Nothing is worse than watching shaky camera footage. Shaky camera composition is probably the easiest way to ruin your shot. It makes it very difficult for your audience to concentrate on what’s happening in your video. Shaky footage can be a result of the camera operator being zoomed in too far or it may just be a matter of the camera operator not being able to hold the camera still. Either way, every time you shoot without using a tripod or a proper camera support system, you run the risk of ending up with shaky footage and that will lose your audience for sure. A good camera stabilization system will not only help you decrease shaky footage, but it will also give you a rod-based platform to mount accessories like matte boxes, follow foci, monitor arms, on-board microphones, wireless mic receivers, sound device recorders like a Zoom H4N and many other accessories.
Some professional video cameras are designed to sit on the operator’s shoulder to help stabilize the image, but unfortunately these cameras are usually quite expensive and not as popular as they used to be. Most of the new prosumer cameras on the market today, such as the Panasonic AG-AF100 and Sony F3, aren’t designed for mounting on your shoulder. This is especially true for the new DSLR cameras like the Canon 5D Mark II or 7D, which are actually still photography cameras. It’s hard enough to keep a steady shot with one of these cameras as it is and there’s no support for any accessories. If you really want to add supplementary devices and get the most out of one of the cameras mentioned above, you will definitely need some sort of camera support system.
The Zacuto Z-Cage
But there are so many different video camera support systems to choose from and each has its own specific use. If you don’t need handheld shots, a tripod, monopod or dolly is the way to go. If you need a smooth dolly shot that goes through hallways, rough terrain, up stairs, through the forest, etc. then a Steadicam or gimbal type device like a Glidecam may be the way to go. But beware, these systems take time to master and if not done well can have a lot of up-down motion or even worse, left-right tipping which kills the effect.
Steadicam
“I have always hired a professional to do the few actual Steadicam shots I’ve needed for a particular project” says Director, Steve Weiss.
Kessler Crane CineSlider
For very small camera movements that look like a dolly shot, sliders are wonderful. Kessler Crane makes some very affordable options in various sizes giving you 3 – 6 feet of movement. The hard part is deciding which camera stabilization rig is right for each shot. You may need a combination of all these devices. It all depends on aesthetic you are going for. A Steadicam shot, if done well, looks like a dolly shot and a handheld rig will give you more of a point-of-view (POV) feeling, like you are a person in the scene. Handheld shots feel more urgent and are great for news, events, sports, indie filming, run and gun shooting, guerilla filmmaking or documentary work. Your budget, shooting style, aesthetic and subject matter are all factors that must be taken into consideration when choosing a video camera support system. If you’re looking for something that can easily switch between a tripod or dolly to a Shoulder Mount or Gorilla configuration, you may want to look at some of Zacuto’s options.
Panasonic AG-AF100 mounted on the Zacuto Indie Baseplate Kit
Zacuto has a variety of different camera stabilizer rigs for just about any occasion. Whether you are in the market for a camera shoulder support rig or a DSLR stabilizer, Zacuto has a rig for every type of camera out there. We have rigs designed specifically for DSLRs as well as rigs made for the larger prosumer cameras, ENG cameras, and everything all the way up to RED ONE cameras. Zacuto makes two styles of rigs: Gorilla (handheld) rigs and Shoulder Mount. Gorilla rigs are meant for run and gun shooting and capturing moments but are not meant for holding more than 30 minutes at a time. They are great for shooting events, military exercises, documentaries, shooting in tight spaces, news and the like. Shoulder Mount rigs are meant for all-day shooting. You can shoot with a Shoulder Mount rig for hours at a time. These are great for shooting a reality series, longer format news and shots that you want extremely stable. Shots taken with a Shoulder Mount rig can look almost like a tripod shot if done well.
The Zacuto Double Barrel
Some Zacuto video camera support systems (like our Double Barrel rig) also utilize dual handgrips, a shoulder pad and counterbalance weights for a full camera shoulder support system. One unique feature you will notice about all Zacuto kits is that the handgrips are long. This allows you to keep your arms low and bent at 90 degree angles. This is to prevent fatigue while holding your hands up high and it provides better control and stability. Counterbalance weights are used much like a seesaw to balance the rig on your shoulder. This provides a much more comfortable shooting experience and prevents hand fatigue from front heavy kits. These rigs all vary in price.
Remember, all Zacuto parts are universal so you always have the option of adding additional accessories to your camera support system. As history dictates, your camera will be out of date and considered obsolete in as short as 6 months to a few years-this will not happen with your Zacuto rig. The cameras may change, but Zacuto gear will remain the same and you will be able use it on your next camera. Zacuto rigs are future proof. Our camera stabilization kits have a reputation of being the top of the line camera support gear. Sure they tend to cost more but you get what you pay for. All Zacuto parts are designed and manufactured in the USA, plus they come with a lifetime guarantee.
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