Getting a steady shot with such a light camera??

[Gator24765]

Hello everyone, just looking for a little help. I have a small Canon Vixia HF20. Great HD camera, the only trouble I have is getting a steady shot. I could put the thing on a tripod but I shoot sports better without it on a tripod. Any tips on how to get a clean steady shot with such a light device?

Second, anyone know which setting on the camera is best for shooting sports?

 

[-DH]

There are several camera stabilizers on the market, plus, there are shoulder mounts and monopods available as well.

-DH

 

[puckhead193]

don't zoom in all the way.
If your using FCP you can use the smoothcam filter

 

[Gator24765]

camera stabilizer would be awesome... im on a cheap budget..

 

[puckhead193]

camera stabilizer would be awesome... im on a cheap budget..

Search b and h. What's your budget? What sports do you shoot? Do you cover the whole game or just get highlights?

 

[handsome pete]

camera stabilizer would be awesome... im on a cheap budget..

If you're on a budget then look into a DIY stabilizer. Google or check out the DIY section of DVXUser for advice/instructions. It shouldn't be too hard to get something decent to control such a small camera.

 

[jabbott]

camera stabilizer would be awesome... im on a cheap budget..

Ask and ye shall receive: http://littlegreatideas.com/stabilizer/diy/

 

[Moviejoe7]

Besides a light tripod

This is one of the best run and gun camera stabilizers that doesn't require you to balance and take a lot of time to learn how to use it... I even use it from time to time with my hvx 2000. Hope this helps http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...EGRIPZ_EgripZ_Handheld_Camcorder_Support.html

 

[Angelo95210]

Check for poorman steadycam on Google. You can build one for $19, pretty effective actually.

 

[alph45]

a few things you can do other than getting a stabilizer or mount.

- use built in optical stabilizer (assuming one)
- practice "body as a tripod", keep camera close to body, turn body, not camera.
- use the grid display function (assuming one) as a static reference. it's easier to see shaky movement on a static line/grid vs. dynamic motion.
- adding any weight to the camera will help. This technically a stabilizer, but as an example you can add weight via the threaded 1/8" tripod mount, an 1/8" bolt and some washers.
- use a monopod. a lot of tripod functionality but you can run with it.

 

[RedTomato]

Attach any tripod, even a cheap one. Extend legs of tripod, but don't open it out. Just hold it and use it as a stabilising arm, either grounded, or off the ground.

I've had excellent results like that. Bonus is you can use it as a handheld crane and get very good angles you couldn't get otherwise.

I've been known to open the elbow to 90 degrees and run along with the camera an inch above the grass to get the worm's eye view.

 

[arjen92]

Yeah, using a tripod as counter weight is really useful. It will add weight and some grip. Try to find the center of balance (balance the tripod with the camera attached); put it on it's side, so camera on one side and legs on the other side, horizontal. This is how real steady cams work.

Or just use a tripod in an angle to hold it with both hands.

Altough I was going for a not stable look in this video it still looks pretty stable. None of the shots were done on a tripod standing on it's legs. Just by using a tripod as extension: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ou_uT3154Kk