Are you tired of your videos looking blurry and moving? Image stabilization is one of the most important factors in video management. If you don’t want your shots to look like an amateur video instead of something professional. How about a camera stabilizer?
If you still don’t know what they are, find out what a camera stabilizer or sports camera stabilizer is and how to choose the one that best suits your cinematographic needs. Action!
What is a camera stabilizer?
A camera stabilizer is a device that adapts to your video camera or your mobile (there are also models for still cameras) in order to keep the lens steady. Avoid tremors or sudden movements.
The advantages offered by a camera stabilizer are:
- They serve as a base for the video camera or mobile.
- They give a sharper image without tremors.
- Ease of shooting when transporting the camera.
- Its various types give you different results in each shot.
- Allow you a wide range of movement of your body and the camera itself.
How to choose a camera stabilizer?
If you have decided to get yourself a camera stabilizer, keep these tips in mind:
- The materials of the stabilizer: We advise you to buy it with light materials such as carbon fiber and aluminum.
- The maximum weight of the equipment to support: Allow yourself up to 50% more of the weight of your camera, in case you buy a heavier one later.
- Weight of the equipment itself: It is one thing to transport the equipment everywhere. Another is to load it on you. Make sure it is comfortable for your body.
- Ergonomic: The more ergonomic, the less risk of accidents.
- Height and dimensions: Depends on your needs.
- Whether or not it comes with a travel bag: To avoid dents or damage, we recommend that you get it together with the stabilizer.
Types of stabilizers for cameras
As cinema evolved, new ways of stabilizing cameras were devised and categorized into various types which you will see below.
This will help you choose the camera stabilizer that best suits your projects:
Tripods and monopods
This is the staple that every filmmaker or hobbyist needs to have in their arsenal. Very useful if you are going to make a static shot. This type of stabilizer allows you to rest from the weight of the camera. However, it doesn’t work for scrolling at the same time as recording, so you can’t shoot in sequence.
hand stabilizers
This is a vertical handle with a structure on which you place the camera and under it there is a counterweight system to balance the whole assembly.
They are very rudimentary and bit awkward, but with some practice, they will give you excellent results. However, they are somewhat stubborn about calibrating them perfectly.
shoulder rig
This stabilizer has tubes to hold the camera on your shoulders and stabilize the swing of your movements through stabilizers located in the arms, as well as ergonomic handles to hold and rotate the camera.
It is used a lot in action movies to make the viewer feel that they are in the role of the protagonist and the sequence advance as the character moves.
Steadycam
The Steadycam consists of a vertical structure with weights below and the camera is located above by means of a frame. This entire system is fixed to the body by means of a vest. This provides greater stability.
However, a camera operator will require a lot of practice to get the hang of it; it is the most popular among professionals and allows a very stable image thanks to the stabilizers that keep the camera stable as the cameraman moves.
Gimbal
The gimbal usually uses an axis stabilization system and includes a programmable electronic mechanism whose logarithms adjust the pressure of the stabilizers and axes to keep the image stable at all times.
It is more expensive than Steadicam. However, the cost of these stabilizers has dropped, becoming a more accessible option for users of DSLR and Mirrorless cameras.
Although some cameras incorporate an internal stabilization system in their design. (Or “IBIS” as it is known in the niche. If your goal is to shoot quality video, external image stabilization is essential.
Not having a camera stabilizer represents complications when recording, as well as very shaky images that not even the best video editing program can remedy. In addition to generating unnecessary waste of time and money.
Choose the camera stabilizer that best suits your needs and take your projects to the next level. Do you take on the move? Action sequences? Minimize the risk of physical damage or damage to your camera with a good video camera stabilizer.
