Products
The Jaybilizer 3000
The Jaybilizer3000 (Camera NOT included)
What is the Jaybilizer 3000?
The Jaybilizer 3000 camera stabilizer started out as a DIY Merlin-type Steadicam project. I wanted something that was better than the “barbell on a stick” type of camera stabilizer but not as expensive as a Steadicam Merlin or even a GlideCam 2000. I assembled a couple prototypes, dubbed the JayCam Mk1 and the JayCam Mk2 before coming up with the final design which I am calling the Jaybilzer3000. The Jaybilzer3000 works very well for doing hand held tracking shots as well as shooting low angle tracking shots. It is optimized for lightweight “semi-Pro” camcorders like the Canon Vixia series. I will continue making improvements to the design, while keeping it as low cost as possible.
**Update** I added several improvements to the design. First is a “kickstand” bracket at the bottom of the stabilizer that allows the stabilizer to be stored upright. (Do not store your camera on the stabilizer! I’m NOT responsible if your camera takes a tumble while on the Jaybilizer3000.) Secondly, by popular demand, the Jabilizer3000 now comes with a black textured satin finish. And finally I am now shipping the Jaybilizer3000 with 25 washer counterweights to facilitate using heaver cameras and DSLRs ( GH1 shooters rejoice!)
The Jaybilizer 3000 is open source, so you can assemble and modify your own rig to work with your camera. I’ve posted the DIY parts list here: Jaybilizer 3000 Parts list PDF and the “How to assemble a Jaybilizer 3000″ video below.
By assembling the stabilizer by yourself, it will only cost you about $110 for parts, hardware and paint. Saving you hundreds of dollars over other equivalent camera stabilizers, and you will have the satisfaction of having built it yourself.
However, If you don’t feel that you want to assemble your own, I will be more than happy to build one for you. You can order a fully assembled Jaybilizer 3000 for $174 below and it’s still a fraction of the price of a Glidecam 2000 or a Steadicam Merlin.
The pre-assembled Jaybilizer3000 also includes a custom fabricated bridge plate and a “kick stand”. You can assemble your own stabilizer by using washers instead of the plate ( which I demonstrate in the DIY video) or you can order the bridge plate below to use in your own build.
* Attention Canon 7D and 5Dmk2 Shooters* Due to the weight and high center of gravity of the 5Dmk2 and the 7D, these cameras do not work well with the Jaybilizer 3000. I did offer a 5D modified version, but I am not happy with the design, as it is too heavy to use for extended shooting. I have discontinued the 5D modified version. I have a working prototype design which is lighter and easier to balance the Canon DSLRS.
I will have a new Jaybilizer HDSLR model available as soon as I get some parts from the machine shop and stickers from the printer. I also have to make a how to balance video and set up the e-commerce site.
Thanks for your patience and I am very excited about the new model.
*IMPORTANT* This Stabilizer is designed for small camcorders and DSLRs under 3 pounds total weight. Please see the Jaybilizer 3000 FAQ Page for a list of tested cameras.
As with any camera stabilizer system the Jaybilizer does take some time to initially balance your camera, and getting the smoothest shots do require practice. I’ve posted videos below on how to set-up and balance your Jaybilizer 3000, as well as a video demonstrating some shooting techniques.
Disclaimer:
Care must be observed while using this product, mishandling can result in damage to your equipment or bodily injury to yourself or others. By purchasing this product you agree that you will use it at YOUR OWN RISK. Any modifications made or added to this rig are your sole responsibility. Due to the fact that this is a hand made item there may be small aesthetic defects which will not affect the performance of the product.
Order your Jaybilizer 3000 today!
Jaybilizer 3000 Key Features
- Inexpensive
- Steel ball gimbal
- heavy duty steel and aluminum construction
- Open Source
- Comfort grip
- Can be configured to shoot inverted
- Fully adjustable camera plate
- Easy side balance adjustment
- Works with a wide variety of camcorders and DSLRs
- Quick release camera plate
- Supports camera rigs up to 4 lbs
- Black Textured Satin Finish
- 25 Counterweight washers
- “Kickstand” allows you to store the Jabilizer3000 upright and improves balance
The Jaybilizer 3000 Camera Stabilizer
(Fully-assembled )
Package includes the assembled Jaybilizer3000 camera stabilizer with aluminum bridgeplate and 25 counter weight washers.
