Filming a video on the move can be a great way to capture dynamic and engaging scenes, but it can also result in shaky and blurry footage if you don't use the right techniques and tools. In this article, you'll learn how to ensure your video is stable and smooth, whether you're using a smartphone, a DSLR, or a professional camera.
The first thing to consider is the type of camera you're using and how it affects the stability of your video. Some cameras have built-in stabilization features, such as optical image stabilization (OIS) or electronic image stabilization (EIS), that can reduce the effects of camera shake. However, these features are not always reliable or effective, especially in low-light or fast-moving situations. If you're using a smartphone, you might want to look for an app that offers advanced stabilization options, such as Hyperlapse or Filmic Pro. If you're using a DSLR or a professional camera, you might want to check the settings and adjust the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to minimize motion blur and noise.
Ensure your camera has an IBIS (in-body image stabilization) feature. That in combination with a lens that has stabilization features and a steady hand can get near-gimbal smooth results with some practice.
Choosing the right camera for the job plays a bit part in creating footage that is stable and smooth. Even though some bigger cameras may have better sensors overall providing a higher quality image, it does cost quite a bit more to hire equipment to be able to stabilize those cameras and on top of that requires a lot more man power. So I would say assess your resources before making the decision on what camera you are going to use.
Depending what you're shooting, let's say a content for social media then you're not necessarily going to use a RED or ARRI. If that's the case pic a camera with IBIS and a lens with stabilisation. Saying that very few if any will replace a gimbal so it's only fine for particular scenes.
One thing I've found helpful apart from getting the right gear is ensuring that you keep the camera on a subject for as long as possible so the visuals can be usable. Hold the image for 10 seconds longer than you would. Cameras on the market now are equipped with in-body image stabilisation, but that may not be reliable in all situations. One last tip is to ensure the shutter speed matches the action you are filming.
One of the best ways to ensure your video is stable and smooth on the move is to use a gimbal. A gimbal is a device that holds your camera and uses motors and sensors to counteract any unwanted movements. A gimbal can also allow you to perform smooth pans, tilts, and rolls, as well as follow your subject with ease. There are different types of gimbals available, depending on the size and weight of your camera, such as handheld gimbals, wearable gimbals, or gimbal stabilizers. You can also find gimbals that are compatible with smartphones, such as the DJI Osmo Mobile or the Zhiyun Smooth. When using a gimbal, make sure to balance it properly, calibrate it regularly, and practice your movements before shooting.
Steady shots on the go? Here's how: Gear up: * Gimbal: Your best friend for smooth, controlled shakes. * Monopod: Less techy, good for lighter cameras and walking. * Wide lens: Easier to hold steady than zooming in. Move smart: * Walk smooth: Bend knees, avoid big steps, imagine holding a water cup. * Hold tight: Tuck elbows, grip camera close to body. * Shoot short: Shorter clips mean less shakiness. Post magic (optional): * Video editing software: Can smooth things out even more.
I use the Zhiyun Weebill S. This little gem is a powerhouse of stability and smoothness, making it perfect for those dynamic shots where you're walking, running, or even in a moving vehicle. It's all about getting that buttery smooth footage that looks professional and effortless. The Weebill S is particularly notable for its compact size, which doesn't compromise its performance. It's like having a steady hand that never gets tired, ensuring your shots are always crisp and steady. This is crucial, especially in fields like education, construction, or even pharmaceuticals, where demonstrating processes and products with clarity is key. Plus, it's just a joy to use – lightweight, easy to handle, and quick to set up.
Gimbals are great for creating smooth camera movements. With the Gyro focusing on balancing the camera it really does make the job a lot easier. My word of advice though would be to practice balancing the gimbal as without the experience it can take a little bit of time. But once you nail the balancing practicing the different gimbal movements will really level up your film production and bring a really nice clean smooth feel to your shots.
While gimbals are extremely useful and versatile, you have to chose the right tool for each shot. Gimbals are perfect in "run and gun" situations but not so much when you need a perfectly controlled motion. Chose a slider or a dolly when it's required. Depending on your budget, there are cheap or DIY solutions for this. Finally, a steadycam is a better tool if you need to walk or run and your gimbal shots are too shaky.
Gimbals (unless you shoot an interview with a tripod or use monopod) are a must in my opinion, no matter if the camera has IBIS or not. Another thing that also work is using a camera heavy enough with bag or shoulder mount.
Another factor that affects the stability of your video is how you hold your camera. Whether you're using a gimbal or not, you should always hold your camera with both hands and keep it close to your body. Avoid extending your arms or holding your camera above your head, as this can make your video more shaky and unstable. You should also use your elbows as support points and keep them tucked in. If possible, use a strap or a handle to secure your camera and prevent it from dropping or swinging. If you're using a smartphone, you can also use a tripod mount or a case with a grip to improve your hold.
