Fixing camera shake on tripod

D

davbeisner

Well-known member
Ok, I've got a problem. Hired at work to do promo videos for my organization. They asked me to recommend equipment for purchase, I did. Recommended the Libec LS-38 tripod since I'd read it was a very sturdy tripod with no shake, etc.

But, for some reason, they decided to buy me the Bogen 055XDB sticks instead with a Bogen 501HDV head. The head is fine--not the best, but it'll work for me. The sticks however, are slightly glorified still photography sticks (B&H's website even recommends them for still photography!!).

My problem is this--the legs are so unstable with my XH-A1, wireless receivers, and big battery on them, that even when I'm not touching the tripod at all, they shake pretty badly. I just shot my first footage with the sticks (I just got this equipment last week and I've been using a steadicam till today), brought it back and previewed it on my 42" HD display. It's so shaky that it's pretty much completely unusable. Worse then a "vibrating arm" shake you get at the end of a long day of hand held. Obviously its most noticeable when I'm zoomed tight on something which I'm having to do a lot of for this job.

Short of asking them to get me new sticks, what's the best way to get around this problem? Should I try turning the OIS back on (yes, it was off!!) and see if that will correct for the shake? I've always read never to use the OIS when you're on sticks.

I'm really tempted to just tell them to buy me the Libec because even though the 501HDV is a great little head, it's just not a smooth as I'd like. Tried doing some pan and tilt shots with it today and the movement was very jerky, despite my best efforts to keep it smooth. But, they went for this one 'cause they didn't want to spend the extra $300 for the Libec, so now if I ask them to get the Libec, they're probably gonna pitch a fit.

Any help would be appreciated.
 
Just show them a clip of what they will get.
If they still pitch a fit, so be it.
You can only do what you can do, given the equipment you have.
Somebody made a bad decision and it wasn't you.
.02
 
Maybe try adding weight like a sand bag to very low on the tripod, near the ground. This may lower the center of gravity and give the illusion of stiffer legs.

The best option is to just get better legs. Can you show them footage with sturdy legs and footage with flimsy legs to strengthen your case for new legs? OIS may help if you do not intend to pan or tilt, otherwise, you will be get 'lag' in your movements.


Jason
 
i've had the same problem altho for a different reason.. vibrations from drums at concerts... apparently you can rent those sand bags that hang on the legs for like $2 each at any pro gear shop and they're supposed to help quite a bit.. i havent done it yet but i hear its good.
 
Try and get them to purchase a sturdier set of legs if you can (good luck!)

Otherwise, try and spread the legs as far apart as you can and weigh them down as much as you can. Brace the legs (especially the joints - you can gaff tape some sort of splint across the joints and even fashion some sort of leg spreader if you have the materials) and most importantly, keep the centre column down (don't raise it up at all if you can avoid it!)

I've battled monstorous camera shake with cheaper sticks in the past, and until I got my Millers, this helped keep my footage useable - not great, but usable :)
 
Thanks for the suggestions. I've actually taken the center column off and replaced it with the "low angle adapter" which I'm using for everything. I hate the center columns on tripods 'cause they are so dang flimsy. Unfortunately, with no spreaders, I don't really have anything to attach weights to and I'm afraid to put a sandbag on the legs 'cause I'd worry they would break (yes, it really is that flimsy). Unfortunately, not zooming is not an option for what I'm having to do. I guess I'll just live with it for a little while longer, prepare a reel for them of the worst stuff, and use that to make my case for a better tripod.
 
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