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.

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 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

• Image stabilization
• Gimbal

Notes

1. Born in England, 1963

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.

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