I have a GH1 with the 14-45 lens (with image stabilization) and the 20 mm pancake lens (without IS). I am a casual user, and most of my footage is handheld, much of it while walking around. Is there anyway to improve the shakiness (not sure if that is a word) of handheld footage on the GH1 without buying a huge counterweight-based merlin-like stablilizer? I've had the GH1 for a year now, and only about 20 percent the video I have shot is really useful. Even standing still I notice a slight shake (my hands are steady, but I don't have the hands of a surgeon). I have noticed it more now that I bought a point-and-shoot Sony HX5V, which takes decent 1080i AVCHD video (especially in good lighting). The handheld video I take with the HX5V is so much easier to watch than my GH1 footage, because the Sony has amazing optical image stabilization. I can shoot video while walking with that camera and it doesn't shake at all. Does the GH2 improve on the image stabilization, or is it still lens-based? I honestly don't notice any difference in shooting GH1 video when I turn on or off the IS on the 14-45 lens. I don't think it has any effect. Maybe there is an in-camera setting I am missing. It is frustrating having an amazing camera that takes such great quality video but shakes all over the place, and resorting to a point and shoot.
Image Stablilization
- Thread starter ralph789
- Start date
mountainradio
Active member
There's an OIS icon on the display menu, you can access it by going into the q.menu. If the OIS icon is red (or crossed out, or something like that,) it's off.
But even with OIS, the vast majority of dSLR users would tell you that you need some kind of stabilization system to get acceptable results. Sounds like something simple like a monopod might suit your needs.
But even with OIS, the vast majority of dSLR users would tell you that you need some kind of stabilization system to get acceptable results. Sounds like something simple like a monopod might suit your needs.
drewski310
Active member
Using the Mercalli plugin in post helps quite a bit.
dan.carter
Well-known member
The GH2 is lens based OIS, so no different than your GH1.
Maybe a small, light tripod or monopod is in your future. Here is a 2.5lb Benro that is both:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...f_rd_t=301&pf_rd_p=1263465782&pf_rd_i=co681tb
Maybe a small, light tripod or monopod is in your future. Here is a 2.5lb Benro that is both:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...f_rd_t=301&pf_rd_p=1263465782&pf_rd_i=co681tb
GrahamH
Well-known member
I have a GH2 with the 14-45mm Pany. Although it doen't compete with the OIS on the small Sony's and Canon's, I can definitely see a difference when it is on vs. off!
If you have access to AfterEffects, you can stablize footage very effectively using "tracking" ... there are some good online tutorials.
If you have access to AfterEffects, you can stablize footage very effectively using "tracking" ... there are some good online tutorials.
stonebat
Veteran
I tried AE tracking and Mercalli plugin and deshaker.... None really could save badly shaken source files.
OIS feature can't save it from hand-held. Weight balanced stabilizer is too cumbersome. Camcorder mini handle on tripod mount helps little but not quite enough.
I reached to the point where fear of losing shots is greater than fear of being "embarrassed" for carrying a shoulder rig.
OIS feature can't save it from hand-held. Weight balanced stabilizer is too cumbersome. Camcorder mini handle on tripod mount helps little but not quite enough.
I reached to the point where fear of losing shots is greater than fear of being "embarrassed" for carrying a shoulder rig.
rambooc1
Well-known member
It can if the footage is shot with post stabilization in mind. You need to shoot high shutter so the frames are sharp then the stabilizing software can do it's job without blurring. Actually, Mercalli Pro adds motion blur effect so it counters the strobing somewhat.
This was shot from jetski GH13 720p 50fps Lumix 45 - 200 with OIS 1/250 and stabilized in post.
This was converted to 25p for uploading to vimeo the 50p version is ultra smooth. Gh13 files were 35mbps.
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drewski310
Active member
drewski310
Active member
Wheelchair dolly...works great hehe.
rambooc1
Well-known member
The OIS on the 45 - 200 is weak enough as to not make the image jump, it's very gentle. Normally you can't use OIS on a tripod as it tries to correct pans when you stop so best to turn it off. In the video above the OIS is a the second stage of stabilization, a monopod held against the body is 1st, mercalli in post is the 3rd stage using the glidecam preset at 20% pan/40% Zoom compensation (rolling shutter compensation disabled). All up the result is good. No sign of jello either. The original footage is very jerky.
Actually there is a 4th stage, the operator, having done this for years, i instinctively roll with the major motion like a human gimbal.
Actually there is a 4th stage, the operator, having done this for years, i instinctively roll with the major motion like a human gimbal.
stonebat
Veteran
I used to be so negative about a rig. Here's how my thought process worked out.
A cage is the cleanest way to attach more gadgets. Also the easiest way to carry the whole thing around with a proper top handle.
Converting a cage into a shoulder rig is easy. Attach a front handle and a shoulder pad on the fly.
Most of the time software stabilization is not needed. Less software zooming.
OIS is no longer a-must have feature. A rig with front rods can support long lenses easily. The same rods can hold front handles, too. Optionally a matte box on the rods.
Most of all it gives assurance to clients.
Now... I wanna move like a human gimbal with a shoulder rig...
A cage is the cleanest way to attach more gadgets. Also the easiest way to carry the whole thing around with a proper top handle.
Converting a cage into a shoulder rig is easy. Attach a front handle and a shoulder pad on the fly.
Most of the time software stabilization is not needed. Less software zooming.
OIS is no longer a-must have feature. A rig with front rods can support long lenses easily. The same rods can hold front handles, too. Optionally a matte box on the rods.
Most of all it gives assurance to clients.
Now... I wanna move like a human gimbal with a shoulder rig...
rambooc1
Well-known member
No that's not an actually Zoom/crop setting it's a compensation setting. The actual crop is about 5-10%.
Human gimbal is actual a good description. I position myself over the pivot point of any boat/jetski etc.
Example - Rear center of boat next to the motor/prop down low as possible where there is least inertia then "ride" any motion. SteadyCam operators will know exactly what i mean.
rambooc1
Well-known member
An bicep curls so you can hold the rig for hours at a time. I'm seriously thinking of using one of those body mounted overhead dangling mounts to support the weight.
I thought a steadicam was bad enough.
miko meloni
Active member
I think this is a big problem with the GH2 and the AF100, there are very few Panasonic lens with OIS, wich I think it's FUNDAMENTAL!