For those that want a more fluid, walking movement to their videos, stabilizing systems can be a welcome addition to one's prosumer camera kit. Whole setups, featuring vest, arm and sled, like the VariZoom FlowCam GT, can run about $3,000. Its design works much like its Hollywood cousin, which costs about ten times as much, but for smaller more lightweight ENG-style cameras weighing from two to sixteen pounds. Quick Release plates make for quick camera mounting and its articulated arm allows operator to quickly frame and follow the action. The vest distributes the weight of the entire system over the operator's torso and hips.

Steadicam JR is more entry level and less of a budget buster. At $899, it can be used with smaller, handheld, secondary cameras because it relies on a gimbal handle which becomes an extension of the cameraperson's own arm. Glidecam sells the 2000 Pro for less than $300 and VariZoom makes a host of stabilizing systems.

Body-worn camera support systems can really add sense of first person perspective to a shot. But make no mistake: the investment can be a hefty one.

In the end, a twenty-dollar tripod is only good for a twenty-dollar shot. Sure, you save money, but the results may cause you to go right back out and purchase a more expensive and more sturdily built tripod. Likewise, a thousand-dollar tripod may not only bust one's budget, but also be more than may be needed for the shoot at hand. That's why it's critical to assess one's needs by balancing budget with camera size, and the needs and locations of the particular project. In the end, tripods in the three hundred to four hundred dollar ranges will provide 95% of the capability of the more expensive variants for our smaller consumer and prosumer camcorders. So, unless there's a specific need, an affordable yet robust tripod is easily within anyone's budget.

And if a videographer has tripods to handle a variety of conditions with the same performance, so much the better.

James DeRuvo is producer and editor for a broadcast production company.

If your budget doesn't include all of the equipment you want, or if you are the type who enjoys the challenge of building, how 'bout a DIY project? The Internet has plans to design and build everything from tripods (using crutches for legs) to stabilization devices. We can't say how well these work, nor can we testify to how many more projects you'll bid when you show up to that "pro" shoot with a homemade 'pod. But you'll find plans for things like $14 Jr. to the homebuilt vest and arm rigs that are quite complex. Videographers can derive a sense of satisfaction from making a rig themselves. The Internet has lots of resources for doing it yourself, and homebuiltstabilizers.com is a great place to start.