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How to Shoot Stable Video
Shooting nice and smooth-looking videos isn’t as easy as it looks. However, it’s not impossible. Here are some tips and best practices to achieve smooth and professional-looking shots.
Shooting nice and smooth-looking videos is not as easy as it looks. However, it's not impossible. If you're moving from photography to video or just starting as a filmmaker, you might face a learning curve. But there's no need to worry! Most cameras nowadays are pretty similar, and the technicalities of video resolution and frame rates aren't too hard to master.
Take advantage of all your available resources. Learn to shoot videos stable enough to catch your audience's eye. Here are some tips and best practices to help you step up your video strategy from amateur to professional.
1. Master the handheld technique
1. Master the handheld technique
To keep yourself from spending money or going out of budget, the easiest thing to learn and practice is to shoot handheld videos. Grip the camera with your right hand while your left-hand palm cradles the base and lens. Distribute the weight of the camera evenly between both hands.
2. Take advantage of lenses and in-body stabilization (IBIS)
Check if your lens has image stabilization. This will help in shooting and is usually activated by a quick toggle of a switch or button. Even though stabilized lenses can be best suited to still photography, this can make a difference if you're learning and just starting filmmaking.
Some camera manufacturers offer hybrid lenses and in-body stabilization for an even greater stabilization effect. While it might work well for static shots, for moving shots, it won't usually compete with dedicated stabilization tools such as a gimbal, which we'll go over in a bit.
Some DSLR cameras have in-body stabilization, which can be incredibly helpful. Find this option in the menu and when you turn it on, make sure it is applied to photography and video recording. In-body stabilization (IBIS) does an excellent job for still photography but is less so for filmmaking. Sensor shift systems have restrictions regarding range of movement and often need re-centering. They're not designed to smooth out larger movements like gimbals do.
IBIS is definitely worth having, but unless you're filming handheld from a fixed spot with no camera movement, we recommend setting your expectations.
If you're in a pinch and need to be as steady as possible, you can try holding your breath for a short period to minimize any extra movement. Simply bringing your elbows closer to your body and resting comfortably at the top of your hips or waistline can make all the difference, bringing you excellent results!
3. Use your camera strap
Your camera strap is a really good tool to help keep video stable. Put the strap over your head and keep it tight around the back of your neck without hurting yourself. Extend the camera as far as the strap will allow with proper handheld technique, and you'll achieve a smooth result for panning or shooting moving subjects avoiding jumpy results.
4. Put some thought into the focal length
5. Invest in accessories
Some accessories can help you produce more stable videos. The options are endless, depending on the budget you have in mind for your camera bag.
Use a tripod or a monopod
This is the first option for videographers when talking about add-ons. And as boring as it might sound, it can be a lot of help to push through the learning curve and discover all filmmaking possibilities.
A Videographer’s Camera Bag: The Basics
Whether you’re shooting a documentary, capturing a special event, or simply taking personal clips, here’s what every beginner or seasoned filmmaker should have in their arsenal.
To be a successful videographer, you must have not only a passion for filmmaking but also the right gear to work creatively and bring your vision to life. The right equipment should match your needs, budget, and experience level—and help you make the most of your skill and talent.
This article discusses how to choose your video equipment with a list of essential items for all kinds of content creation. Whether you're shooting a documentary, capturing a special event, or simply taking personal clips, here's what every beginner or seasoned filmmaker should have in their arsenal.
Why is choosing the right equipment important?
When it comes to video production, video-making software has all the tools and features you need to create a cinematic masterpiece. However, to produce the best results from your video, you must first have the right equipment to film it.
The right video production equipment can impact the quality of your video and even help you get things done quicker. Camera and audio equipment are required to shoot films, while other devices like a tripod or lights are used to enhance the quality of your content.
It's a known fact that video quality matters to audiences. And in a world where video continues to evolve as a primary means of storytelling, it pays to invest in the right gear to make quality videos that attract many viewers.
Choosing a video camera
Your camera is the single most important piece of equipment you need. Whether it's a professional DSLR, a budget camcorder, or even a smartphone, you need a camera to shoot your videos.
If you're only shooting a few personal clips, use your iPhone; smartphone camera performance has vastly improved over the years, and you might just be surprised at how your video turns out. Meanwhile, DSLR cameras are undoubtedly expensive but offer longer battery life and generate high-quality footage. They might be a good investment if you're keen on pursuing professional videography.
The best camera also depends on what you need to accomplish. Consider investing in mirrorless cameras if you want something more compact but has superb image quality or an action camera if you intend to record your trips and adventures.
Nowadays, there's a wide range of brands and models to choose from, and deciding what to purchase or use can be overwhelming. Keep in mind there's no single best camera because it depends on your individual needs and what you want to accomplish in your videos.
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