Keeping camera stable when shooting video

 I was shooting some video and regardless of how still I keep myself, and especially when I walk, I get a horrible bouncing in the video.  You really notice it when watching on a big screen. 

Any way to stabilize when shooting video? 

steadicam.  Google for it.

This the one: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/839957-REG/Steadicam_MERLIN2_Merlin_2_Camera_Stabilizing.html  


I was kind of hoping for something a little less priced. 

Don't walk.
Turn on IS/VR stabilsation
Learn to walk smoother.
Don't move
Tripod.
Move elbows in.

One MASSIVE mistake people will make is to shoot everything is one shot. Better to shoot something for a few seconds steadily and then move onto the next shot. No panning, zooming etc. Then put the shots together later using an editing program or just view it as is. 

Stanly wrote: This the one: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/839957-REG/Steadicam_MERLIN2_Merlin_2_Camera_Stabilizing.html  


I was kind of hoping for something a little less priced. 

Well, you get what you pay for. You want that function, you pay that price. There may be other competing products, but I haven't researched them. I use a tripod and stand very still. Movement in video is accomplished either by tracks or steadicam.

Stealthy Ninja wrote: Don't walk.
Turn on IS/VR stabilsation
Learn to walk smoother.
Don't move
Tripod.
Move elbows in.

One MASSIVE mistake people will make is to shoot everything is one shot. Better to shoot something for a few seconds steadily and then move onto the next shot. No panning, zooming etc. Then put the shots together later using an editing program or just view it as is. 

Yeah I did all of those when I shot my sisters wedding years ago with her video camera with an early version of in camera VR. I just used standard good holding technique, and when I did zoom in it was very slowly. I also did reposition, but did my standard hunting walk as I do when bow hunting. My sister was happy with the video, and that was all that counted. I was not happy that I had a couple of unsteady seconds, but then it is not like you can stop on something like that. For my first time I did fairly well.

Joves wrote:

Stealthy Ninja wrote: Don't walk.
Turn on IS/VR stabilsation
Learn to walk smoother.
Don't move
Tripod.
Move elbows in.

One MASSIVE mistake people will make is to shoot everything is one shot. Better to shoot something for a few seconds steadily and then move onto the next shot. No panning, zooming etc. Then put the shots together later using an editing program or just view it as is. 

Yeah I did all of those when I shot my sisters wedding years ago with her video camera with an early version of in camera VR. I just used standard good holding technique, and when I did zoom in it was very slowly. I also did reposition, but did my standard hunting walk as I do when bow hunting. My sister was happy with the video, and that was all that counted. I was not happy that I had a couple of unsteady seconds, but then it is not like you can stop on something like that. For my first time I did fairly well.

Long form shooting (events where you need to get it all) is different of course.  

Short from shooting (shooting to edit basically) is mainly what I was referring to.  Should have clarified.

garyrhook wrote:

Stanly wrote: This the one: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/839957-REG/Steadicam_MERLIN2_Merlin_2_Camera_Stabilizing.html  


I was kind of hoping for something a little less priced. 

Well, you get what you pay for. You want that function, you pay that price. There may be other competing products, but I haven't researched them. I use a tripod and stand very still. Movement in video is accomplished either by tracks or steadicam.

While you do get what you pay for, the second sentence isn't true.  You can even make your own and get similar results and a cheap knockoff will give you a similar function/effect.

THOUGH steadicam is very good quality etc. and can be balanced well using their holders etc.

Here's some cheaper alternatives perhaps:
www.ebay.com/bhp/camera-stabilizer

BTW, these stabilisers aren't magic.  They actually take some time to balance and you have to practice to get them to work smoothly.  There's professional steadicam operators who work these things for a living.  In fact a lot of people say it's not worh it because to get good results you have to mess about a lot.  Better to just keep the shot steady (tripod it) or use a slider for special effects... or learn to hold your camera steady.

Before investing into a steadicam, I'd suggest trying to evaluate how important video is to you. I will agree with a steadicam being your best bet, and from the videos I've seen, balancing and learning how to operate the camera once mounted is a steep learning curve. 

Best of luck.

also consider buying used. I'm sure you can find a ton of these on eBay, Craigslist or might even be able to rent one at someplace like www.borrowlenses.com

Funny you ask. Although it doesn't address video with DSLR's. I got an email with this link today...

www.pictureline.com/catalogsearch/result...a0&mc_eid=1405a373d3

As Jeremy, and Jarid have pointed out you can probably find them used much cheaper. This should tell you something about them, and that is that they are one of those items you buy that look good, but it ends up collecting dust. But if you get one cheap enough you will have something for one of those purchases that you regret threads, but not at full price.

Found one on Craigslist for $190 and I'm picking it up on Friday! 

Screamin Scott wrote: Funny you ask. Although it doesn't address video with DSLR's. I got an email with this link today...

www.pictureline.com/catalogsearch/result...a0&mc_eid=1405a373d3

I got that, too!! 

Stanly wrote: Found one on Craigslist for $190 and I'm picking it up on Friday! 

Looks like you got a good deal, nice way to start the weekend!