6 Introduction to Camera Stability
Unless you need to be highly mobile, or you are trying to heighten erratic movement for dramatic effect, you should always use a tripod or other rigid camera platform to achieve a stable shot. All unnecessary camera movement will distract the viewer from the action or subject within the frame.
To achieve smooth camera movements through Pans and Tilts, the tripod head needs to have a fluid action with variable drag controls. The tripod legs will also need to be rigid to prevent the camera from swinging back slightly at the end of the camera movement. This is known as known as ‘spring-back’ and results from a small amount of the energy from the tripod head movement being stored in the legs (like a coiled spring). Uneven or unstable pans and tilts are extremely distracting for the viewer.
Again, unless you are trying to heighten dramatic effect or framing for artistic merit, the camera should always be level. A good quality tripod will include a spirit level to enable the videographer to achieve this. The tripod legs and head level should be adjusted as part of framing the shot. In hand held camera operation, the videographer should pay attention to vertical objects and horizons to help align the shot to the level.
6.1 Electronic or Optical Stabilisers
Some cameras have in-built electronic or optical picture stabilisation, also known as ‘Steadyshot’. Whilst these assist the videographer in eradicating unwanted camera movements, it is far better to use a camera support whenever possible.
Electronic systems are very responsive to movement but they will have a negative impact on the picture quality of the camera. These effectively reduce the resolution of the image by electronically processing the framing to remove erratic movement.
In-built optical systems have less of an impact on picture quality but are not as responsive. More expensive gyroscopic camera lens stabilisers can achieve extremely stable shots under the most demanding of situations without appreciable loss of quality.
These are often used for filming from vehicles or aircraft (even helicopters). However, these are prohibitively expensive for day-to-day filming work and will only work with high specification cameras that can accept certain additional lens attachments.
6.2 Camera Stabilisation Mounts
Another means of stabilising camerawork without the restraints imposed by static camera mounts is to use body-mounted camera stabilising systems. These work by employing a sprung counterbalance and gimbal system, to which the camera is then attached, smoothing out unwanted or erratic movement. Whilst these vary in price and performance, the main drawback of these systems is that they require a certain level of physical fitness in the operator if used over prolonged periods. They will also place additional strain on the lower back and torso, so care must be taken in their use.