Camera stabilizer

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".

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 ^[a] invented a hand-held camera stabilizer for motion-picture and video cameras, called the Glidecam.

Curt O. Schaller: artemis Cine HD Pro by Sachtler

In 2001 Sachtler and Curt O. Schaller launched the artemis camera stabilizer system at the NAB Show in Las Vegas. The artemis systems were the first modular camera stabilizer systems in the world. In addition, the artemis HD systems were the first Full HD camera stabilizer systems worldwide. ^{[1] [2]} The Trinity system developed by Curt O. Schaller together with Roman Foltyn in 2015, is the first camera stabilizer system in the world that combines a mechanical stabilization system with an electronic one. In April 2016, ARRI acquired the artemis camera stabilizer systems developed by Curt O. Schaller from Sachtler. ^{[3] [4] [5]} In 2022, the second generation of the Trinity, the Arri Trinity 2, followed. In 2025, Curt O. Schaller and Roman Foltyn were awarded the Academy Scientific and Engineering Award: Curt Schaller for the concept, design and development of the Trinity 2 system and Roman Foltyn for the software and hardware design of its motorized stabilized head. ^{[6] [7] [8]}

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 ^[9] is broadly used to stabilize moving TV cameras at live broadcast of sports and events.

Some camera stabilization machines use gyroscopes to sense disruptive motion.

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. ^[10] 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

• Image stabilization
• Gimbal

Notes

1. Born in England, 1963

References

1. "Curt O. Schaller awarded Scientific and Technical Award for the ARRI TRINITY 2 camera stabiliser system". britishcinematographer.co.uk. February 11, 2025. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
2. "Curt O. Schaller, Academy Award winner: ARTEMIS & TRINITY developer". schaller-media.de. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
3. "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.
4. "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.
5. "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.
6. "14 SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENTS TO BE HONORED WITH ACADEMY AWARDS". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. January 27, 2025. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
7. "Oscars: Academy Names Sci Tech Winners Including Statuette For Captioning, Moves Fires-Postponed Ceremony To Late April". Deadline Hollywood. January 27, 2025. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
8. "Curt O. Schaller awarded Scientific and Technical Award for the ARRI TRINITY 2 camera stabiliser system". britishcinematographer.co.uk. February 11, 2025. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
9. "Newton stabilized camera head". Archived from the original on 17 November 2021. Retrieved 8 January 2020.
10. Bolat, John. "Appareil photo enfant" . Retrieved 22 May 2021.

• "How a Camera Stabilizer Works". Steve’s Digicams. Archived from the original on 24 April 2011. Retrieved 30 March 2011.