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June, 2025

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Stabilization

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dyer
Posts: 619 - Karma: 964
As you can probbably tell by now im pretty new to filming and as I've been shooting handheld on my GH4 ive noticed some shakiness(human error). Going into this season I'm looking for some type of stabilizer for cheap that can get clean, smooth, and stable shots. I've narrowed it down to two opionts and need your help and you have more experience than me.if you have alternative options lmk. I will be shooting panning shots as well as some fallow cam shots this year. Also not looking to spend my soul on a glidecam.
these are my 2 options:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YQD94RW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AJJXN514E694T
https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-68centimeters-Adjustable-Stabilizer-Camcorders/dp/B00H7WKGQ2/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
lmk what you think is better for me. Thanks
9 years ago
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isaacwrong
Posts: 2450 - Karma: 19,639
I wouldn't trust that handle, especially because it hooks into the flash, hot shoe mount. Seems like a good way to destroy a really nice camera, check out some other options like the opteka xgrip etc.

Skip to around 4:30 to witness someone almost drop their camera with it

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/849466/Top-handle-for-DSLR-by-Chung-Dha
9 years ago
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ascent_studios
Posts: 2157 - Karma: 4,581
This season I'm changing my stabilization up a bit. Instead of going with my glidecam I've set up my camera to be like this (See photo below). I'm using my FS100 and Ive got a side handle to go with it. I think this will give me more creativity and will allow me to get different shots using different lenses (some with my 12-24 and some with my 50mm). I'm extremelly hyped to start shooting with this setup and it might be something to consider to somehow work out with your gh4

9 years ago
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eheath
Posts: 61964 - Karma: 126,875
A glidecam (or glidecam knockoff) will be the most stable, but will have the largest learning curve for your filming. ive been using a glidecam for 7 years now and I wouldnt choose any other way to hold my camera but thats because im extremely used to shooting with it. A simple handle that attached to the bottom of the camera (ie xgrip, whatever) works fine too but you still have to have a steady arm, which most do not possess.
9 years ago
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chris.goodhue
Posts: 946 - Karma: 6,214
Save up for a used glidecam or something, I got my used HD1000 for like 150$ and it's sweet. I wouldn't be surprised if a knock off glide cam is really hard to balance and not as durable.
9 years ago
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MNSkiers
Posts: 1154 - Karma: 7,533
Ascent_CinemaThis season I'm changing my stabilization up a bit. I'm using my FS100 and Ive got a side handle to go with it.]


That'll be dope with the FS100
9 years ago
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ICary
Posts: 325 - Karma: 806
Rock a glidecam, or drop the $$$ and rock a Ronin M/Movi and love life even more. Pros and Cons to both, but IMO your 2 best options.

I used to use the Cam Caddie it worked but like stated above, it isn't the smoothest and can have easy errors.
9 years ago
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NPF
Posts: 5153 - Karma: 12,122
https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/849801/DIY-Fig-Rig-DSLR-stabilizer
9 years ago
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RW_Visuals
Posts: 219 - Karma: 248
ICaryRock a glidecam, or drop the $$$ and rock a Ronin M/Movi and love life even more. Pros and Cons to both, but IMO your 2 best options.

I used to use the Cam Caddie it worked but like stated above, it isn't the smoothest and can have easy errors.


Depending on money get a Glidecam or knockoff version, Glidegear has a decent one, or do a DIY Rig. Don't buy a Ronin or Movi unless you have the money to spend and do not mind the setup time and how heavy it gets. They are great but they are pricey, get finicky at times and aren't easy to move around since they are so big. I would suggest a cheap Glidecam and then spend the rest of your money on glass or other equipment, tripod, monopod or microphone.
9 years ago
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ascent_studios
Posts: 2157 - Karma: 4,581
RW_VisualsDon't buy a Ronin or Movi unless you have the money to spend and do not mind the setup time and how heavy it gets. They are great but they are pricey, get finicky at times and aren't easy to move around since they are so big.


They're also more likely to break and are optimized for a two person operation (one operating and one controlling)
9 years ago
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