Stabilizers

When you want to raise your game with photography and videography, a stabilizer can make a huge difference in how you produce quality content. Easy to set up and easy to use when you learn their features, they can be indispensable out in the field.

What is a camera stabilizer?

Think of a camera stabilizer as an accessory you would use to make your video footage smoother. It’s very hard to capture footage from different angles or to slowly switch perspectives by hand, and chances are, your shots will look at least a little shaky because of it.

A stabilizer is like a rig, usually with gimbals that move in two or three axes. When you mount your camera onto a stabilizer, the gimbals and weight distribution better regulate how to move in order to maintain focus on a subject, regardless of perspective. That makes transitions from one view to another smoother throughout, giving your shots more of cinematic panning effect.

What should I consider when buying a camera stabilizer?

The first thing to look for is the weight of both the camera and the stabilizer. Not all stabilizers support all cameras because of how much weight they can handle. Many stabilizers are designed for heavier cameras, like DSLR, mirrorless or cinema models. Others are built for smaller and lighter cameras, like action cams or smartphones.

If you try mounting a camera onto a stabilizer that isn’t rated for something that heavy, you will likely end up with footage that is neither smooth nor stable. It will also place additional pressure on the motors powering the gimbal’s movements. Going with a stabilizer properly rated for your camera can ensure you don’t run into those problems.

Some stabilizers are handheld, especially those for smaller cameras, whereas others may be rigs that you either attach to yourself (like with a vest) or set up with a tripod. For the most part, you can place a stabilizer on a tripod, but again, you would have to take into consideration the combined weight of the stabilizer and camera, and whether or not the tripod can accommodate them.

How well do camera stabilizers work?

The easiest way to look at this is to consider the kind of shots you can take. Stabilizers let your camera capture tracking, panning, overhead and following shots, all with a lack of jittery or shaky footage. For example, you could set the camera to focus on a subject and the gimbal will move the camera to stay focused on them. Another is to move the stabilizer yourself, following or panning around a subject like a movie director would.

Handheld stabilizers, especially those for smartphones, may come with apps that control features and functions. Regardless of what you use or how you shoot, you do need to have a steady hand to ensure that you get the angle and framing right. The stabilizer and gimbal will keep the camera in line, while you have to guide it on the angle you want to take. Your results should look more cinematic and professional because of it.