
As far as weight goes, this steadicam is on the heavy side. It weighs in at around 8 pounds, making it substantially heavier than many on our list. Plus, it doesn’t come with a shoulder pad. You’d better have pretty strong forearms if you plan on using this steadicam for long periods of time.
But if you’re looking for a very solid steadicam that takes exceptionally still and balanced pictures, this would be a great buy for you. While it’s probably not best-suited for recording purposes, it excels at taking still pictures.
3. Movo VS7 Handheld Carbon Fiber Adjustable Video Stabilizer System
Another extremely solid, but expensive DSLR steadicam is the Movo VS7. At around the same quality level as the FLYCAM reviewed above, it’s lighter in weight, and capable of connecting to DSLR vest systems.
This steadicam is designed to accommodate DSLR cameras and camcorders up to 6.6 pounds in weight. So, while it’s not quite as strong as the FLYCAM, it can still hold the vast majority of cameras.
It’s capable of extending in height from 17.7 inches to 28.5 inches, allowing you to capture shots from several different angles. Sporting a soft, foam grip, it’s extremely easy to handle, allowing you to hold it steady at all times.
All in all, this is a very solid DSLR steadicam. While it’s not the absolute best, it’s ideal for those who use a vest-arm system. Though it’s on the expensive side, it offers more than enough value to make it worth its price.
4. Koolertron H-60/S60 Mini Handheld Stabilizer
The Koolertron H-60/S60 is another superb DSLR steadicam that’s available for a mid-level price. Comparable to the Neewer reviewed above, the only reason that it ranks lower is that it weighs a little more.
This steadicam is compatible with all DSLR cameras and camcorders which possess ¼-inch screw holes. It can hold cameras and camcorders up to 6.6 pounds in weight, holding them steady at all points.
In total, this device weighs in at 4.8 pounds. This is a fairly easy weight to hold compared to most steadicams. It possesses a padded, foam handle which can be turned at a variety of different angles. This allows you to capture a number of different shots.
Overall, the Koolertron H-60/S60 is a solid steadicam that’s very easy to use. It possesses a quick plate which can be opened and closed onto cameras with ease. This enables you to get it up and running in essentially no time at all.
5. Fotowelt Carbon Fiber DSLR Steadicam
Another solid mid-level product is this one from Fotowelt. It has a couple of design and construction issues that separate it from the quality level of the Koolertron and Neewer steadicams, but is still of fairly solid quality.
Weighing in at around 4.8 pounds, it’s fairly easy to stabilize when compared to other steadicams. To help you hold it steady, it’s equipped with a padded, foam handle. This handle turns at a variety of different directions, allowing you to snap shots from different angles.
It’s compatible with all DSLR cameras and camcorders up to 6.6 pounds in weight. Capable of extending between 11.6 inches and 15.7 inches in height, it can be set up to balance your particular camera’s weight and aerodynamics.
All in all, this steadicam from Fotowelt is solid. It’s certainly not the best option on the market, but offers enough value to make it worth its while. The only real issue it has is that its handle is too close to its attachment mechanism. This can feel a little uncomfortable, and can be difficult to get used to.
6. Roxant Pro Video Camera Stabilizer
The next steadicam on our list is designed to hold cameras that are on the smaller side. With a max weight limit of 2.1 pounds, the Roxant Pro is capable of holding everything from DSLR cameras, to smartphones, to GoPros.
Weighing in at around 2.4 pounds, this steadicam is ridiculously lightweight. To help you hold it up, it’s equipped with not only a soft foam grip, but a padded, foam shoulder rest as well. This ensure that you’ll hold it as steady as possible at all times.
This is a very compact steadicam, capable of being used in small, tight areas. It’s best used by amateur photographers who are looking to up the quality of their photos and videos. It attaches to cameras with great ease, taking only a few seconds to set up.
All in all, the Roxant Pro is a terrific steadicam for small cameras. It’s not on the quality level of the steadicams reviewed above, but serves its particular purpose very well. Available for a mid-level price, it’s definitely worth a buy.
7. CISNO Pro S40 Handheld Stabilizer
The next DSLR steadicam on our list is the CISNO Pro S40. Available for a mid-level price, it compares closely to the Fotowelt steadicam reviewed above.
This steadicam is compatible with any and all DSLR camcorders and cameras. It possesses a max weight limit of 6.6 pounds. This enables it to hold the vast majority of cameras and camcorders thrown its way.
Weighing in at around 3.3 pounds, it’s exceedingly lightweight compared to most steadicams. This makes it very easy for just about anyone to handle. To help hold it steady and upright, it’s equipped with a soft, foam handle. This can be adjust to capture photos from a number of different angles.
All in all, this CISNO steadicam is a solid product. Available for a mid-level price, it’s not the absolute best steadicam around, but still provides quite a bit of value. Equipped with an vice-type attachment mechanism, it’s very easy to adjust.
8. IMORDEN Aluminum S-40a Handheld Camera Stabilizer
This IMORDEN DSLR steadicam is very similar to the CISNO and Fotowelt steadicams on our list. Available at a mid-level price, it offers fairly standard value for all different types of camcorders and cameras.
Weighing in at around 3.2 pounds, this steadicam is extremely lightweight compared to most. This makes it very easy for people of all strengths and sizes to handle. Equipped with a textured, rubber grip, it can be handled for ultimate maneuverability and control.
It is best equipped for small cameras and camcorders. Its max weight limit is 2.3 pounds. Going above this weight limit will result in shaky and unsteady picture quality. But as long as cameras have ¼-inch screw ins, and are under 2.3 pounds, they will be accommodated by this device.
Overall, this is a very solid steadicam for small cameras and camcorders. It comes with a nice, zippable carrying case which enables it to be taken anywhere with ease. A very compact product, it can be stored and transferred with great simplicity.
9. SuteFoto Carbon Fiber S60 Glidecam
The next DSLR steadicam we’ll review is the SuteFoto Carbon fiber S60 Glidecam. Available at a mid-level price, this steadicam offers fairly average functionality.
It’s designed to accommodate cameras up to 6.6 pounds. For attachment purposes, it’s equipped with both ¼-inch and ⅜-inch screw holes. This enables it to accommodate the vast majority of DSLR cameras and camcorders.
This steadicam possesses a handle which is adorned with a silica gel grip. This enables you to hold it up with great ease. In total, it weighs in at around 3.3 pounds. When it comes to adjustment, it’s fairly versatile, capable of extending between 15 inches and 23 inches.
All in all, this steadicam from SuteFoto is an average product. There are certainly better DSLR steadicams on the market, but this one will get the job done. Of course, considering its price, it doesn’t offer a great deal of value. You can likely find a better deal elsewhere.
10. Opteka X-GRIP Professional Stabilizer Handle
The last product on our list is this one from Opteka. This is a solid bargain option for those who are just looking for something simple, but reliable to have on hand. It’s available for a very reasonable price.
This device will accommodate the vast majority of DSLR cameras with a ¼-inch screw attachment. It has no designated weight limit, but will best accommodate cameras that are on the lighter end.
It’s equipped with a soft, foam handle which can be easily gripped by just about anyone. Made out of ABS plastic, it possesses a fairly heavy-duty construction, especially for its low price. In total, it weighs in at less than a pound.
All in all, this is a solid budget pick. It’s not equipped to accommodate professional purposes, but will suit amateur photographers just fine. In fact, it’s safe to say that this is the best DSLR steadicam for a budget.