Are you finding it difficult to keep a steady hand whilst shooting timeless memories on your action camera? We know that dizzy feeling when you're trying to watch the jolted footage later on.
Photography and videography are becoming increasingly popular, and with the rise of social media, everyone is now a content creator. However, shaky and unstable footage can ruin even the most beautiful shot. This is where camera stabilisers come into play.
What is a camera stabiliser?
A camera stabiliser is a valuable tool that provides stability while capturing footage during your adventures, home videos, homemade movies, and even roller coaster rides. This device allows you to attach your camera, reducing unwanted movements and vibrations, resulting in smooth and clear images.
The lightweight and easy-to-use stabiliser works by pivoting your camera, providing you with a clear and stable image. With all its benefits, it's no wonder that a camera stabiliser becomes your new best friend for capturing high-quality footage.
How does a camera stabiliser work?
Once you mount your camera onto the handheld stabiliser, it takes over the job of stabilising your footage, allowing you to focus on holding it steady while capturing your shot.
The stabiliser keeps the camera levelled on a central axis, no matter how fast or in which direction you move your hand. Although you still need to hold the device's arm, the gimbal technology takes care of maintaining the camera's steadiness, resulting in a clean and clear shot that your shaky hand couldn't achieve on its own.
The device moves smoothly with you, creating a more refined motion, ensuring that your footage is free from unwanted movements and vibrations.
Why do you need a camera stabiliser?
Stabilisation is a critical aspect of photography and videography. Without it, shaky footage can ruin even the most beautiful shot. The importance of stabilisation lies in its ability to produce smooth and stable footage, providing the viewer with a clear and professional-looking image.
Stabilisation is especially important when filming in challenging environments or conditions such as low light or extreme weather. It allows photographers and videographers to capture their shots without sacrificing quality, even in difficult situations.
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When do you use a camera stabiliser?
A camera stabiliser is an ideal tool to use when capturing footage outdoors, especially during fast-paced actions such as walking, running, riding, sailing, or other activities that can result in shaky footage. Whether you're an amateur filmmaker or an adventure enthusiast, using a camera stabiliser can greatly enhance the quality of your shots.
A camera stabiliser provides stability and balance, eliminating tremors, and reducing unwanted movements, resulting in smooth and clear footage. So, if you want to capture high-quality videos and pictures during your adventures, it's highly recommended to invest in a camera stabiliser.
What are the different types of camera stabilisers?
By now you’re probably wondering what type of camera stabiliser you'll need. Because there are plenty of options out there. Unless your camera is as old as T-Rex, there are several types of stabilisers you can choose from that may already be suited to your camera, action camera, phone, GoPro etc…
- Handheld stabilisers - Handheld stabilisers are the most popular type of stabilisers that are compact and easy to use. They are ideal for run-and-gun shooting, allowing for smooth movements even when the camera operator is in motion.
- Gimbal stabilisers - Gimbal stabilisers use advanced technology to provide smooth and stable footage by using motors to counteract unwanted movements. They are highly versatile and can be used for various types of shots, including pan, tilt, and roll.
- Steadicam stabilisers - Steadicam stabilisers use a counterweight system to achieve stability. They are ideal for longer shooting sessions and provide a more fluid motion.
- Shoulder-mounted stabilisers - Shoulder-mounted stabilisers provide stability by distributing the weight of the camera across the operator's shoulder. They are suitable for longer shooting sessions and provide greater comfort during use.
- Tripod stabilisers - Tripod stabilisers provide stability by using a tripod to support the camera. They are ideal for stationary shots, and their compact size makes them highly portable.
Price and variety are on quite a broad scale for camera stabilisers. Depending on how advanced you want your stabiliser, you can get some suited for your phone device or GoPro that are typically lightweight.
How to use a camera stabiliser
Camera stabilisation techniques are essential skills for any photographer or videographer looking to capture high-quality, stable footage. One of the most fundamental techniques is maintaining a proper grip on the camera, ensuring that your elbows are close to your body and your grip is firm. This helps to minimise camera shake and allows for smoother footage.
Breathing techniques can also be employed, such as holding your breath for a moment while taking a shot, to minimise body movement and stabilise the camera.
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