Please allow 10 days for shipping.
New Improved features:
- Black Textured Satin Finish
- 25 Counterweight washers
- “Kickstand” allows you to store the Jabilizer3000 upright and improves balance
USA Domestic
$174 + $15 shipping and handling
International (Most Countries)
$174 + $60 Shipping and handling
International Buyers – Please note:
* Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
* Please check with your country’s customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying.
* These charges are normally collected by the delivering freight (shipping) company or when you pick the item up – do not confuse them for additional shipping charges.
* We do not mark merchandise values below value or mark items as “gifts” – US and International government regulations prohibit such behavior.
The Jaybilizer 3000 bridgeplate
(for mounting the adjustable camera plate)
Package includes aluminum plate, four screws and Jaybilizer 3000 stickers.
USA Domestic
$15 + $2.50 Shipping and Handling
International (Most Countries)
$15 + $15 Shipping and Handling
How to Assemble Your Own Jaybilizer 3000 Camera Stabilizer
How to Set-up and Balance Your Jaybilizer 3000 Camera Stabilizer
Jaybilizer 3000 Camera Stabilizer Shooting Techniques with Montage Footage
Panasonic GH1 Jaybilizer3000 torture test
Panasonic GH1 Jaybilizer3000 torture test from Jay Shaffer on Vimeo.
Could you show some footage of this equipment working?
Will your Jaybilizer work with a larger camera like a Canon xl2?
I’m going to be testing the Jaybilizer 3000 with a Canon XL1 and a Sony EX1 this week.
Hi Jay! I’m about to get the Canon VIXIA HF S11 (an updated S10). I was wondering if the Jaybilizer will be a good fit for such small camera. Please let me know. Keep up the good work! Regards, Tino
Tino
The HF S11 works great, especially if you put a wide angle lens or the big battery on it. Even with just a tape and the standard battery it’s exactly a pound so it balances out just fine.
Just completed testing the Sony EX1 and Canon XL1 with the Jaybilizer 3000. Both cameras proved to be too heavy. I will post the video ASAP.
@daniel
Daniel the Shooting techniques video icludes a montage of footage from the Jaybilizer 3000.
Hi
i am from Germany and i know some people ( some Filmgroups) who are very interested in buying one of your great jaybilizer 3000.
But we want to see some more footage of that. in many situations. and in front of a mirror would be nice…
to look how stabil the cam is..
thx
denis
Hi Jay,
I´m trying to build one my self.
But I couldn´t buy the Aluminum Bridge Plate from your paypal.
The paypal site decline all of my credit cards. I tried buying the parts on amazon and adorama with the same credit cards and it went ok.
Is there some problem with the paypal account?
Jay. This design looks awesome. I came across your video on youtube. I was blew away on how good it works. I am interested in this Steadicam. Could I put a Canon EOS 7D on this? Any information on this will help.
Thnaks,
Joe
@Joe
I’ve tested with the Nikon D90 and it balances just fine, although rolling shutter is an issue when doing panning and tracking moves. I hope to have a GH1 soon and plan on using the Jaybilizer for follow tracking and crane shots.
Hi Jay,
Your designs are awesome, as a quasi inventor myself I truly appreciate your designs and your obvious passion for what you do. I have a query for you? I recently purchased the Canon Vixia HV40. I came across your vid on YouTube and wanted to know if you sell or have plans or blueprints of some kind for your “JayBar3000″. I’d like to know how you attached the Haier LCD-TV and your HV30 rig to the bar? Thanks for your assistance and keep up the great designs!!! Brian
Love your design, very practical and well thought out. I like that most everything is “off the Shelf”. I already had a Manfrooto quick release, so i just “had” to build it. you did mention that you are constantly updating the design and were working on a better gimbal system, have you gone any further with that?
Thanks again for a great idea!!
brad
I’m wondering if it will be possible to balance a GH1 with a Rode StereoVideoMic on it. (300 grams poking forward) AND AND the rode is wired to a zoom h4n in the cameramans pocket or something NOT in the gh1! doable? :[]
@David Richards
The rode Mic is not a problem, being wired to the stabilizer is. You want your only point of balance to be the gimbal. But you’ve got me thinking you might be able to use the H4n as a counterweight instead of washers on the bottom of the Stabilizer. The H4n DOES have a 1/4″ 20 mount.
