Handheld camera stabilization?

How do you stabilize your handheld camera while filming video? Let's see what are the different methods being used

best thing you can do is zoom out. THe further you are out on the end of your lens the shakier you are. From there you can shoot in 60 frames and then speed up or stay at 60 fps. 60 fps is a really nice floaty feeling, that can hide a lot of shake. The "figrig" is nice. Steadycam JR, and so is "indiRAILSpro" Most importaant tho is to do some kind of support. Few and far between are those who can hold a camera steady with no support.

The cheap alternative to steadycam types (though doesn't work as well), is to use your tripod. I borrowed a friend's manfrotto, and locked it in such a way as to have one leg in my pocket, and two legs on my shoulder. One hand on the threeway head, another on the focus ring. Four points of contact, fairly smooth even when slowly walking.
My video tripod also works well thanks to the claw and ball type mounting (has a handle below to adjust position, just unscrew so the top has less friction, hold from handle with legs open). Only issue is that it weighs a ton.

I've used software stabilization called Mercalli which can work wonders on shaky footage. Pricey for an amateur, though.

Tim Kostka wrote in post #10027789
I've used software stabilization called Mercalli which can work wonders on shaky footage. Pricey for an amateur, though.

Software stabilization isn't a cure-all. It can help, but if your footage has for example a lot of motion blur it just looks horrible. I've used Imagineer System's Mocha that comes with After Effects CS4 and it's also a great tool (if your footage is stabilizable of course).

There are different kinds of rigs for different uses and prices. I bought a LCDVF viewfinder that snaps on the screen of a DSLR so I get one more contact point to keep the camera steady. Also I'll probably get the battery grip to balance it out. I'm used to different kinds of video cameras so I luckily have steady hands.

Also for a cheap steadycam effect you can use your tripos or monopod and add weights to the bottom of it and carry it around. the weights act to balance out any shake and your arm acts like the recoil arm of the real steadycam. its a little heavy but it works.

You've already gotten some of the variations...but I use a monopole and lock the head so the camera is on the same plane as the shaft. I just put the leg over my shoulder like a Bazooka.

That even works better than the rifle stock I made for it.

I use a Benro monopod w/ a small tripod at the base.

I made this last night with the monopole over the shoulder.
It's my first video out of multiple clips.
It seemed east to hold reasonably steady even while walking.

PLEASE...don't start a gun debate

http://blip.tv/file/35​15630

peter nap wrote in post #10037268
.....PLEASE...don't start a gun debate...

Google says......did you mean "Fotosniper?"

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

No, I was talking about the people in the video.

I posted a picture in the equipment forum the other day that started a flaming match that would do the Million Mom March proud.

I JUST WANTED TO SHOW HOW WELL THE MONOPOLE SEEMED TO WORK AS A SHOULDER SUPPORT.

It felt very steady even following people around.

I used the same thing RWatkins showed

Here's a new camera mount that is suitable for video and DSLR's. www.steadyvision.info
There's quite a few different ways to shoot with it.

Shayne Thomson wrote in post #10747680
Here's a new camera mount that is suitable for video and DSLR's. www.steadyvision.info
There's quite a few different ways to shoot with it.

That's pretty snazzy looking!

I started with a traditional $14 DIY steadycam
http://littlegreatidea​s.com/stabilizer/diy/

I then moved into a Manfrotto Fig Rig through my work,
http://www.google.com …&resnum=3&ved=0​CC4Q8gIwAg

then I got into a steadicam vest harness at work
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …LE_Camera_Stabi​lizer.html

I will have to say, the steadicam arm and vest are awesome, but for DSLR, a bit over kill, Zoom out wide and get really close to your subject, use a DIY figrig http://www.google.com …&spell=1&biw=16​80&bih=957 there are literally thousands of designs, use some sort of a counter balance too and it will be fine.

Also, a decent tripod will greatly help for steady shots.