Steadying a camera

[LemonLorraine]

Hey guys -
I was hoping ya'll might have a little insight on this. I usually film off of a tripod but I do occasionally like to take it off and do some freehand shooting of an object or whatever. Whenever I look at this footage it is so freaking shaky and fast I don't use the footage because it's so bad. Does anyone have any tips for steadying your hand.. or using something else to get a freehand video that won't look like poo?

Thanks in advance!

Lorraine

 

[Infinite Paths]

Diazepam.

 

[XXLRay]

Set the legs of your tripod to the lowest position and use it as improvised shoulder or steady cam.

 

[RYANOWALLS]

If you type 'steadycam' into Amazon quite a few handy products come up! But if you don't want to spend money then what XXLRay said is a good idea, I've done that before. Just keep your camera on it and hold the tripod quite loosely to get a smooth freehand shot.

If your shots still look very shaky when you come to edit, some programs offer a steadying effect (on Premiere Pro its called Warp Stabilizer)

 

[echoraven]

Extend your arms from your body as you hold the cam, that should keep the shock from your steps from reaching the camera.

 

[EJRicketts]

If you have a DSLR, you can get stabiliser lens' and they help a tonne !!

 

[LemonLorraine]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone!!

 

[8FrameFilms]

I think the steadycam is the best bet A good one is the Opteka X grip (also comes in pretty rad colours)