Steadycam or Deshaker

[Jeanton]

Hi All

I am looking in to buying a camera stabilization system to go with my Sony Z1 camera but I am not sure what to do. I currently are using a mono tripod and holding it with two hands.Holding this camera in one hand for say a bridal waltz is kinda heavy and balancing it with all the extra stuff could be hard ( radio mic and light). I have to say as well the light has a cord attached to the battery pack so that could be a problem to with a stabilization system. I am pretty steady with the walking shots at the moment as no one has complained so far but I want it to look like a very smooth walking shot. Does any one know a camera stabilizing system that could work with the weight of this camera ( fully loaded around the 3.5 KG).

I also have been looking at Macrosystems Deshaker software as an option. Does any one use it and if you do how good is it- I would not use the border correction function because it is pretty visible that some thing has done to it I would use the zoom function and just film those shots a bit zoomed out than I normally do. And is it worth the money.

PS. I don't do to many movement shots but the ones I do I like them to be as smooth as I can.

[flvideo]

Jeanton, I use something called a "Mighty Wondercam" Made by videosmith. Its about $180 US. I get a rock solid walking shot. I have to do quite a few walking interviews with my racing. I also change positions to add a little prospective to my shot. I am not familar with the Z1 but I think its about the size of my Sonys and my panasonics. It works great for me. I dig my elbow into my chest and my body becomes my tripod. I like to use a tripod when its a long interview. I am going to have to look into this deshaker software. It sounds interesting. I don't even own a camera light any more. I use available all the time. Well except studio. Hope that helps your decision. Bob...

[LouBruno]

The software will stabilize the picture to a point as would any DESHAKER-style software. When using any STEADYCAM type of stabilizez, SWAYING is the big issue. That is where DESHAKER could possibly assist the scene.


Check this out-no endorsement: http://www.steadicam.com/images/content ... ov8_Lo.pdf

[Jeanton]

Thanks Bob and Lou for your replies.

I have been playing with the deshaker software in the demo mode and I don't like it- after processing the effect the quality of the picture is visibly deteriorated and I can't accept that. Had a look at the Merlin and asked my dealer about it and we came to the conclusion that my camera is to heavy for this stabilizer and it won't work. Bob I had a look at yours but I don't think that one will work for me either as you will still see your foot steps in the footage.

Balancing quickly would be my main concern as when you do mainly wedding you just have to be ready in an instance from tripod to a stabilizing system. So for now I will keep filming as I do and try to walk on egg shelfs when I do attempt any walking shots.

[CKNewman]

Here's a link to a company that has a range of stabilization products. One caution when using the hand held stabilizers is that you can really strain ligaments in your arm if you use the devices that do not have a vest that holds the weight of the camera. It can take months to heal if you "overdo it", so know your limitations.

http://www.glidecam.com/products.php

[TimKennelly]

Frankly, I think Deshaker would be of minimal use for the type of unwanted motion you mostly get from trying to stay steady handheld.

It can be effective for small "shake" motion, but larger, broader swaying cannot be effectively "masked" without extreme digital processing (zoom, rotate, etc) which have their own visible artifacting and unnatural look that to me at least defeats the purpose of the processing.

I find Deshaker an excellent and valuable tool when used with the proper footage, but it is not a magic wand.

[flvideo]

Jeanton What I do mostly is back up while shooting an interview. I check my path before hand and set off. I have occasionallt had someone come in my path but mostly it works for me. I do ocasionally go forward and tape. The stabilizers I have looked at are hard to get on in a hurry. I guess you could dedicate a camera to have hooked to the stabilizer. How about a mono pod? You could put a quick connect on it and get on it pretty quick. I always shoot racing from my sholder. I somtimes have to go at a moments notice and get somefootage that I want. If I am on a tripod It'd take me too long. Last week we had a wreck on the front straight and I was ther beside them pretty quick getting their reaction. Weddings are much more surene ( thats spelled wrong I'm sure) racing is the moment. There ain't no redos. Bob..