A sound blimp is an attachment to a camera that reduces clicking sounds which can be annoying or disturbing in a work environment. If one is willing to hurt one’s pocket, one can buy a readymade for around $1000. But as many enthusiasts have shown, a DIY can cost quite less; in fact, Dan Tabar, a professional photographer, made a sound blimp that cost him only $80. Less than one-tenth of the market price. What more, his sound blimp turned out to waterproof the camera!
Like many members of our community, Dan first googled to discover the most clear DIY instructions on the internet and embarked to make one for himself. His device is neat, made of two parts: 1) a Pelican case for the main camera body 2) a removable tube extension for the different camera lenses. He smartly uses a wireless trigger to click pictures, which saves him an extra hole for the click button. Also, he goes for a more expensive Lexan glass for the rear LCD and viewfinder windows. It makes sense because you don’t want your glass to be easily breakable.
Considering that Dan wanted to use it at work, during actual photo shoots where the camera noise can disturb others, his DIY had to be practical and efficient. In the video below, he demonstrates the sound of a camera with and without the blimp, and we can see for ourselves how his venture has turned out. Also, in the next video we can see him showing off the waterproofing ability of the case, which is a great added benefit and makes him capable for underwater shoots.
By the way, here’s one of the earliest DIY sound blimps on the internet I could find. It is crazy and inspiring to think how this guy could make one back in the day!
Filed Under: Reviews