Video Stabilizer - Glidecam Like

[robie]

I looked for an old thread on this and couldn't find anything.

What do you guys take on a backpacking trip for video stabilizing?

I've got my photography gear narrowed down but want to do some video and not looking to drop the money on Glidcam branded gear.

Anyone have a knockoff that they are taking with them and can recommend?

 

[colonel00]

What type of camera are you going to use?

 

[robie]

I've got a Canon 6D. My main landscape lens is a 17-40, but I've got a 50mm and a 28-75 f2.8 I'm considering bringing.

 

[maverick]

Try experimenting with using your monopod or tripod to help stabilize while your moving. There are probably several youtube videos on this method.

 

[robie]

Interesting. I hadn't seen that option before? I'm going to test it out to see how it turns out.
Some interesting ideas with a tripod in this video. He is a little painful to watch just a warning LINK


Anyone else go this route vs bringing extra gear like a gimbal stabilizer?

 

[colonel00]

I got in on this Kickstarter campaign. While it is over now, I'm sure this will be coming to the retail market eventually. It's pretty cool technology really.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=cZHor0l8ycI

As far as what you are looking for, I can't say I've seen anything that can stabilize a DSLR that I would consider compact, lightweight or backpack-able. I agree that working on some steadying techniques might be a better route. Also, while I carry a DSLR for photos on trips, I also have a Panasonic camcorder that has a 90x zoom and built in stabilization that is super light and fits into a belt pouch. While it isn't "pro" quality, I find it a better solution than trying to film with. It's also small enough that I can always have it on me when I may leave my pack and DSLR behind for some reason or another.

 

[robie]

Colonel is that the video you meant to post?

The panasonic camcorder looks like a great device. I'm going to carry my phone on airplane mode for the random video but want to focus on having some video with my DSLR that won't make me car sick to watch.

 

[colonel00]

Heh,oops. I meant to post this link. The product is called SteadXP

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1091165875/steadxp-the-future-of-video-stabilization

As far as the Panasonic camcorder, I have the V550. I've had it for a couple years so there's probably a newer model out now. But, it has done a decent job. Here is a link showing a few examples of it's zoom capability.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPCYhz-SrtI&list=PLBKdeZk-1fL2Sex7XWC8494qts3_gCTmF

As you can see, at full zoom, it's still a little shaky hand held but if you put it on a monopod or mounted it to a trekking pole, it would be pretty steady.

 

[robie]

Very interesting. I would be curious to see this side by side with a pure software solution that crops the video to reduce the motion.

Let me know how it works out for you once you get it in.

I'm actually really impressed with the clarity at full zoom. I'm used to the camcorders that were worthless at zoom. I may reconsider picking one up.

 

[Pmn86]

Holy smokes that zoom capability!