Ways to stop shakey footage....

(lyle) · (lyle) **Join Date: May 2004** 03-15-2006, 7:09 AM

I am trying to find some tips on how to stop my footage from being so shakey, If anyone has any advice I would really appreciate it.. Thanks

(dakid) · (dakid) **Join Date: Feb 2001** 03-15-2006, 11:13 AM

shoot with both hands on the camera.

practice, practice and practice. then, practice some more.

(mattyboyr6) · (mattyboyr6) **Join Date: Jul 2003** 03-15-2006, 4:53 PM

I think Joe forgot at least one more practice. It is the best way. I know my filming or photography takes a big quality hit if I haven't done it in a while.

Also your water conditions will have a big impact on your ability to hold a camera steady.

If the water gets crappy zoom out and the shakes wont be as noticable. You can also hang out on the beach and film.

(bankssa) · (bankssa) **Join Date: Mar 2003** 04-04-2006, 6:07 AM

I got a Fig Rig... about $200 it looks like a stearing wheel but is really ergonomic and makes a huge difference when shooting. I got a few accessories for it like a light, mic, and remote thumb controls. B&H photo and video has them in stock... looks a bit strange but it works great...

(brinks) · (brinks) **Join Date: Mar 2002** 04-04-2006, 3:22 PM

do some searches on google for a make your own steadycam. I can't remember the wesite but I found a guide on how to build one for about $15. I have used both the $400 ones and the one I made myself and both worked just as good. Try also searching $15 steadycam. Also like eveyone else said, just practice.

(dcervenka) · (dcervenka) **Join Date: Sep 2002** 04-04-2006, 8:06 PM

yeah, don't stay up partying all night and drinking those "caffeinated energy" drinks. You'll have shakes worse than a crack fiend.

On a more serious note.. do what everyone else mentioned: practice. Conditions are important as well. If you are in adverse condition with serious wind chop or maybe just on a busy lake it can be pretty tough.

I also find that people asking this question have those really, really small camcorders. They are great for traveling, but because they are so small it's harder to keep steady. What Brinks is talking about is this: http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/steadycam/ By using a counterweight equal to the weight of the camera you can help smooth out that bumpy footage. Though it's not the holly grail, you will still need to practice using this before you get decent footage.

It's all about the flow...