Using a Camera Stabilizer for Your YouTube Videos

A camera stabilizer is essential if you want to reduce jerky movements in your videos for YouTube. This is a mountable rig that eliminates any slight, unnecessary movement so that you get a smooth, steady video as a result. You don’t want your viewers to be distracted by a shaky video, so getting a camera stabilizer is a good investment.

Camera stabilizers may be of 3 main types:

• Handheld stabilizers – rely on the operator and are relatively inexpensive.
• 3-axis gimbal – with a pivoting mount that allows for object rotation around an axis. These adapt based on gravity to create steady footage.
• Vest stabilizer system – these come with a vest attachment, multi-axis gimbal, springs, iso-elastic arms, and a weighted sled.

What does a camera stabilizer do?

• It has built-in features that absorb any small motions made accidentally to give stable footage.
• It provides stability to the camera by offering a steady base, whether in the form of a tripod, monopod, or a harness where you can rest your arm/shoulder.
• It allows for freedom of movement and flexibility in adjusting the angel of the shot by using a pivoting plate, sliding track, or an adjustable post.
• It supports the weight of the gear you’re carrying so that you don’t end up with arm fatigue.

A 3-axis gimbal allows you to adjust the pan, roll, and tilt of your camera so that objects can be kept on the right plane. There’s a distinction made between intentional and unintentional motions to help in stabilizing the footage.

Panning helps to stabilize camera movements along the horizontal axis. Tilting can stabilize camera movements along a vertical plane, and roll stabilization helps keep the subject in frame as you move forward and backward in a particular position.

Choosing the right camera stabilizer for your YouTube videos

If you’re on the lookout for the right camera stabilizer for your YouTube videos, here are some factors to consider:

Price

Budget considerations are crucial to selecting the right camera stabilizer. Basic models usually are cheaper but come with single-axle gimbal or equipped with a handle for use with smartphones or lightweight cameras. Mid-range models are meant for heavier cameras, while high-end camera stabilizers generally have 3-axis gimbals to carry the weight of larger lenses and cameras.

Type of camera

Compatibility between the camera and the stabilizer is crucial; otherwise, the video quality will be negatively impacted. You must choose a stabilizer that works well with your camera and can support its weight. A versatile stabilizer that is capable of being used with multiple cameras is also a great choice.

Usability

If you want to make the most of your camera stabilizer, you need to be able to understand its features and use it.

Accessories

Some stabilizers allow for the addition of accessories like lights, monitors, and microphones. If you want to take advantage of such features, choose a stabilizer that has compatible accessories.

Electronics

You need to choose between motorized and non-motorized camera stabilizers. Motorized ones have alkaline or lithium ion batteries that make them easy to use for framing shots. Non-motorized stabilizers don’t have challenges with battery life and offer more control.

Portability

You’re going to want to buy a portable stabilizer if you need to shoot your videos at different locations. Such stabilizers are light to make carrying them around easily, but they can still support the camera due to their sturdy build.

You must be able to balance your subject in the frame of your shots and convey a story through your message to capture the attention of your viewers truly.

Camera stabilizers to consider

Handheld stabilizers

• Yelangu S60T CF Handheld Stabilizer
• Glidecam HD-Pro Handheld Stabilizer

3-axis gimbals

• Zhiyun-Tech Smooth 4 Phone Gimbal
• DJI Ronin-S 3-Axis Stabilizer

Vest stabilizer systems

• Glide Gear DNA 6002 Vest System
• Steadicam AERO 15 Vest System

Conclusion

Using a camera stabilizer may take some getting used to, but with practice, you’ll be able to operate them excellently to make quality videos and get the most out of your YouTube marketing strategy.