I’m looking to get rid of my old DAT machine to buy an H4n. So if you try this, let us know if it works.
Will the Jaybilizer 3000 work with something as small as a pocket camcorder?. In my case, the Kodak zi8.
@Rick Alexander
Yes, but you may have to add top weight and remove the bottom counterweights. I’ve tested the Flip ultra. about the same weight as the Zi8
@shaf
I have ordered your aluminum plate for the Jaybilizer and am considering reproducing it in steel to add weight. It seems as though that would provide a even distribution of weight and, in some ways, “imitate” a heavier camera. Any thoughts on that approach? Thanks –rick
or you can attach washers to the top hole via a 1/4″ machine screw.
I’ve watched several of your videos and I’m very impressed with your ingenuity and especially your willingness to share your ideas. I’m planning to order a Jaybilizer in the near future.
Thanks!
I have been living in korea. I have a GH1 camera. I need to your Jaybilizer 3000, but i don’t know what kind Jaybilizer.
@byung jung kang
The GH1 works best with e standard Jabilizer 3000. The Jaybilizer 3000 5D is optimized for the Canon 5Dmk2.
I have just purchased a Canon Vixia hf200 and have completed building my Jaybilizer 3000. Should I use the IS in the HF200 in conjunction with the Jaybilizer, or turn it off? I know that in most cases, camera IS is not recommended with a tripod.
Thanks!! I really enjoyed building the Jaybilizer and I am looking forward to using it with my Vixia!
Im sorry if you have been asked this before or if this is a burdening question but how will a Panasonic DVX100B work on your Jaybilizer?
@Maiya
At 5.5 LBs the DVX-100B is too heavy for the Jaybilizer.
Hi Jay
Like many others I would like to say thanks for sharing your design of the Jabilizer with the world…its very generous of you.I live in the UK and set about locating the necessary parts ……almost all the parts (or an equivalent) can be sourced here with the exception of the Lowel interlink.I was most fortunate to track down the interlink on Ebay.com and the vendor was willing to ship the item to the UK.I am aware that you supply the custom fabricated bridge plate……maybe it would be beneficial to offer the supply of the Lowel interlink to international customers….since it appears to be a US based product.To my mind the Lowel interlink is a crucial component of your design but sadly difficult to obtain out with the United States.Iam fortunate that I have the facility to easily fabricate the bridge plate (otherwise I would order one from yourself).Anyways once again thanks for sharing your design.
I intend to use the jabilizer I am building with an older Sony DCR-TRV900E…..at way less that 4lbs it should balance up well….
Hi Jay,
I plan on ordering a Jaybilizer 9000 very soon. I will use it mostly for my Canon HV30 and HV40 cameras. However, I do have a Letus Mini 35 mm adapter with rails that I use with my HV40.
Q-1 Do you think there will be any weight issues with the mini and the rails?
Q-2 Do you know if folks have used 35mm adapters with your 3000 before? If so… how did it work? Do you know of any videos posted of the 3000 being used with a 35mm adapter?
Thank you!
Hi Jay,
I plan on ordering a Jaybilizer 9000 very soon. I will use it mostly for my Canon HV30 and HV40 cameras. However, I do have a Letus Mini 35 mm adapter with rails that I use with my HV40.
Q-1 Do you think there will be any weight issues with the mini and the rails?
Q-2 Do you know if folks have used 35mm adapters with your 3000 before? If so… how did it work? Do you know of any videos posted of the 3000 being used with a 35mm adapter?
Thank you
@Tim Bickford
I’ve used the Jaybilizer with my Jag35 DOF adater with a Canon 50mm lens with good results. The Letus is quite a bit heavier than the Jag35 and the rails add even more weight. If the camera rig exceeds 3 lbs, you are on shakey ground.
The Jabilizer is optimized for the Canon Vixia series and works well with that type of camcorder, Usually if you are using a rig with rails and a matte box you would want to use a heavy duty stabilizer like the Glidecam series.
Thanks a lot Jay. Beautifull design. You are the man. I wish you and your family well.
Hi ! I own a Sony V1U HD camera. Do you know if your Jaybilizer 3000 will work with it ? Thanks ! Richard