This article tells you how to make your own steadicam-type stabilizer for the XL1 camcorder.
The camera base is 7" X 3 5/8" X 1" Poplar. It has to have the front corners shaved down to allow for the angle of the 1X2's that get screwed into it (I used drywall screws, 2 on each side).
Also a hole is drilled into the base to allow for mounting the camera with a thumbscrew. The hole is just large enough to move the camera around for balancing ...
Read the full article on the authors homepage.