Camera stabilizer

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Filming with a handheld camera stabilizer Filming with handheld camera stabilizer.jpg
Filming with a handheld camera stabilizer
An operator uses a camera stabilizer in a low-angle shot

A camera stabilizer, or camera-stabilizing mount, is a device designed to hold a camera in a manner that prevents or compensates for unwanted camera movement, such as "camera shake".

Contents

For small hand-held cameras, a harness or contoured frame steadies the camera against the photographer's body. In some models, the camera mount is on an arm that protrudes in front of the photographer; beneath the camera is a handle grip. Another variation positions the camera atop a fulcrum brace against the photographer's chest or abdomen.

To compensate for camera instability caused by the movement of the operator's body, camera operator Garrett Brown invented the Steadicam, a body-mounted stabilization apparatus for motion picture cameras, which uses springs as shock absorbers.

In 1991, Martin Philip Stevens [lower-alpha 1] invented a hand-held camera stabilizer for motion-picture and video cameras, called the Glidecam.

Some camera stabilization machines use gyroscopes to sense disruptive motion. The Artemis Trinity system from Arri combines a mechanical and electronic stabilization. [1] [2] [3]

Since approx. 2015, it is common to stabilize moving cameras with remote controlled camera heads. The camera and lens are mounted in a remote controlled camera holder which is then mounted on a moving dolly, such as rail systems, cable suspended dollys, cars or helicopters. For example the Newton stabilized remote head [4] is broadly used to stabilize moving TV cameras at live broadcast of sports and events.

A Newton stabilized camera head on a RTS rail system on Beyonce's tour 2018. The system moves the TV camera with stabilized remote control. NEWTON stabilized camera head on a RTS rail system at Beyonce tour 2018.jpg
A Newton stabilized camera head on a RTS rail system on Beyoncé's tour 2018. The system moves the TV camera with stabilized remote control.

Although a tripod can hold a camera stably, stationary platforms are not regarded as camera stabilizers.

Camera shoulder brace

A camera shoulder brace stabilizes by shifting the weight of the camera to the operator's shoulder. This allows for smoother shots than might be obtainable by handheld operation. Camera shoulder braces are typically padded for comfort and allow the attachment of zoom controllers, transmitters, and other devices. [5] The operator generally holds two handles while a third brace rests on the shoulder. A remote LANC zoom controller is usually placed on one of the handles.

Most braces are made of PVC, carbon fiber or light-weight metals to keep the weight down. If the brace were too heavy it would defeat the purpose of using it, reduced camera shake and fluidity of movement.

For low shots, most braces can be used as a mini-tripod by setting the brace on flat surface.

Shoulder braces also reduce stress on the arms which reduces tiredness and muscle cramps during filming.

See also

Notes

  1. Born in England, 1963

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steadicam</span> Motion picture camera stabilizer mounts

Steadicam is a brand of camera stabilizer mounts for motion picture cameras invented by Garrett Brown and introduced in 1975 by Cinema Products Corporation. The Steadicam brand was acquired by Tiffen in 2000. It was designed to isolate the camera from the camera operator's movement, keeping the camera motion separate and controllable by a skilled operator.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gimbal</span> Pivoted support system

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canon EF lens mount</span> Standard lens mount on the Canon EOS family

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monopod</span> Photographic equipment

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jib (camera)</span> Crane-like cinematography device

In cinematography, a jib is any boom device used to mount a camera on one end, and a counterweight with camera controls on the other. In principle, it operates like a see-saw, with the balance point located closer to the counterweight, which allows the end of the arm with the camera to move through an extended arc. Typically a jib permits the camera to be moved vertically, horizontally, or a combination of the two. A small jib can be mounted on a tripod, but many larger, purpose-built jibs have their own support stands, often on wheels. Modern jibs are normally modular and can be assembled in various lengths.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Camera dolly</span> Wheeled cart or similar device used in filmmaking and television production

A camera dolly is a wheeled cart or similar device used in filmmaking and television production to create smooth horizontal camera movements. The camera is mounted to the dolly and the camera operator and focus puller or camera assistant usually ride on the dolly to push the dolly back and forth. The camera dolly is generally used to produce images which involve moving the camera toward or away from a subject while a take is being recorded, a technique known as a "dolly shot". The dolly grip is the dedicated technician trained to operate the dolly by manually pushing it back and forth.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arri</span> Supplier of motion picture film equipment

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tripod (photography)</span> Provides for the stable formation of cameras

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This article contains a list of cinematic techniques that are divided into categories and briefly described.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Image stabilization</span> Techniques used to reduce blurring of images

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Fig Rig refers to a circular, handheld device used to stabilize and control a small film camera to catch motion while also reducing the chances of shaky footage. A fig rig allows a director or photographer to have more control over their chosen filming device and results in more stable film footage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Panning (camera)</span> Swivelling a camera horizontally from a fixed position

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sachtler</span>

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iStabilizer manufactures tripods, dollies, monopods, and mounts for use with smartphones, GPS units, and POV cameras. iStabilizer's products are designed to maximize stability and are compatible with most handheld devices. Noah Rasheta is the company's president.

Freefly Systems is an American corporation that designs, manufactures, and markets camera movement systems and camera stabilizers used in cinematography including unmanned aerial vehicles for aerial cinematography, gimbals, and remote controlled vehicles. The company headquarters are in Woodinville, Washington.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DJI Osmo</span>

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Tilta is a manufacturer of cinema lens control systems, matte boxes, camera stabilization systems, camera cages, and other accessories. Its products are used in film, television, and videography by a wide range of professionals.

References

  1. "ARRI Artemis Trinity Stabilizer/Gimbal Video". Film and Digital Times. 2 May 2016. Archived from the original on 24 June 2016. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  2. "Is the ARRI Artemis Trinity the World's Most Advanced Camera Stabilizer?". No Film School. 25 April 2016. Archived from the original on 30 May 2016. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  3. "ARRI Debuts Final Version of Trinity Stabilizer and Maxima Gimbal". Studio Daily. 6 May 2016. Archived from the original on 10 May 2016. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  4. "Newton stabilized camera head". Archived from the original on 17 November 2021. Retrieved 8 January 2020.
  5. Bolat, John. "Appareil photo enfant" . Retrieved 22 May 2021.