Learn how to shoot like a sniper. It sounds silly, but it's true. Move, stop, film, move. Learning how to hold your camera steady when you're out of breath is an undervalued skill. Dropping to your knees and using your bag as a tripod is a great trick. Sitting on the floor with your legs raised and popping the camera on the gap between your knees is another. Lay face down on the floor and put the camera on the ground. Rest it on the front of a car. Use a tree branch. Use a friend's shoulder. Most remote location camera operators use their surrounds to their advantage, and these skills are transferrable into every day productions.
If you don't have a gimbal, then adopt a stable stance: feet shoulder-width apart and elbows close to your body, using your torso as a natural stabiliser. When moving, do so with bent knees to minimise jolts. Secondly, utilise the camera strap for tension-based stability, extending it fully and pressing it against your neck or shoulder. This acts as a makeshift steadicam. Additionally, explore environmental supports like leaning against walls or resting the camera on steady surfaces.
Something I used to do in my early days when I had limited equipment and still wanted a bit of a raw handheld edge that could still look smooth was simply apply pressure to my camera strap and sway back and forth on my feet slightly. It was either around my neck or around my neck and under one arm to make it chest height, depending on what I was shooting, and I'd apply an amount of pressure dependent on how much was moving. It definitely helped me when I was starting out, or when I was shooting things that simply didn't allow for equipment either because of space, time, environment, etc. It made post a bit easier as well.
Holding the camera close to your body is alright, but as you breathe, your body can shake slightly, which may not be helpful. If I am not using a gimbal, I'll have a monopod or hold the camera by the straps for balance. That does help a lot to stabilise the shots.
The way you move your body while filming can also have a big impact on the stability of your video. You should always try to move as smoothly and steadily as possible, avoiding sudden or jerky motions. You should also pay attention to your posture and balance, and avoid leaning or bending too much. If you're walking or running, you should use your knees as shock absorbers and keep your steps light and consistent. You can also use a stabilizing accessory, such as a monopod, a shoulder rig, or a chest harness, to reduce the vibrations and movements of your body. Alternatively, you can use a vehicle, such as a bike, a skateboard, or a car, to move your camera more smoothly and easily.
My number 1 piece of advice when operating smooth camera shots is to 1. Go the gym and work on your core, back and leg strength as you are going to be using these muscles a lot. In terms of technique make sure to bend your legs, and move around on your toes. You want to make your steps appear as invisible as possible in your shots otherwise the shots will not be smooth. So practice moving from heel to toe when walking.
As silly as it sounds, before I could afford decent gimbals (and before the modern ones existed) when I first started out I used to practise moving smoothly with a camera. The best piece of advice I ever heard was imagine there's a full glass of water balancing on top of the camera. I still do it now, fifteen years in.
If the terrain is smooth enough, the best combo for filming action sequences on a budget is in-line skates plus gimbal. In-line skates will give you much more maneuverability and stability than any other vehicle.
The final step to ensure your video is stable and smooth is to edit it using a software or an app that can correct any remaining flaws or imperfections. Most editing programs have a stabilization feature that can analyze your video and adjust the position, rotation, and scale of your frames to eliminate any unwanted shake. However, you should be careful not to overuse this feature, as it can crop your video, reduce the quality, or create unnatural distortions. You should also trim your video and remove any parts that are too shaky, blurry, or irrelevant. You can also use transitions, effects, or music to enhance your video and make it more appealing and professional.
This is a dangerous one, in some ways. 'Fix it in post' can be a funny thing to say on location when it's all a bit frantic, but it's a good DoP/camera operators job to make post as easy as possible. Of course it's possible to stabilise things in the edit like never before, but don't rely on it. Also, be concious of stripping dynamism out of your edit by over-fixing things. I recently shot a film about rhino translocation in Kenya, and part of the style of the piece is the frantic 'action film' style sequences where we're running with cameras. We tried stabilising everything, but it just made it look too clean at best, and like we were bobbing about at sea at worst. A good director will brief their editor on cinematic style.
As some people mentioned, don't rely on "fixing it in post" as it's sometime impossible. What you can do though is using a bit of a zoom in post or change the scale if you shoot and 4k and want a bit of variation (although that will never replace a second camera).
When shooting in the move, you can feel rushed. Try and slow yourself down, look for an interesting and meaningful shot, frame the shot, compose yourself, and record for at least 5 seconds. Shooting for less time than this probably won’t give you a long enough clip. Also, if you’re really run-and-gun filming and going handheld, consider filming at a higher frame rate and slowing down the footage in post. You’ll get a longer clip and there’s a better chance you’ll have a good couple of seconds of smooth footage. You can also stabilize in post, with tools like Premiere’s Warp Stabilizer, that works really well to smooth out slowed-down handheld footage.
You can achieve smoother footage by adding weight to the camera if you are filming hand held. The heavier the camera the less camera shake there will be. You can add weight to the camera by adding a cage, external batteries, a monitor, a matte box, and handles to it. Smooth handheld footage can be a desired effect especially when making action scenes.
If possible, take various shots so you have options in case the images are too shaky to use. What works for me is to film for at least a minute in position using the straps for support just as a backup. Invest in a gimbal if you can afford one.