Use a tripod

[Jake]

Shaky video sucks, so use a tripod when possible. Yeah, that's my only tip for now.

[Abel]

actually one of the guys that helped us shoot the movie had a homemade DIY dolly system. It was about 15ft long and i just placed my camera/tripod setup on it and rolled it from left to right for my panning shots.

it was an awesome DIY setup and it was made out of PVC so it could be broken down and transported very easily.

[Jake]

A dolly or track system are even better!
Glad to hear you are using that for your film. It makes the production look so much better. Can't wait to see a trailer or clip from the film Abel!

[Abel]

they pulled an all nighter last night to finish the film... 7pm - 8am in order to get it submitted to SXSW Festival since today was the deadline for entries...

I havent seen the final piece yet... heck i think the guys are still passed out from a long night of post production work. hehe

[Jake]

Originally Posted by Abel

they pulled an all nighter last night to finish the film... 7pm - 8am in order to get it submitted to SXSW Festival since today was the deadline for entries...

I havent seen the final piece yet... heck i think the guys are still passed out from a long night of post production work. hehe

Dang!
Glad they were able to get it submitted in time. How long is the running time on the finished piece?

[Abel]

its a short.. last i recall it was around 7 minutes long...

[grinner]

I hardly ever tote sticks. Just can't afford to be slowed down. Unless it's an interview or planned b-roll, I leave em at home.

[hdctx]

Stillmotion uses monopods almost exclusively, and they don't even use a cage. I gues with their large crews, a single shooter just has to shoot and someone else handles sound and lights.

[grinner]

well not here. I handle all of it. Sound and lighting doesn't weight me down near as much as a tripod.

[tukaniray]

All depends on your shoot, I believe. Like you stated.

If you are a run and gun shooter ... then yes I do agree the sticks will slow you down.

If your content is fast moving also.

-Ray-

[crbeveri]

the glidecam system is really cool for "hand holding" a camera. I have never used it myself but have seen footage of people using it when skating and walking around and you cant tell. it would take some time to learn but I think it would be great.

Manfoto also makes a monopod that is designed for video in mind. I can't remember the exact name of the monopod but I know somone that uses one to shoot sports (video) and works really well with a 5D2 and Sony Video Camera.

[hdctx]

Manfrotto has one with little pop out feet. I just bought an Opteka monopod with a piltolgrip ball head. Move it around till I have it where I want it, release the trigger, and it's set. It was about $55 for both pieces.

[Jake]

This is kind of an old thread. I posted this in 2009 after there was an influx in DSLR shooters posting really crappy shaky videos around the web.
Of course if you use a monopod, tracks, steady-cams, glidecams or are a professional videographer than you probably don't need this tripod tip...

[RickD]

You can always use After Effects to remove the video shake and/or smooth it out.

[tukaniray]

^^ Ah ... but why spend more time in post when you can handle it from the beginning.

But of course, after effects does a great job removing shake and stabilizing DSLR video.

-Ray-