GH4 Do you need a gimbal stabilizer when the GH5 or similar camera has IBIS and IOS lens?

A

analogs

Well-known member
If you have the GH5 with IBIS and use an IOS lens, would a single handle gimbal stabilizer like the EC1, Optimus, Came-tv etc. be needed or is the stabilisation of the gimbal too similar to make any effective benefits, or the added benefits are too small to justify using a gimbal?

Thank you.
 
I just filmed a big party in low light using an oly 12mm f/2.0 and the stabilization was enough to negate needing a ronin m or the like. But if I was doing long walking shots I definitely thing it would have been beneficial.
 
I think we're still a ways off in-camera stabilization being "gimbal killers", it's just better handheld (or much better handheld) at this point, which is still huge. No more joby gorillapod/zacuto marauder type rigs...
 
When many people are brand new to video, they expect a camera's footage to look as stable as they FEEL like they are holding it handheld. And then are often surprised at how shakey their shots look when they "felt" so stable subjectively to them in person.

The way to look at IBIS in my opinion is, it allows handheld to actually appear as stable as you think it would/should when holding handheld. It gets rid of all that minor handshake and micro jitters that destroys footage. It allows you to have pretty decent looking handheld shots, even when using more telephoto lenses.

You could probably get a way with some very careful walking shots if your expectations are low. It's certainly better than much anything else we've seen! But gimbal tools allow perfectly smooth tracking and follow shots, walking or running, etc. IBIS might allow you to do that without looking atrocious, but not truly professional.

I still use the camera on my shoulder rig even with IBIS. While micro jitters are gone and the footage IS nice and stable, it's not perfectly stable. But with a shoulder rig + IBIS, shots now look like tripod footage.
 
I'm joining this a little late. I've been giving huge amounts of thought as to what gimbal to get...or not. I'd be using a GH4 and primarily with the 12-35mm lens. I'd like to get the gimbal that requires the least amount of balancing setup. I tried already with a H1 and am really frustrated. What would you suggest?
 
In-camera stabilization works well when the shooter and camera do not need to move far from the shot's starting point. A monopod, passive gimbal, or shoulder rig can be stable enough to reliably pull off these shots. But to follow or circle around a moving target, you really need a slider, dolly or an active gimbal system.
 
As others have said, there are certain "big" shots in which you want the floating gimbal/steadicam look...IBIS doesn't replicate that.

BUT

With a little practice, you would be amazed at how much you can do without a single other piece of equipment.

I shot a wedding last week, and with every wedding I do, I take less and less equipment. This time, I decided to forgo everything except for 1 GH5, 2 lenses, 3 batteries, 1 Pixel Addix 5-in-1 Grip Reflector, and 1 color chart. (Everything except for the reflector fit in a belt pack.)

Before the GH5, I would have at least had to include a monopod, and really a tripod, too. (Probably would have included a slider, and wished I had time/room for a jib.) A lot of stuff to cart around in 90º+ weather. A lot of stuff to get in the way of "looking" and being ready for the shot.

With the GH5 I pulled off every shot I wanted without any stabilizers. Quickly. I duplicated simple slider shots. Simple jib shots. Rotated around subjects. Got into places (like up a ladder for an overhead shot) that I wouldn't have otherwise. I drove by the house and my assistant leaned out the window of the car for a gorgeous slow motion tracking shot. (And my assistant had never used the GH5 before.)

In short, with just a little practice, and sometimes a bit of extra stabilization in post, you'd be surprised what you can do with IBIS.
 
I wonder also if someone has tried the GH5 with a small glidecam style stabilizer for a walking or circling shot combined with IBIS....and whether it can give you similar results....
 
fboonzaier said:
I wonder also if someone has tried the GH5 with a small glidecam style stabilizer for a walking or circling shot combined with IBIS....and whether it can give you similar results....
Click to expand...

Haven't tried it, but should yield similarly improved shots IF you are good working with those kind of stabilizers. I've always found the steadicam wannabes to be a big bag of hurt. Giant pain the ass to use for mediocre at best results. When a Crane costs about $600 bucks, it's hard to justify spending what you have to spend on a glidecam.

If you want to fight with a Merlin-style gimbal, I'll give you mine for the cost of shipping. ;-)
 
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