Videography Education: Stabilizers
Jumping into the world of videography can be overwhelming. There is SO MUCH information out there and so many options and different strategies to gear, storytelling, editing, and business-running. I love to share the knowledge I have and allow you the opportunity to decide what’s best for you and your business. Always, YOU DO YOU.
Only you get to decide how you want to create.
That being said, videography education is a passion of mine. I LOVE teaching others what I know about video.
So, for your info, here are the four main Camera Stabilization Options to choose from when embarking on a video shoot:
- Tripods
- Monopods
- Gimbals
- Handheld
I’m going to go over all the pros and cons of this handy dandy filmmaking tools to help you decide for yourself what’s best for your next shoot.
Tripods
Also known as “sticks” – it’s exactly what you think it is. Attach your camera for near-perfect stability. Two parts: the legs + the head.
PROS:
- Very stable + The ability to pan (side-to-side) and tilt (up/down) smoothly.
- Doesn’t need to be constantly held.
- Can be inexpensive (if you don’t utilize movements – for that, you’ll want to invest in a fluid video-head).
- Multi-camera set-ups with just one videographer are possible – so at least one tripod is A MUST-HAVE/MUST-USE FOR CEREMONIES + SPEECHES!
CONS:
- Bulky and hard to move around (not good as a main stabilizer throughout the day.)
- A good video head (pan/tilt) can be EXPENSIVE.
Monopods
Like a tripod, it has two parts: the leg and the head. But this time… just one stick.
PROS:
- Stable, so long as you can hold it without swaying.
- Takes the weight off the videographer (you don’t have to hold the camera all day).
- Relatively easy to maneuver all day.
CONS:
- You can’t put it down easily/quickly. If you lean it, it might tip over. You have to remove the camera, set it down, etc.
- It can be a bit cumbersome.
Gimbals
Motorized, battery-powered, handheld stabilizers.
PROS:
- Handheld (easily maneuverable around space) + often has a stand (“feet”) which let you quickly place it down on a table (or the floor).
- Very steady, stable footage when you get it right!
CONS:
- Even the lightest weight gimbals get HEAVY – holding one for an hour session can be difficult, let alone a 6+ hour wedding.
- Can be finicky (learning curve!) – each gimbal is a little different and it take a lot of practice to get comfy with it.
- A good, lightweight gimbal can be expensive.
Handheld
Exactly what is sounds like – and my preferred method!
PROS:
- REALLY ACCESSIBLE and easy to maneuver. If your cameras are on you (just like photo) it makes it easy to quickly and seamlessly grab shots “in the moment” without worry about equipment failure.
CONS:
- Can get heavy for some, but a harness can help, clipping the cameras to your waist when not in use.
- Can be shaky – takes practice + patience.
- Works better in cameras that have IBIS (in-body image stabilization) and/or lenses with stabilization! This may not be a feature on your cam.
